The Bird Bath
40 Episodes
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Welcome to The Bird Bath, a weekly news podcast. Join our host, Ryan Leech, as he highlights the latest news and trends in the evolving world of pet health. Stay tuned!
DOJ on AVMA v. LMU, Two Big Jobs, More on PETS, LifeLearn’s Acquistion
#128
Last Tuesday at 2:00 PM
Fourth week of December, what’d you miss in vet med?
DOJ Releases Statement on LMU v. AVMA suitAnother offer for PetMedsInnovetive’s New COOTVB’s New Editor-in-ChiefPet Supply Plus and Wag N Wash break freeProsites Acquires Genius VetsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformNAVLE Audit, PetMeds potential acquisition, Funding Abroad, Indiana Reciprocity
#127
12/16/2025
Third week of December, what’d you miss in vet med?
NAVLE to undergo auditOffer to acquire PetMedsMI:RNA closes Series BHelloVets closes Series BIndiana bill to entice practitionersHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackFarmer’s Dog Disputed, Instinct goes GP, Sick pets impact, Mars buys Kellanova
#126
12/09/2025
Second week of December, what’d you miss in vet med?
The Farmer’s Dog Study under FireInstinct launches GP PIMSWagmo studies Employees and PetsMars to complete Kellanova AcquisitionHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackEthos’ New Pres, Petco Results, and Canada VMA Distress
#125
12/02/2025
First week of December, what’d you miss in vet med?
Ethos welcomes new PresidentPetco sees signs of TurnaroundSerenity Vet launches subscriptionsCanada VMA calls for HelpHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl: Hybrid Intelligence - Veterinary AI platformIVP Delisting, LatinxVMA Letter, AHI Buys Software, Happy Thanksgiving
#124
11/25/2025
Last week of November, what’d you miss in vet med?
Inspire Vet Partners Appeals DelistingLatinxVMA Calls for NAVLE AuditAnimal Health International’s SoftwarePhotos with SantaHappy Thanksgiving!Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl: Hybrid Intelligence - Veterinary AI platformTuskegee Back and Forth, Zoetis Expansion, Dean Vacancies, and OneHealth Studio
#123
11/18/2025
Third week of November, what’d you miss in vet med?
Tuskegee’s wild week versus AVMA COEOK State and Cornell search for new DeansLaunching a OneHealth StudioZoetis grows domestically and abroadHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl: Hybrid Intelligence - Veterinary AI platformDigitail $23M Series B, Cencora and MWI, Chewy Claus, and Access to Care Again
#122
11/11/2025
Second week of November, what’d you miss in vet med?
Digitail closes $23M Series BCencora moves MWI to OtherMedivet embraces PartnersChewy Claus is readyA New Study of Perception of Access to CareHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl: Hybrid Intelligence - Veterinary AI platformСhewy СlausFrontiers - U.S. residents’ self-reported access to veterinary care and implications for care-seeking decisionsWestern’s New Partner, Chewy, Covetrus and SmartEquine, Study Shows Plenty Access to Care
#121
11/04/2025
First week of November, what’d you miss in vet med?
Western Vet Partners sticks with TDP and adds new PartnerSecret Shoppers, “No trouble getting vet appointments”Chewy Acquires SmartEquine from CovetrusSKU’s CPG AcceleratorHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl: Hybrid Intelligence - Veterinary AI platformAVMA Publications - Secret shopper surveySKU Spring '26 Track ApplicationSKU Mentor Interest FormMars Biobank, HT Vista Lumps Study, Royal Veterinary College OK’d
#120
10/28/2025
Last week of October, what’d you miss in vet med?
Mars Petcare Biobank pays offHT Vista and Clinician’s Brief Lumps StudyRoyal Veterinary College back in Good GracesLive at VetTogether!Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackSnout DemoHT Vista - Clinician's Brief 2025 Survey Results: What's Your Approach to Lumps & Bumps?UK Regulator Goes Easy, Farmer’s Dog Study, Fresh Food Abound, and More
#119
10/21/2025
Third week of October, what’d you miss in vet med?
UK CMA’s Tame ReportThe Farmer’s Dog and Cornell put data behind fresh foodFresh Food ExpansionAWS OutageHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackSnout DemoCA Elevates Techs, AI Passes NAVLE, Skiptown Franchises, Mentee Success
#118
10/14/2025
Second week of October, what’d you miss in vet med?
Happy Vet Tech Week!California passes two bills to elevate RVTsOpenVet AI Aces NAVLESkiptown introduces Franchise ModelReady, Vet, Go hits 200th menteeAkston files IPOHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackhello@thebirdbath.ioChewy x HABRI, Lupa’s $20M, Noncompete Updates, Zoetis and Screwworms, and More
#117
10/07/2025
First week of October, what’d you miss in vet med?
Chewy Health and HABRI release study on The BondLupa pulls in $20M Series ACornell selects RadimalZoetis tackles New World ScrewwormFTC Backtracks on Non-CompetesNAVTA gets a seat at the tableHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNVA - Associate Veterinarian Humber Veterinary Clinic: Job DescriptionChewy Health & HABRI - The Bond Factor: Elevating Veterinary Care Through the Human-Animal BondRequest for Information Regarding Employee Noncompete AgreementsMSD Veterinary Manual - New World ScrewwormFish and Reptile Report, Smalls Big Hire, MaRS Discovery District
#116
09/30/2025
Last week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
APPA’s 2025 Fish and Reptile ReportSmalls’ new COOMaRS (not that one) Agritech PushHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNVA - Associate Veterinarian Humber Veterinary Clinic: Job DescriptionMaRS Discovery DistrictModern Animal $47M Round, Medivet CEO, Gallant FDA Milestone, UC Davis and Tuskegee Growth
#115
09/23/2025
Fourth week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
Modern Animal closes $47M Series DMedivet appoints former CVS deputy CEOGallant passes FDA hurdleUC Davis huge fundraisingTuskegee breaks ground on $18M facilityLive at VetForum!Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNVA - Associate Veterinarian Humber Veterinary Clinic: Job DescriptionNY Bill Targets Vet Acquisitions, LMU2 Accreditation, GallantU, Tribute to Walter
#114
09/16/2025
Third week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
NY Lawmakers propose AG Oversight on AcquistionsLMU Orange Park receives COE AccreditationGallant brings education to PractionersEmbrace Pet Insurance ScholarshipTribute to my dog WalterHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNVA: Associate Veterinarian Humber Veterinary Clinic -Â Job DescriptionIDEXX acquires Ellie, CoVet Funding, NVA CEO, BC Vets
#113
09/09/2025
Second week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
IDEXX snaps up Ellie DiagnosticsCoVet partners with Off Leash CapitalNVA’s new CEOCVBC stays afloatCRISPR on the polo fieldHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNestlé CEUh-Oh, USDA Rural Vets, K9 Immune Study, AniVC Fellowship
#112
09/02/2025
First week of September, what’d you miss in vet med?
Nestlé CEO out for relationship with subordinateUSDA launches Rural Veterinary Action PlanResearchers find breed specific immune markersAniVC opens applications for 2025 FellowsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVetForumUSA 20252025 AniVC Fellowship ProgramUSDA Rural Veterinary Action PlanLive from KC! CVT Title, Roo for Students, and Screwworms
#111
08/26/2025
Last week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
Illinois approves Technician Title ProtectionRoo launches Roo Uni for ExternshipsNew World Screwworm hits the USLive from the AH SummitHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVetForumUSA 2025Exclusive: Hill’s State of the Shelter, PetMed Resign, NVA, and Kansas Startups Highlights
#110
08/19/2025
Third week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
Exclusive with Hill’s CVOPetMed Express ResignationsNVA’s new Board memberPlug and Play Topeka’s New CohortSee you at the KC Animal Health Corridor SummitHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substack2025 Hill's State of Shelter Pet Adoption ReportInventory Ally Pill Counter, IVC Evidensia, H20 to Go!, and more
#109
08/12/2025
Second week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
ICON Nominations are now live!Inventory Ally goes Mobile and adds Pill CounterHydration Gels for DogsIVC Evidensia public or privateBSAVA President steps downHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVetValue Connect Pre-RegistrationThe Bridge Club - Elevating Vet MedSmall Door Big Bucks, IVPanic, Whistle Insights, New Protein
#108
08/05/2025
First week of August, what’d you miss in vet med?
Small Door raises $55MIVP on the ropes…againSome angles on Whistle/TractiveABC brings on Strategic AdvisorCell-cultured ChickenHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThe Vets Ghost, Rover Expands, Hill’s Steps Up, Scribe Updates
#107
07/29/2025
Last week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
The Vets shut down operationsRover set to acquire AU’s Mad PawsHill’s Launches 24/7 Vet Professional ChatCoVet’s In-House Medical DepartmentAmerivet partners on scribingFreemium version for ScribenoteHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackLive from AVMA! SVP+MVP Brand, Wag! Bankrupt, Cubex IoT
#106
07/22/2025
Fourth week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
Live from AVMA in Washington DCNew AVMA Leaders Step into their RolesSVP+MVP = Mission Pet HealthCubex Launches IoT deviceWag! Goes Bankrupt and Sells FurscriptionHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVetValue Connect Pre-RegistrationVetValue Connect, Merck Approval, Hill’s new Pres, OH eVCPR
#105
07/15/2025
Third week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
VetValue Connect LaunchArchway Pets’ AcquisitionAnnual Bravecto ApprovalHill’s new PresidentOhio approves eVCPRHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVetValue Connect Pre-RegistrationVVCA - Virtual Veterinary Care In The USA: Interactive Telemedicine MapNibbles Automations, Immertech VR in Vet, New Morris CEO, AB519
#104
07/08/2025
Second week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
Nibbles automatic payment pet insuranceImmertec launches animal health channelMorris Animal Foundation announces new CEOBan on Pet Brokers in CAHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackASPCA - CA AB 519 Veterinary Support LetterEXCLUSIVE: Gallant $18M Series B, FDA statements, Teacher’s Pet, and Relief Burnout
#103
07/01/2025
First week of July, what’d you miss in vet med?
Exclusive: Gallant’s $18M Series BFDA on CBD and MedetomidineClassroom Pets Good for AllRelief Burnout SurveyMy what big teeth!Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackSerenity Vet - Relief Burnout SurveyPets In The Classroom grant programLMU vs. AVMA, New TAMU Dean and Chair, Nevada Vet School, and Nutrition
#102
06/24/2025
Last week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Education GaloreLincoln Memorial Sues the AVMANew dean at Texas A&MRoyal Canin funds new endowmentNew vet school in NevadaPartners Group expands animal health portfolioHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackBond Bails, Innovative Funding, $175M for Gx, The Farmer’s Dog Resident
#101
06/17/2025
Third week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Bond Vet hits some snagsWSAVA released Wellness PrinciplesOpen Door guides on HeartwormInnovative Pet Labs lands Seed roundFelix Pharma gets $175MThe Farmer’s Dog invests in EducationHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackWSAVA - Principles of WellnessOpen Door School - A Spectrum of Care Approach to Canine Heartworm DiseaseTennessee College of Veterinary Medicine - Internships and ResidenciesZoetis, IDEXX launches, Group Growth, $35M in REIT, 100th Episode
#100
06/10/2025
Second week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
100th Episode!Zoetis and IDEXX’s new launchesPieper now COVEAcutePet turns One$35M Investment in REITBSAVA Congress RetiresHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackHarvard, Hill’s, OkState, Chewy and LMU, Mars’ Patient Safety, Lifetime Cost of Care
#99
06/03/2025
First week of June, what’d you miss in vet med?
Hill’s launches Microbiome Portal with HarvardOklahoma State OK’s $250M for new hospitalChewy pledges $1M to LMUMars studies patient safety eventsA call for more independenceSynchrony reports on Lifetime Costs of PetsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackFrontiers - Making the case for a resurgent U.S. independent veterinary practice segment: a SWOT analysisThe One Health Microbiome ResourceAVMA Journals - Patient safety events cause harm across a variety of veterinary care settings: a global retrospective analysisSynchrony - Pet Lifetime of Care 2025Puppy Mill Bans, Target Brands, and New Locations
#98
05/27/2025
Last week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Multiple bills to ban puppy millsTarget Reintroduces pet brandPetfolk’s 11th new location for 2025CityVet’s 59th locationHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackMars and Stress, New Specialities, Intern Class Action, and a Busy Week
#97
05/20/2025
Third week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Mars and Calm put numbers to our pet loveResearchers warn against stressing your dogAcupuncture and Embryo Transfer seek Specialty DesignationInterns’ lawsuit surrounding MatchingA look back on a busy weekHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAVMA - American Board of Veterinary SpecialtiesNOMV - Race Around the WorldAmazon PetRx, Koala’s $20M, Radimal x Petfolk, and Human Providers in Vet
#96
05/13/2025
Second week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
Amazon launches Pet PharmacyKoala raises $20MRadimal and Petfolk announce partnershipRevDoc starts RevPetHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNOMV - Race Around the WorldMOVES Moves, HCM, Rover Spree, Purina Grants, and NOMV
#95
05/06/2025
First week of May, what’d you miss in vet med?
MOVES launches Franchise ModelFeline HCM ready to go downRover’s next acquisitionPurina 2026 GrantsNOMV Race Around the WorldHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackNOMV - Race Around the WorldHCM - The HALT StudyPumpkin, Patterson, VIC on AI, Events
#94
04/29/2025
Last week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
Florida passes Pet Insurance BillPumpkin launches instant paymentsVeterinary Innovation Council on AIPatterson complete saleCVS Group divests crematorium businessEvents GaloreHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVIC – What Do Veterinary Professionals Need to Know about Artificial Intelligence in 2025?Flourish Academy MasterclassesAnimal Health, Nutrition & Technology Innovation – Shaping the Future of Animal Health in the USACollege of Veterinary Medicine – Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Medicine (SAVY 2.0)My Pets Wellness, Home Delivery, Royal College Trouble, and THGeese
#93
04/22/2025
Fourth week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
My Pets Wellness CollapseHome Delivery UpdatesRoyal Veterinary College CoE TroublesGeese and ChongHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPets = Happy, Loyal enrolls 1000th dog, NE looking for vets
#92
04/15/2025
Third week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
Research shows pets bring £70k of satisfactionLoyal’s trials hit new milestoneNebraska seeking rural DVMsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThe Value of Pets: The Quantifiable Impact of Pets on Life SatisfactionAPPA and Hill’s Reports, Litter Scents, and AgTech Startups
#91
04/08/2025
Second week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
APPA’s State of the IndustryHill’s World of the CatDr. Elsey’s stops Scented LitterAnimal AgTech Innovation SummitHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThrive’s $350M, Evette’s first DVM, Banfield Covers Tuition
#90
04/01/2025
First week of April, what’d you miss in vet med?
Thrive brings in $350MBanfield covers final year TuitionEvette brings on a DVMIVP looks at $2M moreHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackReady, Vet, Go Mentorship ProgramACVR on AI, Hill’s Leadership, JustFoodForDogs, and Emerging Companies
#89
03/25/2025
Last week of March, what’d you miss in vet med?
ACVR and ECVDI release their findings on AIHill’s New Veterinary LeadershipJustFoodForDogs on your shelfApply for KC Animal Health Corridor Pitch ContestHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAVMA - American College of Veterinary Radiology and European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging position statement on artificial intelligenceKC Animal Health Corridor - 2025 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company Application
