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!
AVMA State of Profession, IVC Eyes IPO, Zoetis and Petsmart Charities
#142
Yesterday at 1:07 PM
Last week of March, what’d you miss in vet med?
OpenVet launches VetClawIVC Evidensia eyeing multibillion-pound London IPOAVMA Economic Report: heavy debt, strong labor marketPetSmart Charities awards $3M in shelter grantsZoetis Foundation gives out $2.25M in scholarshipsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramVeterinary AI Bracket ChallengeWorkforce Updates, Dechra HQ, Hill’s Shelter Report, Cats worth $21B
#141
03/17/2026
Third week of March, what'd you miss in vet med?
VPAs, Arizona's OJT pathway, distance ed guardrailsDechra moves global HQ to BostonHill's 2026 Shelter Report$21B untapped feline patientsPawsible Venture IncubatorHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramHill's 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption ReportNew JAK City, PE Exit Struggles, CBD for Dogs Inches Forward, PetcoLove 4M
#140
03/10/2026
Second week of March, what'd you miss in vet med?
FDA approves Merck's NUMELVI — first second-gen JAK inhibitor for dogsPE firms struggling to exit pandemic-era vet deals (Encore, CareVet, and Blue River hit the market)InnoCan gets third FDA fee waiver for CBD pain injection in dogsPetSmart + Healthy Paws expand insurance partnershipPetco Love hits 4 million free vaccinesHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development Program2026 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company ApplicationTikTok - Is it Pet Smart or Pets Marks?Zoetis Buys Neogen Genomics, Mars, Bissell, and AKC Bring Funds, Bond to the Rescue
#139
03/03/2026
First week of March, what’d you miss in vet med?
Zoetis to acquire Neogen’s Genomics DivisionGallant partners with MWI and data with AAHAMars Impact FundDuffield and Bissell Fix the FutureAKC Humane FundCutting Horse launches $75M FundBond Vet partners with ACC of NYCHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackVRCE - The Veterinary Profession’s #1 CSR Development ProgramCovetrus x MWI, Cambridge Stays Open, Negotiating Relief, Spots hits 1M
#138
02/24/2026
Last week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Quick hit on Covetrus and MWI MergerUniversity of Cambridge keeps Vet School openSerenity Vet launches AI negotiation toolSpot hits 1M insured petsPetBux launches cashback marketplaceHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackfirst100Loyal’s $100M, Open Door Says Yes to Care, Hollywood Feed ready to Grow
#137
02/17/2026
Third week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Loyal brings in $100M Series COpen Door, myBalto, and Varidi launch Yes to CareHollywood Feed preps for expansionWeather and Dog BitesHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackfirst100Yes to Care – Helping Veterinary Hospitals Save More Pet LivesOllie for $600M, Shelter Data, Vet Salaries Revealed, and Biobanking
#136
02/10/2026
Second week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Ollie acquired for $600MKey Findings from the 2025 Shelter Animal CountRing expands Search PartyEarly career vet salariesColossal Biosciences' new BiobankHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackfirst100MWI+Covetrus?, Snout’s $110M, Rover’s Purrrchase, and DSM-Firmenich AHN potential
#135
02/03/2026
First week of February, what’d you miss in vet med?
Is Covetrus eyeing MWI?Snout brings in $110MRover acquires MeowtelCVC looking at dsm‑firmenich Animal Nutrition & HealthHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackInventory AllyIndeVets x Fear Free, NOMV Grants, AAVMC Scholarships, and Barnwell Bio Round
#134
01/27/2026
Last week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
IndeVets launches all Fear Free VetsAAVMC awards $160k in ScholarshipsNOMV Offers Support and GrantsIVP finally delistsBarnwell Bio Raises $6MHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformNOMV - Apply for a GrantPetSmart Charities Data, IDEXX and Mars Leaders, Acquisitions, and AI
#133
01/22/2026
Third week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
PetSmart Charities releases major ReportBrakke Session at VMXIDEXX’s new CEOMars Petcare’s new PresidentInstinct Acquires ScribbleVetVetGetRX unites uncommon partnersMixlab, Otto, and HT Vet roll out more AIVOTE for The Bird Bath on The Bridge ClubHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformThe Bridge Club - Vote For the USA's Brightest Mind TodayLive at VMX! One Question Across Vet Med
#132
01/20/2026
We asked thought leaders in vet med, “What’s one metric that everyone should be tracking?”
Practice leadersTech innovatorsChief Medical OfficersResearchersAnd more…Helpful links:
The Bird Bath substackThe Bridge Club - Vote For the USA's Brightest Mind TodayAVMA Responds, AAHA CEO, Cascadia Report, Vet AI Safety Charter
#131
01/13/2026
Second week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
Cascadia Capital releases Pet Industry OverviewAVMA Responds to DOJPurina Award WinnersAAHA New CEOOpenVet launches The Veterinary AI Safety CharterVOTE for The Bird Bath on The Bridge ClubHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformThe Bridge Club - Vote For the USA's Brightest Mind TodayFresh Food Fight, Paw Prospers, New Breeds, Pet Safety
#130
01/06/2026
First week of January, what’d you miss in vet med?
Researchers dig into fresh food dataPaw Prosper Acquires CRICenter for Pet Safety approves VolvoAKC reveals new BreedsHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackAHNTI EU 2026 - Shaping the Future of Animal HealthPearl AI: Veterinary AI Platform2025 Post Mortem & Predicting 2026The Birdies: 2025’s Top Stories
#129
12/30/2025
The End of 2025, what’d you miss in vet med?
Most Downloaded StoryBig Move of the YearCorner Office Reset of the YearIn MemoriumNew Heavyweight of the YearShowdown of the YearHelpful links:
The Bird Bath substackPearl AI: Veterinary AI PlatformDOJ on AVMA v. LMU, Two Big Jobs, More on PETS, LifeLearn’s Acquistion
#128
12/23/2025
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 program
