Routine Pet Care Needs Clearer Scripts, Cost Checks, and Recall Steps

1. IDEXX adds tapeworm check to Fecal Dx

OBSERVED

IDEXX said on May 26, 2026, that Fecal Dx fecal antigen testing will also check for taeniid tapeworms. Taeniid tapeworms include Taenia and Echinococcus. IDEXX said its reference lab fecal test panels in the U.S. and Canada will include the new tapeworm check beginning in late June at no added cost. ¹

VIEWPOINT

This gives clinics a routine fecal test that checks for more parasites. Staff need simple talking points to explain the added tapeworm check and why it is important. Practices should update how staff ask about the test, quote the price, and explain results before the change starts.

CONFIDENCE

High — IDEXX states the product change, timing, and customer scope. The main open question is whether clinics update their process and use the new wording.

ACTIONS

↑ Back to top

2. Covetrus VetSuite reports savings for independent clinics

OBSERVED

Covetrus said on May 21, 2026, that VetSuite now has more than 4,000 independent member practices nationwide. It also reported nearly $150 million in total member benefits. Member practices average $30,000 in annual savings and generated 27% more online pharmacy revenue per veterinarian in 2026 than clinics outside the program. ²

VIEWPOINT

Supplier run practice programs are becoming a clearer way for independent clinics to manage costs and grow online pharmacy revenue. The practical question is whether rebates, supplier terms, and clinic linked pharmacy orders can offset pressure from retail sellers and corporate owned clinics. Clinics should compare their current supplier terms with offers from supplier programs or buying groups.

CONFIDENCE

High — Covetrus states the milestone and numbers for its members. Results may vary by market, practice size, and how much of the program each clinic uses.

ACTIONS

↑ Back to top

3. Advertising review referral raises risk around Bravecto Quantum dosing claims

OBSERVED

Better Business Bureau (BBB) National Programs said on May 20, 2026, that the NARB, referred Intervet to the FTC and FDA for possible enforcement action. Intervet does business as Merck Animal Health. The issue involved Bravecto Quantum once-yearly dosing claims. ³

NARB said the claims were inaccurate and misleading. It said the FDA approved protection period for lone star ticks is 8 months, while the approved label supports 12 months for other covered tick species. Merck agreed to use an 8 month disclosure for lone star ticks, but declined to change the main claim. ³

VIEWPOINT

This is a warning for prescription flea, tick, and parasite product claims. Claims about how long protection lasts should match the tick species and the approved label, including the main claim that clinics and clients see first. Product pages, comparison charts, and staff talking points should use wording that fits the approved label.

CONFIDENCE

High — the NARB decision states the referral, claim issue, company that challenged the claim, and Merck response. FTC or FDA follow-up remains the main open question.

ACTIONS

↑ Back to top

4. Growing pet insurance use raises checkout wording risk

OBSERVED

Trupanion said on May 26, 2026 that it passed $4 billion in paid pet insurance claims. It said it helped more than 3.9 million cats and dogs and paid more than 14.5 million veterinary invoices. Trupanion also highlighted VetDirect Pay, which allows veterinarians to be paid directly at checkout. ⁴

New York Assembly bill A11164 moved from the Assembly Insurance Committee to the Rules Committee on May 20, 2026. It was ordered to third reading, the next floor step, on May 21. The bill would amend Insurance Law section 1113 and add section 3463. The bill text covers pet insurance definitions, consumer disclosures, exclusions for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, wellness programs, and licensing and training for people who sell insurance. ⁵

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) said the draft pet insurance exam chapter dated May 14, 2026 was adopted by the working group at its May 20, 2026 Webex meeting. The draft says its standards are based on NAIC models and should be adapted to each state’s laws and regulations. It lists review areas including operations and management, complaint handling, marketing and sales, producer licensing, policyholder service, underwriting and rating, and claims. ^{6, 7}

VIEWPOINT

Pet insurance now affects both the front desk and compliance review. The New York bill is a state level issue to watch, but the business effects are likely to reach beyond New York. Many insurers, corporate clinic groups, e-retailers, direct pay providers, and software platforms use shared staff wording, referral language, checkout steps, and training across states. A state level bill can therefore shape national staff training and checkout steps when companies update their processes across markets.

Clinics and partners should keep general insurance education, wellness plan details, and direct pay checkout steps separate and clear. Staff can explain how the process works. Questions about coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, or eligibility should go to the insurer or licensed insurance contact.

CONFIDENCE

High — the signal combines a claims milestone, official New York bill progress, and NAIC guidance material. The open questions are whether A11164 is enacted, how New York implements it, how other states use NAIC material, and whether insurers or clinic partners standardize related checkout steps, staff wording, and training across states.

ACTIONS

↑ Back to top

5. FDA Raaw Energy advisory requires updated raw food recall steps

OBSERVED

FDA updated its Raaw Energy dog food advisory on May 22, 2026. It said recalled lots, or batches, had risen to more than 180. FDA said Raaw Energy recalled dog food products made between July 17 and December 23, 2025, and one March 31, 2026 lot. ⁸

FDA also said 4 New Jersey samples from the recall period tested positive for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Earlier FDA testing found samples positive for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. ⁸

VIEWPOINT

Clinics and sellers need to act on the recall now and give clients clear instructions. It affects diet history questions during intake, product lot checks, client calls, replacement product advice, and product page accuracy. Sellers need clear lot and date checks on packages and clear customer service wording when a recall expands.

CONFIDENCE

High — supported by FDA provided update date, recall scope, date range, test findings, and handling guidance. Illness reports and how fully the recall reaches customers remain open questions.

ACTIONS

↑ Back to top