Weekly Companion Animal News: August 3, 2026

Minnesota becomes fourth state to adopt veterinary drug donation law

Individuals and groups can now donate unused, unexpired veterinary drugs (in pill form only) per a new law in effect this month, but they should check with veterinarians first to ensure they have a system in place to accept, store and reissue medications. The Animal Humane Society is still developing a process. Minnesota follows Rhode Island, Nevada and Colorado in adopting a veterinary drug donation law.

Central Garden to acquire majority interest in major European distributor

Central Garden & Pet Company has agreed to acquire a majority interest in TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, a Tarp, Germany-based distributor employing 600 people and serving 30,000 pet retail stores internationally. Approximately 90% of TRIXIE’s sales are generated from the company’s own-brand portfolio. The acquisition means that approximately 10% of Central’s net sales will be generated outside of the U.S., and it “establishes a scaled platform to consolidate the fragmented European pet specialty market,” according to Central.

British dog owners abandon flat-faced breeds in record numbers

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that British dog owners are surrendering flat-faced breeds in record numbers because of health issues and rising vet costs. A report from the animal charity reveals a 3,800% increase in French bulldogs coming into its care in the past 10 years. There has also been an increase in pugs and British bulldog intakes.

Companion animals arriving in Vermont must pass NWS inspection

A legislative panel in Vermont approved an emergency rule that requires domestic dogs and cats to be inspected for New World screwworm by an accredited veterinarian within five days of arriving in the state. The rule, which also requires pets to be treated for the parasite, applies to animals coming from “infested zones,” all of which are currently in Texas. Central Vermont Humane Society expressed support for the new rule.

FDA releases five-year plan for antimicrobial resistance monitoring

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the NARMS Strategic Plan 2026–2030 for national antimicrobial resistance monitoring. The plan is anchored in three themes: Science-based monitoring of antimicrobial resistance trends; deepening partnerships across public, private and academic sectors; and innovation.

FDA launches pilot program to incentivize US-made animal drugs

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is launching a pilot program designed to encourage and strengthen domestic manufacturing of animal drug products and active ingredients. Companies would receive priority review consideration for complete Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) technical sections when both the finished drug product and its active ingredient(s) are made in the U.S.

Research on dogs shows no link between reproduction and late-life frailty

New research in aging dogs exploring the linkage between reproduction and aging shows production of live offspring did not increase late-life frailty. Instead, females with live offspring exhibited elevated robustness later in life. The study was conducted by scientists at the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation’s Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies. Further study is needed on pregnancy’s effect on human longevity.

Puerto Rico launches inspections of scales at veterinary clinics

Puerto Rico’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) has launched an islandwide inspection initiative to verify that scales used in veterinary clinics are properly calibrated and certified. Under Puerto Rico’s Weights and Measures Regulation No. 9219, approved in 2020, all commercial measuring devices – including scales used to weigh animals – must meet the regulation’s standards.