Weekly Companion Animal News: July 13, 2026

Questionnaire can help assess cats’ wellbeing

Researchers from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in London, in collaboration with Mars Veterinary Health, Royal Canin and the University of Bristol, report they have validated their feline quality of life (FelQol) questionnaire, calling it an “important step forward in feline welfare because cats can often mask their discomfort.” The pet-owner-friendly questionnaire is already being used in the MARS PETCARE BIOBANK alongside a previously developed tool for measuring dog wellbeing.

Optiscan Imaging launches first clinical device into US vet market

The Australian-based manufacturer announced it has launched its InSpecta microscopic imaging device into the U.S. veterinary market after successfully submitting its regulatory dossier to the United States Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine. The launch gives Optiscan its first commercial clinical device in the U.S. market and extends its imaging technology beyond human healthcare.

MiDOG launches parasite detection test

MiDOG Animal Diagnostics announced the launch of MiDOG Parasite-Only Testing, an NGS (next-generation-sequencing)-based test. According to the company, rather than asking whether one specific parasite is present, the product asks, What parasitic or protozoal DNA may be present in the sample? The distinction is important for veterinary teams managing persistent gastrointestinal signs, unexplained weight loss, suspected protozoal diseases, unclear exposure histories, rescue or import cases, exotic animal patients, and zoo, aquarium, wildlife, or conservation medicine cases where available reference data may be limited.

PetSmart, Vetster bring virtual veterinary support to Canada

PetSmart associates in more than 140 Canadian stores will have direct access to licensed veterinarians through Vetster’s secure virtual care platform when pet health concerns arise. A similar program for the U.S. was rolled out by the two companies in January 2026.

Animal pharma: A $70B corner of healthcare marketing

Animal pharma is one of the more revealing and predictive corners of healthcare marketing, especially as the science looks increasingly like human medicine, according to the magazine MM+M. The commercial model often looks like a hybrid of pharma and retail, and the emotional stakes are high. For marketers, the category sits somewhere between traditional pharma, consumer health and retail, with veterinarians still serving as the critical gatekeepers.

Insurance claims shift assumptions of heartworm hotspots

Embrace Pet Insurance reports that heartworm diagnosis claims increased 201% between 2020 and 2025, challenging common assumptions about who is at risk and where the disease occurs. Although heartworm has historically been most prevalent in the Southern United States, Embrace reports diagnoses occurring across regions and throughout the year, with notable increases in Illinois, Michigan, Rhode Island and Maine.

Pet companies betting on retail and DTC channels

The decision to step into retail and DTC may be an attempt for some companies to offset the impact of rising veterinary care costs, a contributor to fewer vet visits, suggests a recent article in Global Pet Industry. Examples are Elanco, which recently added Costco and Dollar General as new customers, and Zoetis, which invested in DTC activities to increase its presence in retail and home delivery.