AI and DNA testing change the trajectory of vet visits

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📈 A bite-sized stat tastier than kibble

Pets take over the household budget

Pet parents are making financial sacrifices for their four-legged friends. They’re giving up their own hobbies and spending to give more to their dogs. 39% of dog owners lived on a tighter budget to afford their dogs’ expenses, according to Forbes.

🐾 The purr-spective: People are willing to pull out the big bucks for their pets, and that means pet businesses may see a higher willingness to pay, from food to the latest pet tech.

🎾 What we’re chasing: New advances in pet tech

AI for diagnostics

When our pet gets sick or needs preventative care, we often wait weeks (or even months) for an appointment and spend hundreds of dollars on bloodwork. The cost is often so high because vets outsource diagnostics to third-party labs (think Quest or LabCorp version for pets). Enter Moichor, a company that is using AI to help vets expedite and lower the cost of pet diagnostics.

CEO Shevy Karbasi says, “AI isn't here to replace pathologists or veterinary professionals. Instead, it's a crucial tool that improves access to care. In the past 12-24 months, pet owners have likely experienced fully booked vet appointments. Moichor helps with expanding access to care. Vets can see more patients and process their blood work with greater efficiency and accuracy.”

Read the interview with Shevy for more insights. 

A world where pets never meet their vets

A California bill that would allow vets to treat pets without ever meeting them (in other words, purely remotely) received bipartisan support from its second State Senate committee. As the state faces a shortage of trained veterinarians, this comes on the back of a debt relief bill that would provide $150,000 in educational debt relief to licensed California veterinarians who work in the state for at least five years.

🐾 The purr-spective: The passing of this bill would change the game for both vets and pet parents. Would you be happy for your pet to be seen by a veterinarian that they never met?

Pet wellness finally being prioritized

Our animal companions are now viewed as integral family members, deserving the same quality of life and care. This cultural shift, coupled with advancements in veterinary science and pet tech, makes it easier and more compelling than ever to invest in the health and happiness of our four-legged friends. Wagmo, a pet wellness platform that offers pet insurance and routine care, recently raised almost $10M in venture funding.

🐾 The purr-spective: Veterinary data may more often predict the costs of care in a given area and prioritize pet care accordingly. That will mean your pet insurance may offer more preventative care, and more could be covered.

Uncovering the DNA of your pet

Ancestry, a well-known DNA testing and family history company, now offers pet DNA testing that allows owners to understand their dog’s breed and find genetic matches for similar dogs in your neighborhood — perhaps a guaranteed furry friend? Also, the DNA testing will show you 30 behavioral and physical traits to know, for instance, if they are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, may have a resistance to sharing, or possibly even why they flinch more during 4th of July fireworks.

🐾 The purr-spective: With animal genetics predicted to be a $6B+ market in 2027, valuable tools continue to better determine genetic predispositions to particular health problems and develop early treatment and intervention.

Makes you wonder...

Pets are part of the family, so what happens in a divorce? An Argentine court recently dabbled here, and in particular, recognized a visitation agreement for dogs in a divorce settlement. It may seem ridiculous to some, but pet custody and fair rights can save a lot of pain.

🐾 The purr-spective: Pets are being given more consideration that would be extended to offspring. Perhaps we’ll see pet prenups and pet trusts soon!

A new treat of resources

Use your AirTag to track your pet (for a lot less $$)

Consider Walmart as it pilots Pet Service Centers and an online Pet Pharmacy in its app

The only book you’ll need for understanding your dog or cat’s behavior (recommended by a behavioral vet specialist)

⭐ Pet of the week

Meet Spruce, our 3 y/o double doodle--aka his mom and dad are labradoodle and goldendoodle). 

You can see his playful spirit with his friend Hudson (above).