Pet Industry News
The deals, launches, and strategic moves behind the brands and operators shaping the industry.
Pets will shape travel plans for 68% of owners, Subaru survey finds
A Subaru-commissioned Talker Research survey of 2,000 pet-owning drivers, released October 13th, 2026, says 68% expect their pet to affect travel plans this year and 73% would drive instead of fly to bring the pet. New in this release, 10% may host, 10% may shorten a trip and 8% may skip gatherings. In our view, the trip-length and planning numbers are the ones sitters and kennels can use.
SuprDog Opens a Waitlist for FetchIQ, Discloses Almost Nothing Else
SuprDog opened a waitlist for FetchIQ, a 'biological intelligence platform' for dogs, on International Dog Day. The release discloses no funding, pricing, ship date, or validation methodology, making it a case study in pet health-tech language outrunning disclosed substance.
VetnCare's Second Deal in Six Weeks Signals a Faster Roll-Up Pace
VetnCare acquired Geary Veterinary Hospital in Walnut Creek, its seventh deal since partnering with Great Point Partners and second in six weeks. The accelerated pace, right after a CEO change, is a signal worth watching for anyone near the veterinary consolidation space.
Portugal Pet Moves Jump 77% as Americans Relocate
Starwood Pet Travel reports Portugal-bound pet relocation requests rose 77% since 2022, with 2025 its busiest year yet for the destination. The surge tracks a broader wave of Americans relocating to Portugal, and Underbite's own math shows pet-relocation demand is still catching up to the pace of that migration, not leading it.
Escalade Buys ASL Solutions, Betting on Pet Hard Goods
Escalade, the public sporting goods company behind Goalrilla and STIGA, has acquired ASL Solutions, a founder-owned manufacturer of insulated dog and cat houses. The deal, terms undisclosed, hands Escalade a rotational molding capability it didn't have before and marks its first move into pet hard goods.
Years Recalls Nearly All Its Fresh Meals After 192 Dog Eye Injury Reports
Years, a UK subscription fresh dog food brand, recalled nearly its entire meal lineup after 192 customers reported dogs developing sudden dry eye. The recall lands two months after a nationwide Pets at Home rollout and a growth round from Verlinvest and Five Seasons Ventures meant to fund further expansion.
Host Defense brings its mushroom formula to pets as functional fungi cross the bowl
Host Defense, the mushroom-supplement brand founded by mycologist Paul Stamets, launched its first pet product, a five-species mycelium powder for dogs and cats. It is a clean example of a trusted human wellness brand porting proven formulas and founder credibility into the pet aisle at low marginal cost.