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.
ZymIQ's US Patent Bets on Enzymes Over Antimicrobials in Pet Care
ZymIQ Technology AB has patented the enzyme-based, biofilm-targeting technology behind its Kalzyme pet dental, dermal and ear care line in the US. The bigger pattern: enzyme mechanisms challenging the broad-spectrum antimicrobials that still dominate preventive pet care.
JustFoodForDogs Doubles Down on the Vet Counter as Fresh Food Goes Mass
JustFoodForDogs expanded its Veterinary Support Diet portfolio to seven prescription SKUs on August 17th, two and a half months after hiring a CEO tasked with chasing grocery distribution. The move deepens a vet-channel moat that's getting more contested as Royal Canin enters fresh therapeutic diets.
Whisker's TikTok Shop Bet Lands as Rivals Undercut Its Price
Whisker opened an official TikTok Shop storefront on August 17th, the first phase of a broader social commerce push, as its TikTok impressions grew 300-fold in a year. The move comes as BISSELL undercuts the Litter-Robot 4 by $300, testing whether a category leader benefits from a platform built for challengers.
Gamgee Raises $4M for AI-Designed Dog Cancer Vaccines
Gamgee, founded after entrepreneur Paul Conyngham built a computationally-designed mRNA cancer vaccine for his own dog, has raised a $4M seed round led by Founders Fund. The company is betting personalized manufacturing, not a single approved drug, is the moat in veterinary oncology.
Vetspire Splits From Thrive, Lands a Battery Ventures Backing
Vetspire has spun out of Thrive Pet Healthcare's orbit with a growth investment from Battery Ventures and a new CEO, Zachary Seely. The AI-powered practice management platform, used by more than 800 veterinary hospitals and clinics, will operate independently while Thrive remains a customer. The deal tests whether AI-native vet software can draw institutional capital without a strategic parent underwriting it.
PetMeds Revenue Falls 20% as Takeover Fight Drags On
PetMeds' first-quarter revenue fell 19.9% to $41.0 million and cash reserves dropped to $13.1 million, even as the company narrowed its net loss to $6.1 million from $34.2 million a year earlier. The results land as an unsolicited $3-a-share buyout offer from SilverCape Investments remains on the table and a $37 million sale-leaseback of its headquarters awaits closing.