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.
Freshpet Lands a New Brand Platform 48 Hours Before Q1 Earnings as Fresh Rivals Hit Retail
Freshpet launched "Better Food for Your Better Half," a long-term brand platform anchored by the Kitchen Conversations campaign, two days before its Q1 2026 earnings call. The timing, the platform framing, and the choice to stick with longtime agency Terri & Sandy together signal a defensive brand-equity bet against fresh pet food's new retail entrants.
Walmart Just Hung a "Clinical" Sign on the Dog Food Aisle. Hill's and Royal Canin Should Be Watching.
Dr. Pol Clinical Nutrition launched as a Walmart-exclusive line covering weight, food sensitivity, and GI indications historically gated by veterinary prescription. The licensed celebrity-vet brand slots above Pure Balance Pro+ on Walmart's pet food ladder and tests whether the prescription-diet moat still holds at mass-channel pricing.
Pet Industry Network's 2026 Growth Summit Expands to Two Days, June 1-2
Pet Industry Network is expanding its annual Growth Summit to two days for 2026 (June 1-2), with 14 speakers across marketing, sales, retention, staffing, and PR tracks. General admission is $27 and a VIP Pass tier is $97, which includes consideration for a spot in the new Pet Biz Breakthrough Arena live-coaching session.
Second Shot Partners With Kuranda Dog Beds to Improve Shelter Adoption Photography
Second Shot, the shelter dog adoption photography initiative founded by Tampa photographer Adam Goldberg, is partnering with Kuranda Dog Beds to incorporate the supplier's elevated beds into adoption photo sessions. The partnership pairs two organizations already embedded in shelter operations, one supplying beds, the other supplying visual storytelling, and aims to drive faster adoptions through better imagery.
Canada Pooch Spins Out WAGLAB to Attack a Stagnant Dog Toy Category
The dog toy aisle just got its first serious bet on a modular system. WAGLAB, a new brand from Canada Pooch, launched PlayStack at Petco, mywaglab.com, and canadapooch.com on April 27, with independent retail in May.
Elanco Wins Emergency Authorizations as Screwworm Reaches 62 Miles From U.S. Border
With New World screwworm cases now within 62 miles of the U.S. border, three federal agencies authorized two Elanco products for emergency use in livestock. Federal stockpile-only distribution makes this a credibility signal for ELAN's livestock franchise more than a revenue event.