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Apr
78% of Vet Visits Can Now Happen From Your Couch. Eight States Made It Legal in 2026
154% increase in vet telemedicine adoption since 2020 (AVMA). 78% of cases resolved without clinic visits (Tufts University). 8-10 states allow establishing VCPR via telehealth only. Global vet telehealth market: $882M-$2.61B in 2026. Arizona & Florida expanding laws 2026. TelaVets: $65 flat fee, same-day appointments. Pet wearable market: $1.2B-$2.5B.
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Apr
South Carolina Just Became the Latest State to Regulate Puppy Mills. Here's What Changed
South Carolina Senate Bill 720 (April 2026): state's first commercial breeding law. Defines professional breeder as 10+ female dogs OR 15+ puppies sold/year. Requires licensing, inspections, 8-hour crate limit, daily exercise, no wire-bottom cages. California banned pet brokers selling animals under 1 year (effective Jan 1, 2026). Florida announces 2026 licensing legislation.
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Apr
245 U.S. Counties Have No Vet. 82% of New Vets Graduated With $212,000 in Debt
USDA 2026: 245 veterinary shortage areas across 47 states—highest on record. 82% of vet graduates (2025) have $212,000 average debt. Industry needs 41,000 more vets by 2030. Veterinary medicine in recession since Nov 2024. 75 million pet parents delayed care last year due to costs and appointment shortages. 1 in 3 practices now corporate-owned.
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Apr
FDA Found Salmonella in This Dog Food. The Company Refused to Recall It
Raaw Energy dog food tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli O157, and Campylobacter in 8 samples. FDA requested recall. Company refused. FDA can only request voluntary recalls—cannot force unless imminent danger proven. Raw food brands have recurring contamination issues. 37% of pet owners went into debt from vet bills in 2024.
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Apr
7 Out of 10 Gen Z Adults Would Rather Have Pets Than Kids. The Housing Market Is Making Sure of It
Gen Z pet ownership hit 18.8M households in 2024 (+43.5% from 2023). 70% own 2+ pets. 7 in 10 Gen Z adults prefer pets over children. 98% cite homeownership barriers. 55% prioritize pet-friendly homes vs 45% kid-friendly. 71% of non-owners cite living restrictions. Not irresponsible—financially realistic response to housing crisis.
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Apr
Dog Parks Across Three States Closed After Dogs Died. Vets Say It's Happening More Often
Warner Park in Madison WI closed Feb 17, 2026 after a dog died from pneumonia. Oregon's Multnomah County shelter quarantined Feb 13 after Streptococcus zooepidemicus killed 2 dogs. Berkeley CA saw leptospirosis outbreak. Vets say dog park illnesses are increasing. 85% of dog parks test positive for parasites. Vaccinated dogs still getting sick.
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