Pet News Roundup, May 9

Happy Friday! This week saw several exciting developments in the pet health space: PBI-Gordon Companies is acquiring TriviumVet, while Ultrack Systems has agreed to acquire Better Pets. Meanwhile, Koala Health and Vetr have each secured over US$20 million in funding.

In the U.S., seven pet industry associations, including American Pet Products Association (APPA), are jointly assessing and responding to tariff-related challenges.

We’re also bringing you a review of Litter Genie’s Litter Box, straight from the feline’s mouth! Read on to see what our Tester-in-Chief, Morag, had to say.

IN TODAY’S EDITION

🇺🇸 PBI-Gordon Companies Acquires TriviumVet ● PBI-Gordon Companies announced its acquisition of R&D company TriviumVet, which develops treatments for chronic conditions in cats and dogs. 

🇺🇸 Seven U.S. pet industry associations form coalition to address tariff impacts ● Seven U.S. pet industry associations, including American Pet Products Association (APPA), National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) are jointly assessing and responding to tariff-related challenges.  

🇺🇸 Koala Health raises US$20 million Series B funding ● Koala Health offers a streamlined way for pet owners to access their pets’ medications, plans to further develop its mobile-first digital offerings. 

🇺🇸 Pet health platform Vetr secures US$21 million ● Vetr secured US$21 million from Palehorse Capital to expand access to affordable pet medications.

🇮🇹 Italy’s pet food market size exceeds €3 billion ● Italy’s pet food market grew to €3.1 billion (US$3.5 billion) in 2024, versus €2.3 billion in 2021, said Circana’s Senior Business Insights Director Paolo Garro at Zoomark pet industry trade fair. 

🇨🇦 Pet Value announces Q1 earnings ● Pet food and supplies retailer Pet Valu posted a 7% increase year on year in Q1 revenue to CAD279.1 million, driven by growth in franchise and other revenues and partially offset by lower retail sales. First-quarter net income increased to CAD21.8 million, versus CAD17.5 million a year earlier.

🇨🇦 Ultrack Systems to acquire Better Pets ● Ultrack Systems has agreed to acquire premium pet wellness company Better Pets for an undisclosed sum.

PRODUCT NEWS

🇺🇸 Mars launches AI-powered tool to monitor dog dental health ● Mars has launched GREENIES™ Canine Dental Check, an AI-powered tool that enables pet parents to monitor their dog’s dental health with a smartphone photo.

🇺🇸 Royal Canin launches new supplements and probiotics line ● Royal Canin has launched a supplements and probiotics line for dogs and cats. The company has also declared May 8 National Pet Wellness Day.

🇨🇦 Hagen Group expands its Catit portfolio ● Hagen Group is expanding its Catit brand portfolio with the launch of Catit Recipes Double Fusion dry food and Catit Recipes Entrées wet food. Hagen also plans to launch eco-friendly Loo Litter Box this month.

REVIEW: LITTER GENIE LITTER BOX

This week, we’re reviewing the Litter Genie Litter Box. This is our second review of a product in the Litter Genie family.

Which makes it review Number Two (so to speak).

PROS

😺 Roomier than your typical cat litter box, but still has approximately the same footprint as a standard litter box, making it more inviting for cats.

😺 The sides are more flexible and has handles, making it easy to carry around.

😺 The hood comes off without needing to undo pesky clamps, making it easier to clean.

(SLIGHT) CONS

😾 High threshold means minimal spillage, but this may not work for older cats or those with stiff joints.

Our Tester-in-Chief, Morag, certainly gave it her vote of confidence and hopped in right away (see below). The swinging door was removed as she dislikes them generally.

Overall, it felt like Morag appreciated this litter box’s roomier feel compared to her old one. Morag has access to two different litter boxes (of roughly the same size), and she now almost exclusively uses the Litter Genie.

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Litter Genie products are available at most pet supply retailers.

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