Entries by Betsy Thibaut-Stephenson

Boomer Meets Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3)

Martha Scott took me with her to a meeting where they talked about things like the importance of agricultural trade to the U.S. farm economy and how important it is to keep animals healthy, wherever they are in the world. Then we got to take a picture, so here I am with Will Rijksen (Zoetis), […]

AHI Congratulates Dr. Tim Schell on Appointment as Director of Center for Veterinary Medicine.

AHI President and CEO Martha Scott Poindexter made the following statement regarding today’s Food and Drug Administration announcement of the appointment of a new director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine: I am excited to congratulate Dr. Tim Schell on being named Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and thank FDA Commissioner Marty […]

Students and Animals Help Each Other

At UNC Chapel Hill, “Carolina Helping Paws” is a volunteer organization that works to promote pet adoption and provides opportunities for students to ease stress with the help of pets. The organization has more than 150 pet-loving members. Learn about all the ways “Carolina Helping Paws” helps animals and students.

What You Need to Know About African Swine Fever

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a deadly virus that affects domestic and wild pigs – not humans. It has severely disrupted global pork production due to mass pig deaths caused by the virus. While ASF has not yet reached the U.S., the animal health industry is researching vaccines and treatments.  Learn more about ASF here.

Tips for Making Veterinary Visits Better

Going to the doctor’s office can be scary for both humans and pets. Here are some tips to help prepare your pet for a calm and relaxed vet visit.

Meet Boomer!

My name is Boomer, and it’s my job to provide comfort and companionship to my owner Martha Scott Poindexter. She’s the new CEO of the Animal Health Institute, the trade association that represents companies that make medicine for my friends and me. It’s her job to make sure humans in Washington understand the importance of […]

Understanding Antibiotic Use in Animals

Antibiotic resistance is an important public health issue that all sectors using antibiotics must work together to address. Learn about how these important medicines are used in animals under the care of veterinarians.

The Importance of Pet Wellness Exams

Detecting a health problem early is just as important for your pet as it is for you, that’s why veterinarians recommend regular wellness exams. Wellness exams are the time for vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and routine deworming, which are all essential pet care. You can even talk to your vet about a wellness program based on […]

AHI Recognizes World Rabies Day, September 28

Veterinarians know that keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is the foundation of responsible pet ownership. Rabies is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease, meaning that it can travel between animals and humans. Vaccinating animals has proven to be the most effective way to stop the spread of rabies, and the rabies vaccine for pets is an […]

AHI Announces Winners of the 2025 Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest

(September 16, 2025) Congratulations to Bear the dog, Scosh the cat, and Chickpea the rabbit for winning the 2025 Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest. The winners were announced as a part of Pet Week on Capitol Hill. “Each year, the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest is a testament to the power of the […]