About Animal Health Institute
The Animal Health Institute (AHI) represents the companies that develop and produce animal medicines. Our industry is a global leader whose products improve the health of nearly 10 billion companion and food-producing animals in the U.S., which results in significant economic and social benefits for Americans.
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 […]
Tails of Wellness!
Researchers at UMass Amherst Behavioral Medicine Lab studied how dog ownership impacts health and wellness across different age groups. The research team found that dogs can be incredible motivators for healthy physical and social habits. Read about how the researcher’s own dog helped launch this study.
Nine Benefits of Having a Cat
Cats are great, manageable pet companions, but what are the science-backed benefits of our feline friends? Grounding, protection from allergies, stress relief, and helping humans maintain a routine. Learn about other benefits and the science behind them at Care.com.
AHI Supports USDA’s Expanded Commitment to Supporting Rural Veterinarians
The USDA’s Rural Veterinary Action Plan (RVAP) includes important initiatives that will help strengthen America’s animal health infrastructure. America has one of the safest and most reliable food supplies in the world, and veterinarians are the heart of agricultural production. Investing in the veterinary workforce is also good economics – healthy animals are more productive, […]
How to Know Your Cat Loves You
Many assume cat are too aloof and independent to show love, a cat trainer from Ottawa, Canada, has discovered how cats express love for their owners in their own unique way. Headbutting is a means for cats to leave their scent on humans, while kneading, licking and nipping are ways cats shows love. Even a […]
Petting a Dog, Nature’s Stress Relief
A study has found that just fifteen minutes of playing or petting a friendly dog can measurably reduce stress and lower heart rate and cortisol levels. Dogs’ ability to adjust behavior based on human body language and the added oxytocin from the interaction lowers cortisol and provides natural stress relief for both humans and dogs.
Today’s Forecast Calls for Parasites
Regardless of weather or geographic location, expert forecasts warn of rising pet parasite threats. Read more from Veterinary Practice News.
Animals & Vaccines
Vaccinations are a proven, safe way to help pets avoid disease and maintain overall health. Veterinarians use different vaccines to inoculate against different diseases, and not all animals are prone to the same diseases. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccine regimen for your pet. More details from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
AHI CEO Martha Scott Poindexter Applauds Administration Action on New World Screwworm
August 19, 2025 — I appreciate the action taken by Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to create a flexible pathway for the use of animal health products to treat and prevent New World Screwworm (NWS). The emergency declaration signed by the Secretary allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue emergency use authorizations […]
Animal health needs are always changing, and those changes require innovation
Viruses change, bacteria change, parasites change. To help our animal friends, medicines must also change.
The Difference Between Service, Support, and Companion Animals
While all companion pets can offer support and love, there are important differences between trained service or support animals and companion animals. Service animals and support animals go through specialized training to fulfill the needs of their owner, and companion animals are not. Learn more about the differences between the three and why it is […]
Parasites Are on the Move. Are Your Pets Ready?
From coast to coast, parasites like ticks and heartworms are expanding their territory. It’s important that pet owners take steps to prevent their pets from becoming infected with the diseases these parasites can carry. Learn more from the CDC.
Pet Ownership is on the Rise
American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that 12 million more households own pets in 2025 than did in 2023. With an increase in pet-friendly workplaces and pet ownership among younger adults, pet ownership continues to rise and become a goal for younger generations. Learn about other findings from the study.
Pets Help Heart Health
Pets are part of the family, but they are also beneficial to owners’ mental and physical health. Pets’ calming nature, companionship, and routine can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, promote a healthy diet and increase physical activity, which lowers owners’ risk of cardiac events. Learn more.
Responsible Pet Owners & Veterinarians Work Together to Prevent Parasite Infestations
Fleas, ticks, and mites in pets are not unusual, but without proper preventative care, they can become more than an irritation. Since these types of pests can carry serious diseases, it’s important that pet owners work with their veterinarians to maintain regular, up-to-date preventative care.
The Power of Pet Relationships
When a group of 717 people were asked to rate their relationship with their pet, child, romantic partner, and best friend based on thirteen characteristics, pet relationships were found to be as satisfying or more satisfying than owners’ closest human relationships. The unique correlation between companionship and caretaking enables pets to fulfill social needs differently […]
Which Animal Sleeps the Most?
Humans may sleep for one third of our lives, but most animals have us beat! Koalas, bats, and giant armadillos are the top three biggest sleepers in the animal kingdom, sleeping 18-22 hours a day. Learn more about the other sleepiest animals and even the most awake!