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.
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!
AHI Welcomes Callahan Nomination as Chief Ag Negotiator
The Animal Health Institute welcomes President Trump’s nomination of Julie Callahan to be the Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). “The President could not have found anyone better qualified for this important trade role than Julie Callahan,” said AHI President and CEO Martha Scott Poindexter. “Dr. Callahan has been […]
Make Sure Your Pet Doesn’t Give You Parasites
We love having our pets around, but pet owners should be extra vigilant about parasite prevention. The 2025 Pet Parasite Forecast from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) highlights the growing threat of vector-borne diseases across the United States.
Oregon Kids are Training Their Cats!
At Oregon State University, an extension study focuses on the positive effects training a cat can have on kids. The study encourages kids to use positive reinforcement and cat-led training to further their empathy, responsibility, and social skills.
Dogs in Medical School?
McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston has employed “inhouse” therapy dogs to lift students’ moods and help with their stress. Two employees of McGovern Medical School have trained their dogs to be therapy dogs, bringing them in regularly; meet Birdie and Scout, McGovern Medical School’s therapy dogs.
Even Gold Medalists Find Comfort in Their Pets
Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles has shared that her French Bulldogs, Lilo, and Rambo, help her mental health. Biles falls into the category of 95% of pet owners that rely on their pet for stress relief, sharing that her dogs help her stay grounded and provide her with unconditional love and support, especially in stressful […]
AHI Recognizes World Zoonoses Day
Animal health is public health, and World Zoonoses Day reminds us why that connection matters more than ever. July 6 is the anniversary of a major milestone in public health: the first successful vaccination against a zoonotic disease by Louis Pasteur in 1885. It serves as a reminder of what’s possible when veterinary medicine and […]
AHI Supports Reagan-Udall Foundation Report on Modernizing the Center for Veterinary Medicine
June 25, 2025 Statement by Martha Scott Poindexter, AHI CEO The Reagan-Udall Foundation Report entitled “Transforming Animal Health in the US for the 21st Century” makes a compelling case for modernizing the work and authorities of the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The report also makes several specific regulatory and legislative suggestions to accomplish the […]
AHI Names Gene Harrington Senior Director of State Affairs
WASHINGTON, DC, June 24, 2025 – Animal Health Institute CEO Martha Scott Poindexter today announced Gene Harrington has been named Senior Director, State Affairs. Harrington comes to AHI from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) where he has held a similar position for the past three years. “We are excited to have Gene joining our team,” […]