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.
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,” […]
Types of animal medicines
Medicines are essential for ensuring animal welfare, preventing diseases from passing between animals and humans, and protecting our food supply. Our industry’s products prevent, mitigate, and treat diseases that harm or endanger a wide range of domestic and food-producing animals. Check out what the American Veterinary Medicine Association says about animal medicines.
Parasites & Dog Parks: What You Need to Know
A study has identified parasites in feces collected from 85% of dog parks visited across the U.S. The most common intestinal parasites that are found in dog parks include Giardia, whipworms, and hookworms, with lower infection rates of roundworms and tapeworms.
Feline asthma, a progressive condition with no cure
If your cat wheezes, coughs, or hacks, it may have asthma. Symptoms can vary in intensity, ranging from acute respiratory crises to chronic, low-grade coughing, elevated respiratory rate, or increased respiratory effort. Flare-ups can vary in intensity from mild to life threatening. Although cats can never be truly “cured” of asthma, by carefully monitoring their […]
Smart tags for animals can help veterinarians stop the spread of disease
The digital technology in smart tags and sensors enable earlier diagnostics and targeted treatments, potentially restricting illnesses to single animals before they spread throughout herds. These devices can also provide consistent, real-time evaluation of livestock. Learn more here.
How therapy dogs are transforming lives in Philadelphia prisons
Earlier this year, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) and its healthcare partner YesCare announced a partnership with Comfort Caring Canines that introduce therapeutic dogs to the PDP jail population—offering a new approach to emotional support and comfort. Therapy dogs offer many benefits to the incarcerated population. Mentally, their presence helps reduce stress and anxiety while improving […]
Study: Therapy dogs help kids in ER skip anxiety meds
A new study from Wayne State University finds that therapy dogs may be just what the doctor ordered for kids experiencing anxiety in the emergency room. Research shows around 15% of children need medication or physical restraint just to get through treatment in the ER, adding to an already stressful situation for them and their parents. […]
We Keep 10.5 Billion Animals Healthy
The animal health industry serves nearly 400 million companion animals and more than 10 billion food-producing animals. Animal health products help domestic, farm, and performance animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, poultry, swine, and horses. Learn more.
Have you ever heard a horse cough?
With lungs almost twice the size of cattle lungs, horses have extremely large respiratory reserves. Unfortunately, horses are also susceptible to respiratory diseases that fall under the spectrum of equine asthma, such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Environmental factors such as pollen, poor air quality, and organic dust can irritate […]
Better Diagnostics Means Better Care
Accurate diagnostics curb the severity of animal disease by enabling more effective treatments and reducing the need for antibiotics.
Like part of the family
Research continues to reinforce what pet owners know: their animal companions can feel like part of the family. The human animal bond is stronger than ever before, and for good reason: owning pets provides emotional and physical benefits. Learn more.
Think your cat has a sweet tooth? Think again.
If you’ve ever wondered why your cat doesn’t lunge for your favorite cookie, it’s because most cats don’t crave sweets. Cats’ tastebuds are surprisingly different than humans. Learn all about your cat’s taste buds.
Pets are living longer
Pet life expectancy has increased. Each pet is different, but researchers have identified the key factors that are driving the overall increase in pets’ life expectancy. Read more from Health for Animals.
Animal Health Connects Public Health, Food Safety, & Sustainability
The animal health industry is committed to developing therapies that reduce animal suffering and improve animal well-being, but we need a more flexible, efficient, and productive regulatory review process that includes recognition of data that is submitted to other competent regulatory agencies around the world. The high cost and extended time required to gain […]
Jamie Brannan of Zoetis Elected AHI Board Chair
WASHINGTON, DC, May 13, 2025 – The Animal Health Institute’s Board of Directors today elected Jamie Brannan of Zoetis as Board Chair for the remainder of the 2024-26 term. Brannan is Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Zoetis. Richard R. DeLuca, Jr., Executive Vice President and President, Merck Animal Health, becomes Immediate Past […]