Veterinary students in the US will receive complimentary Human-Animal Bond Certification throughout 2025, courtesy of a sponsorship from Zoetis. The no-cost certification initiative was announced Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).

“Zoetis and the NAVC are leaders in the veterinary profession and amazing partners for HABRI,” Steven Feldman, president of HABRI, said in a news release.

 “So many students will benefit from their deep commitment to the human-animal bond.”

The Human-Animal Bond Certification program was launched in 2018 to provide a formal understanding of the science and research of health benefit to pet ownership and human-animal interaction. According to NAVC, the program also aims to generate knowledge of how veterinary professionals can best utilize their education and experience to promote the health and wellbeing of pets and their owners.

Gene O’Neill, CEO of the NAVC, said the organization’s mission is to create unparalleled opportunities for fostering lifelong learning, encourage growth and promote wellbeing aimed at advancing worldwide animal care. “Providing free human-animal bond certification to veterinary students checks all those boxes and provides an invaluable foundation for veterinary students to provide the best care and support to their patients and clients. We are grateful for the support Zoetis is providing through this initiative and for their longstanding commitment and leadership to enhance understanding and benefits of the human-animal bond,” O’Neill said in a news release.

A 2024 Mars Global Pet Parent Study found that 56% of people worldwide own pets, and there is a global pet population of about 1 billion. Thus, investigators found that understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important.

Earlier this year, the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) was launched by Mars Inc. The PAWS program, which investigates the effects that cats and dogs have on human health and wellbeing, is designed to be a 5-year initiative. More than 35,000 individuals in more than 20 countries are expected to participate in the study during its’ initial phase. PAWS intends to provide new insights and scientific data for how pets may enrich human lives and how this bond contributes to quality of life for animals.

The Human-Animal Bond Certification course explores the scientific benefits for veterinary staff, owners, and animals. It addresses how to establish and promote a strong human-animal bond through the analysis of animal welfare. It also discusses the science and animal welfare essential to the human-animal bond, which includes understanding the neurological mechanisms of the bond, the scientific benefits of pet ownership, and the health advantages of various human-animal interactions.

“The Human-Animal Bond Certification program will equip future veterinary professionals with essential knowledge and skills they need to boost the health and well-being of both pets and their owners. This initiative underscores our commitment to lifelong learning and promoting the vital benefits of the human-animal bond,” Richard Goldstein, DVM, global chief medical officer and head of medical affairs for Zoetis, said in the news release.

Veterinary students interested in registering for the human-animal bond certification should visit the VetFolio digital platform, available online. Participating students can learn how to incorporate HAB principles into daily practice operations, using protocols that maximize doctor-client interactions, tips for identifying and eliminating elements that hinder the human-animal bond during visits, recommendations for veterinary nurses to support the bond, and a human-animal bond focused approach to end-of-life care and euthanasia, according to the NAVC.

Zoetis, NAVC and HABRI team up to provide free human-animal bond certification to veterinary students across the US. News release. March 19, 2025.

Crossley KC. Global study of the human animal bond is launched. 

. February 20, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/global-study-of-the-human-animal-bond-is-launched

Articles

The North American Veterinary Community and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute collaborate on the program sponsored by Zoetis.

Human-animal bond certification offered to veterinary students at no cost

ELIAS Animal Health, a companion animal cancer therapeutics company, shared today that the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (USDA CVB) issued a full approval for its ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI). This latest treatment is the first autologous prescription product to receive approval from the USDA-CVB for treating canine osteosarcoma.

“At ELIAS Animal Health, our commitment to advancing animal health and improving the lives of pets and their families is at the core of everything we do,” said Tammie Wahaus, CEO of ELIAS Animal Health, in an organizational release.

 “The approval of ECI represents the culmination of years of dedicated research and development, and we are proud to offer a new treatment option that meets the highest regulatory standards and offers significant benefits to both veterinarians and their patients.”

According to the organizational release, ECI works by first conditioning the immune system to recognize the patient’s unique cancer, then delivers an ‘army’ of activated killer T cells that target and then attack the cancer cells. The treatment is administered at authorized treatment centers, which has 100 locations across the United States. In order the pursue ECI, the decision must be made prior to surgery so cancer tissue can be collected to manufacture treatment. Any veterinary professionals interested in learning more to educate their clients, or become an authorized treatment center, are encouraged to contact ELIAS Animal Health.

“Immunotherapies such as ECI® are at the forefront of new treatment options which use the patient’s own immune system to fight their cancer,” expressed Noe Reyes, DVM, chief medical officer of ELIAS Animal Health. “We are excited to bring the first licensed adoptive cell therapy to the veterinary community and provide clinicians with an important new treatment option.””

On January 17, 2024, ELIAS Animal Health announced that the USDA CVB determined data from the ELIAS ECI-OSA-04 pivotal combined safety and efficacy study showed a reasonable expectation of efficacy, which is a crucial milestone for the licensure pathway.

ECI-OSA-04 is one of the largest clinical trials conducted in canine oncology, and the first of its kind to evaluate adoptive cell therapy for treating cancer in canine patients.

The study is a 2-armed field safety and efficacy study to determine if ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy worked. In order to participate, patients must complete a 7-11 week protocol was conducted at 10 sites across the US, plus periodic follow up visits, Treatment includes limb-sparing surgery to remove primary tumor, followed by vaccine-enhanced adoptive T cell therapy combined with a novel adjuvant, and then be monitored for 12 months post-diagnosis.

“We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone with our first cancer product,” Wahaus expressed when the news of the study was announced.

. “I want to thank the pet owners who enrolled their dogs in the ECI-OSA-04 study, the veterinarians for their perseverance to complete the study during a pandemic, and my team for their tireless dedication. We are excited to bring this advanced personalized medicine to the veterinary market and provide a new tool in the fight against cancer.”

ELIAS Animal Health Receives Full Approval from USDA for the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®), First-In-Class Treatment for Canine Osteosarcoma. News release. ELIAS Animal Health. March 19, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025.

Canine Osteosarcoma Limb-Sparing Clinical Trial (ECIP-OSA-01). ELIAS Animal Health. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://eliasanimalhealth.com/clinical-trials/canine-osteosarcoma-limb-sparing/

USDA Agrees Clinical Trial Data for the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®) Demonstrates Reasonable Expectation of Efficacy for the Treatment of Bone Cancer in Dogs. News release. ELIAS Animal Health. January 17, 2024. Accessed March 19, 2025. 

https://eliasanimalhealth.com/press-releases/usda-agrees-eci-demonstrates-reasonable-expectation-efficacy-canine-cancer/

ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy is an adoptive cell therapy treatment for canine osteosarcoma 

USDA approves new canine cancer therapy 

Amanda Shelby talks about what an ECG can and can't tell you

Amanda Shelby interview ECG

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, Amanda Shelby, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia; Analgesia), talks about the importance of considering patient history, comorbidities, and anticipated complications alongside monitoring equipment readings to achieve optimal anesthetic management and patient safety.

Amanda Shelby, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia; Analgesia): 

Hi, I'm Amanda Shelby. Super excited to be speaking at Fetch. If you couldn't catch it live, of course, we hope to have an on-demand viewing of this outstanding lecture. This, again, is in live person. In person will be interactive, and the key feature to this presentation, what is happening, reading between the lines, is to put the whole clinical picture in front of you in a controlled setting, obviously in a classroom-esque setting, but case-based anesthetic, real-life monitoring situations that I've accumulated over the 20-plus years in the field of anesthesia, of unique things and sometimes common things that we see. I'll share with you a video or a clip with a little bit of background about a patient, and you get to see if you can figure out with the clinical information I provide you what you think is happening by reading between the lines. So the key points here to drive home critical thinking, taking into consideration your patient's history, any comorbidities, what anesthetics they have, what anticipated complications associated with the comorbidities and procedure they're undergoing, looking at those monitors, taking in that information that I provide you, and coming to a conclusion on what you think is happening, and even better, what you think the treatment should be to turn that case around. So that's what you hope to achieve, or what I hope you can enjoy and achieve from this presentation of reading between the lines.

Yeah, so in a clinical situation under anesthesia, or in a patient that's sedated, or one I'm getting prepared to put under anesthesia, as soon as we induce a patient, or even when we give a medication, the three key things that, you know, we don't need to make this super complicated, the three key things: does it have a pulse? Is it breathing? And what is its level of anesthetic depth? And that probably relates more to already being unconscious. But is it going to jump up and leave the table, or are we on a pathway towards undesirable outcomes from there? It's attaching monitoring equipment and learning about what that monitoring equipment tells you and perhaps what it doesn't tell you, and then always being able to reach under there and look at your patient. Now I realize some procedures make it a little more challenging than others to see your patient, but comparing what does your patient show you with what does your monitor show you, and what did you anticipate to happen is really what I find to be key in getting those key foundations in place, those foundational bricks in place to being a true, outstanding anesthetist. So I do hope that you can take away some of those nuggets from this "Reading Between the Lines" presentation to build that foundation.

Videos

Amanda Shelby, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia; Analgesia), urges clinicians to "read between the lines" of anesthetic cases to improve their diagnostic and treatment skills

Critical thinking and anesthetic monitoring

According to registration statistics by the American Kennel Club (AKC)—a nonprofit organization maintaining a registry of purebred dogs—the French bulldog was the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2024. This marks the third consecutive year that the breed has claimed the top spot.

“The Frenchie has solidified itself as America’s sweetheart, and it’s no surprise why. They are fabulous companions for a variety of people,” Gina DiNardo, AKC executive secretary said in an organizational release.

2024's 10 most popular dog breeds in the US

Although the French bulldog remains at the top of the list of dog registrations the US, Cane Corsos have seen an increase in registrations since the breed was recognized by the AKC in 2010, according to the organization. Over the past 10 years, the Cane Corso has advanced from 47th place in 2014 to 14th 2024—a 414% increase.

“...the Cane Corso is one to watch, as it has consistently increased in popularity since becoming recognized,” said DiNardo.

 “Corsi are majestic and intensely loyal, but not for everyone. As with any breed, we can’t stress enough the importance of doing your research to find the right breed for your lifestyle and to ensure that you’re getting a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder.”

Other breeds that have moved up or down the registrations list in 2024 include

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Went from #72 in 2023 to #63 in 2024

Chinese Crested: Went from #79 in 2023 to #68 in 2024

American Staffordshire Terrier: Went from #95 in 2023 to #77 in 2024

American Eskimo Dog: Went from #129 in 2023 to #116 in 2024

Bracco Italiano: Went from #152 in 2023 to #132 in 2024

German Pinscher: Went from #151 in 2023 to #133 in 2024

Breeds that have shown large increases in popularity over the last decade include the Boykin Spaniel, which rose from 108th place in 2014 to 65th in 2024; the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, moving from 99th to 69th place; and the Beauceron, which advanced from 145th to 100th place.

Addressing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in general practice

Recognized as a breed in 1898 by the AKC, the French bulldog has an average height of 11 to 13 inches and typically weighs under 28 lbs. Moreover, this breed has a life expectancy of 11 to 12 years.

French bulldogs, according the AKC, are playful, smart, and adaptable animals that are affectionate with family. Moreover, these dogs do not bark often, typically only barking to alert owners, and do not require much outdoor exercise.

These dogs have a “front-heavy” structure that render them unable to swim.

 Due to their flat faces, French bulldogs are susceptible to breathing problems, making them ill-suited for hot or humid weather.

 Their flat faces also make them more sensitive to anesthesia.

Health conditions observed in this breed include cherry eye, entropion, skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders.

 According to the AKC, the National Breed Club recommends French bulldogs obtain a patella, hip, and ophthalmologist evaluation, as well as a cardiac examination.

America has spoken! French bulldog remains the most pup-ular breed for the third consecutive year. News release. American Kennel Club. March 18, 2025.

French bulldog. American Kennel Club. Accessed March 18, 2025. 

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/

The American Kennel Club has released the top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2024

2024 most popular dog breed is announced

On March 15, 2025, Savage Pet Food located in El Cajon, California, announced the recall of 66 Large Chicken Boxes 84 oz, and 74 Small Chicken Boxes 21 oz, because it has the potential to contain H5N1. The products have an affected lot/best by date of 11152026. The recalled products were distributed to retailers located in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

“In February, Savage Pet was made aware of one cat in Colorado who contracted H5N1, got sick and recovered. Colorado State University Laboratory tested sealed packets of Savage Cat Food using PCR testing for H5N1. The PCR test results were “non-negative” for lot number 11152026 (chicken packets). The product with “non-negative” PCR results was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa for virus isolation testing,” Savage Pet announced in a letter to its consumers.

“As a precautionary measure for our consumers, we initiated a market withdrawal while awaiting final test results. On 02/17/25 every retailer who may have received the lot code in question was contacted and informed to return it for proper destruction,” it continued.

On March 6, 2025, the NSVL confirmed through virus isolation testing results that the virus was negative. Following this, on March 13, 2025, Savage Pet was notifed of an additional case in New York of a kitten that was fed lot 11152026 and was confirmed to have avian flu. Further testing is ongoing.

Clients that fed their pets the recalled products are instructed by the FDA to look out for symptoms of H5N1, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, difficult breathing, discharge from the eyes, and neurological systems such as tremors, seizure, lack of coordination, stiff body movements, or blindness. If a cat is showing these signs after ingesting the product, the client should contact their veterinarian immediately.

From poultry to public health: Understanding the H5N1 threat

At this point in time, no human H5N1 infections have been identified in people handling raw pet food products, but humans can become infected if the live virus enters their eyes, nose, or mouth. Veterinarians should instruct any clients that handled the recalled products to watch for symptoms, including runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, fatigue, fever, headaches, seizure, trouble breathing, rash, nausea and/or vomiting, and diarrhea. If any clients exhibit these symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider and local health department.

“Savage Pet has always been dedicated to the health of its feline consumers. All of our poultry ingredients are USDA-inspected and passed for human consumption. Our suppliers follow the National Poultry Improvement Plan which monitors for H5/H7 and work under daily USDA inspection. Savage Pet has adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices and sanitation standard operating procedures for 10 years,” the company expressed.

“All retailers who may have received the product with lot code/best by date of 11152026 which was sold in Large and Small Chicken Boxes in November 2024 have been contacted. Any consumers who may still have the affected lot code are urged to return it to their retailer for a full refund,” it continued.

Savage Pet is not the first cat food company to issue a recall over its feline raw pet food diet. In February 2025, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Agriculture issued a warning to pet owners feeding their pets of raw pet food after multiple indoor cats were diagnosed with avian influenza.

 After consulting with their veterinarian, the owners decided to euthanize their cats based on the severity of their illness. When officials looked into potential sources of the illness, they discovered all of the infected cats were fed the same brand of raw pet food.

Savage Pet Recalls Savage Cat Food Chicken – Large and Small Boxes Because of Possible Bird Flu Health Risk. US Food and Drug Administration. March 15, 2025. Accessed March 18, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/savage-pet-recalls-savage-cat-food-chicken-large-and-small-boxes-because-possible-bird-flu-health

Avian Influenza. Savage Pet. Updated March 14, 2025. Accessed March 18, 2025. 

https://savagecatfood.com/avian-influenza/

McCafferty C. WSDA and ODA identifies raw pet food as source of bird flu infections. dvm360. Published February 18, 2025. Accessed March 18, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/wsda-and-oda-identifies-raw-pet-food-as-source-of-bird-flu-infections

Savage Pet recalled large and small boxes of its cat food chicken due to potential
avian influenza risks

Additional cat food company announces recall over H5N1 concerns

My story isn’t one of flawless victories or a straight, unwavering path. It’s a story woven with threads of triumph and heartbreak, a testament to the beautifully imperfect human journey from the quiet fields of Gujrat to the fulfilling, yet challenging, world of veterinary medicine.

Born into a middle-class family, I was cradled in the simple rhythms of rural life. My father, a farmer weathered by sun and toil, instilled in me a quiet strength and respect for the earth. My mother, a teacher before marriage reshaped her path, kindled my love for learning and instilled a sense of endless possibility. As the eldest son, I carried their hopes and dreams of a brighter future, which had an unspoken expectation in medicine – a path of prestige and security, a way to elevate our family’s standing. I, too, embraced this vision, eager to prove myself worthy.

Our home, a haven of earthy scents and gentle sounds, was shared with the creatures that worked alongside us: buffaloes with soulful eyes, cows that patiently grazed. These animals weren’t just livestock; they were part of our family, their lives intertwined with ours. Even then, a quiet empathy stirred within me, a connection to their silent needs and unspoken vulnerabilities.

However, life, as it often does, took an unexpected turn. As I neared the end of my schooling, grief descended upon our family like a dark cloud. The loss of my mother was a seismic event, a rending of the fabric of our lives. The pain was a constant companion, blurring my focus and dimming my ambition. The dream of medical school, once so clear, now seemed distant and unattainable.

Disappointment gnawed at me, but fate, ever the unpredictable storyteller, nudged me in a different direction: veterinary college. It wasn’t the path I had envisioned, yet as I stepped onto campus, something resonated deep within me. The animals, often voiceless and vulnerable, drew me in and needed someone to advocate for them, to heal their wounds and ease their suffering.

The first semester was a rude awakening. I was adrift, lacking the foundational knowledge many of my classmates possessed. Doubt crept in, whispering insidious lies about my abilities. My grades reflected my inner turmoil, and I feared I was failing both myself and my family. It became a time when I questioned everything.

Despondent, I returned home, unsure of my next step. My father, a man of few words but profound wisdom, shared a simple story. He spoke of a horse race, not the spectacle of the leading steed, but of the quiet strength of the horse lagging behind, the one that seemed all but defeated. That horse, he explained, often held back its energy, biding its time, gathering its strength for a final, explosive burst of speed. It was a lesson in perseverance, a reminder that true strength often lies in the ability to endure, to rise from the depths of adversity.

That story became my lifeline. I returned to college with a renewed sense of purpose and a burning desire to prove myself, not to meet expectations, but also honor the memory of my mother and sacrifices of my father. I became a dedicated student, immersing myself in the world of animal health. I also made a conscious choice to embrace a more balanced life. I joined the football team, finding camaraderie and a physical outlet for my pent-up emotions. Our team’s victory was a testament to our collective spirit, a reminder that even in individual pursuits, we are stronger together.

Years passed, filled with late-night study sessions, challenging exams, and the heart-wrenching realities of animal suffering. Yet, with each obstacle overcome, my passion deepened, my resolve strengthened. I rose through the ranks, eventually earning a place among the top students in my class. This wasn’t just about grades; it was about growth, about discovering my own potential and finding my place in the world.

Now, as I approach graduation, I stand on the precipice of a dream fulfilled. I am poised to become a veterinarian, healer, and an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. My journey was not easy, but it has been profoundly human. I’ve learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a source of strength and the importance of empathy, of connecting with others on a deeply emotional level.

My aim in sharing this narrative is to offer solace and inspiration to those who may feel lost or discouraged. Even in the face of adversity, we have the power to overcome and transform pain into purpose. Embrace your imperfections, they are what make you uniquely you. Never abandon your dreams, and always, always remember that the greatest strength lies not in perfection, but in the courage to keep moving forward, one imperfect step at a time. Let your own journey, with all its stumbles and triumphs, be your greatest inspiration.

 is a fourth-year DVM student at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan.

He is an ambassador of dvm360 and aspires to become an excellent veterinarian, specializing in exotics and small animals. Suhair Ahmed aspires to become a certified board veterinarian for exotic mammals in the future.

A testament to the imperfectly human journey