First broadly available, standardized Health Risk Assessment in veterinary medicine
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., December 1, 2014 – Zoetis is pleased to announce that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has selected the company’s Pet Wellness Report® (PWR) as AAHA’s exclusive Preferred Business Provider for Health Risk Assessments in veterinary medicine. AAHA accredited hospitals are traditionally on the forefront of advancing new approaches to medical care for companion animals. The endorsement lends credibility to this innovative communication tool, which further enhances veterinary wellness efforts.
The PWR is the first broadly available, standardized Health Risk Assessment for use in veterinary medicine. The report is designed to identify modifiable lifestyle risks, provide clues to early warning signs of disease, and facilitate client communication and education. PWR encourages greater pet owner involvement in the wellness care of their pet.
“Preferred Business Provider status from AAHA presents an excellent opportunity to share the benefits of the PWR with even more veterinarians,” said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP and group director of U.S. Companion Animal Veterinary Operations at Zoetis. “As a leading professional organization setting the standards for care in veterinary practice, this partnership is an ideal fit for both organizations to advance our shared commitment to the general wellness and Lifelong Care of companion animals.”
In a recent study sponsored by Zoetis of more than 400 dogs and 100 cats from 19 veterinary hospitals, newly diagnosed health problems were discovered in 36 percent of dogs and 28 percent of cats when coupling a traditional wellness visit with the PWR. What participants found surprising was that these animals had been declared clinically healthy during a traditional wellness exam less than 90 days prior.1
Additionally, perceptions of the PWR by pet owners and veterinarians were very positive:[1]
- 86 percent of pet owners indicated that they felt better informed about their pets’ health
- 82 percent of pet owners would recommend the PWR to a friend
- 81 percent of veterinarians agreed the PWR enhanced exam is more valuable for pet owners than a standard wellness exam
“The PWR supports AAHA’s mission to enhance the abilities of veterinarians to provide quality medical care to companion animals,” said AAHA CEO Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP. “It reinforces the importance of regular preventive care visits to veterinarians, while helping pets live longer, healthier lives. It also offers an opportunity to enhance the bond between client, pet, and veterinarian. As we learned in the 2014 AAHA State of the Industry, strong bonds are key to driving hospital growth.”2
About the Pet Wellness Report
The Pet Wellness Report is a Health Risk Assessment designed to complement the standard physical exam and pet history, to enhance veterinarians’ ability to obtain additional information around potential health risks or disease, and facilitate communication with their clients. Results are delivered in an easy-to-understand report that is provided to the pet owner and veterinarian with the goal of enhancing pet owner education and encouraging greater engagement in a pet’s overall health. The Pet Wellness Report is part of the Zoetis Lifelong Care Initiative. For more information on the PWR and full clinical trial results, veterinarians may contact their Zoetis sales representative, call 1-855-PWR-PETS (797-7387), or visit www.PetWellnessReport.com.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2013, the company generated annual revenues of $4.6 billion. With approximately 9,800 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2014, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 27 manufacturing facilities in 10 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
Zoetis is the proud sponsor, with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibitions, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit https://www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour/.