The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved a novel injectable form of BRAVECTO QUANTUM.

It makes Australia the first country to gain approval for the novel injectable which is used for the control of paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) for 12 months, the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations for 12 months, the control of brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus ) for 11 months, and the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).

Eric Flanagan, General Manager of Australia and New Zealand at MSD Animal Health, said that MSD has always been committed to ensuring veterinarians are at the forefront of pet owner education and advice when it comes to their products.

“BRAVECTO QUANTUM is no exception; we are excited that Australia is the first country in the world to launch this game-changing treatment that can only be administered by or under supervision of veterinarians. We firmly believe veterinarians are best placed to explain the efficacy and compliance benefits of BRAVECTO QUANTUM to dog owners.”

Unique to Australia’s eastern seaboard is the paralysis tick, the single most dangerous parasite for dogs with just one tick capable of causing paralysis and even death, highlighting the importance of this announcement.

Dr Jason Drake, Director, Scientific Marketing Affairs, Global Companion Animal Parasiticides, at MSD Animal Health, said though we typically think of paralysis tick season occurring during the summer months, we know these deadly parasites can be a threat year-round.

“Similarly, fleas can strike at any time during the year. Missed doses of monthly treatments leave gaps in protection; with a once-yearly dosing, BRAVECTO QUANTUM provides a long duration of protection, simplifying paralysis tick and flea protection for both pet owners and veterinarians, which promotes compliance and ensures continuous year-long protection.”

The active ingredient in BRAVECTO QUANTUM is fluralaner, an isoxazoline that has been used by veterinarians to protect dogs from fleas and ticks since 2014. The unique crystallized fluralaner in suspension allows for sustained effective levels of active ingredient to be maintained as the fluralaner is gradually absorbed from the site of the injection, providing ongoing efficacy against fleas and paralysis ticks for 12 months and efficacy against brown dog ticks for 11 months.

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published draft guidance to improve sustainability claims made by businesses.

The ACCC’s recent greenwashing internet sweep found that 57 per cent of businesses reviewed were making potentially misleading environmental claims.

Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the ACCC, said As consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses need to be honest and transparent when making environmental or sustainability claims so consumers are not being misled.

“False or misleading claims can undermine consumer trust in all green claims, particularly when consumers are often paying higher prices based on these claims.

“Similarly, businesses that are taking genuine steps to adopt sustainable practices are put at a competitive disadvantage by businesses that engage in ‘greenwashing’ without incurring the same costs.”

Cass-Gottlieb said that the draft guidance sets out what the ACCC considers to be good practice when businesses make environmental claims about their products and services, with eight practical principles for businesses to apply when making the claims.

“Businesses must provide clear, accurate and trustworthy information to consumers about any environmental or sustainability claims and be able to provide evidence to back them up.

“If you make a claim about the environmental or sustainability benefits of your product or service – make sure it’s right, and if you are unsure or can’t substantiate these claims, then don’t make the claim,” said Cass-Gottlieb.

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The finalists for the 2023 Comedy Pet Photo Awards have been announced, with 25 shortlisted images included.

The awards were created by professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam to celebrate the positive and vital role that pets have in our lives and to encourage engagement around animal welfare.

The shortlisted images will now be judged by a panel that includes Kate Humble, Mel Geidroyc, Emma Milne, and Elke Vogelsang, with winners announced on 11 August.

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New research shows that 73 per cent of pet owners don’t have their pet insured, with Baby Boomers being the largest generation cohort who don’t have pet insurance.

Data from Compare the Market revealed that 81.75 per cent of Baby Boomers don’t have pet insurance, with Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials following with 74.17 per cent, 68.09 per cent, and 66.13 per cent respectively.

Adrian Taylor, General Manager of General Insurance and pet insurance expert, said the findings are worrying.

“Most of us know how mischievous pets can be, especially puppies and kittens, from digging holes in your backyard to tearing into your sock drawers or finding a hidden box of treats. However, as much as some of these behaviours can be seen as cute or funny, one wrong move and your pet could become critically ill or injured.”

On average, Australian pet owners took their pet to the emergency vet 1.8 times in the 12 months prior to May 2023, with the average largest bill being $2,171.

“We’ve seen time and time again just how far people are willing to go to save a family pet, yet not everyone can splash thousands of dollars at the drop of a hat.

“This is why pet insurance is so important. It can come in and cushion the financial strain that may be holding people back from making life-saving decisions quickly. And while people may be paying just over $70 a month for peace of mind, we know that there are some great pet insurance policies that are out there for cheaper or maybe better value than their current policy,” said Taylor.

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A South Australian pet shop owner has been convicted of animal cruelty after snakes in his care were found to be in poor health.

The charge related to two Moriela Jungle Jag pythons and an Albino Carpet Python, which the 66-year-old man had failed to provide with appropriate heating lights and living conditions. The snakes were seized by RSPCA inspectors in September 2019.

The Albino Carpet Python was suffering with respiratory disease, hypothermia, and mites, but recovered with treatment, while the two Moriela Jungle Jag pythons had to be euthanised.

The enclosures housing the reptiles appeared to have UV light and purple heat lights. However, temperatures recorded inside the enclosures were within the range of 17.2 to 24.1 degrees Celsius. The recommended temperature for reptile enclosures is between 28 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Prior to leaving the property, the defendant and his wife were issued seven Animal Welfare Notices by Inspectors requiring specific improvements to living conditions within a certain timeframe.

The defendant’s records showed that since 1 January 2019, 36 of 100 reptiles purchased or gifted had died.

At the Elizabeth Magistrates Court, Magistrate Christopher Smolicz said that this was not trivial offending, and that cruelty and mistreatment of animals is all too prevalent in our community, with the offending being hard to detect.

His Honour further stated that the community’s expectation was that animals had to be treated well and that pets cannot look after themselves or speak for themselves when there is an issue, so they are totally reliant on humans to do the right thing.

The defendant stated that he was in the process of winding up the sale of snakes and that the store is down to its last eight, and he will not be seeking to renew his permit to keep exotic animals.

He was convicted and received a 12-month, $500 Good Behaviour Bond.

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A partnership between Zoetis and Beyond Blue aims to raise $100,000 to support rural mental health initiatives by the end of 2023.

Over the past seven years, the partnership has raised $700,000 for the Beyond Blue Support Service by donating $5 from each sale of the company’s livestock, pig, and poultry vaccines and drenches.

Lance Williams, Senior Vice President and Cluster Lead, Australia and New Zealand, at Zoetis, said Zoetis works closely with rural Australia through interactions with the country’s farming community, agricultural stores, veterinarians and their families.

“The farming community has endured many challenges over the years. Through economic insecurity, social isolation, loneliness, and insecure work, we’re seeing an increase in many of the factors that drive mental health challenges. Rural Australia and country people are stoic and display considerable courage, however, the impact on mental health has been significant for many.”

Patrice O’Brien, Chief Community Officer at Beyond Blue, said social connections are closely tied to our physical and mental wellbeing.

“Feeling connected with others can reduce stress and build resilience. Having someone to talk to and support you is important. People in rural Australia are known for their resilience in times of crisis, but even the most resilient need extra support at times. Timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of a mental health condition in rural areas are likely to occur later or not at all, often resulting in an increased probability of the most tragic of outcomes. We want everyone to know that support is available.”

Between 15 July and 31 October 2023, each sale of company’s livestock, pig and poultry vaccines and drenches, Zoetis will donate $5, up to $100,000, to Beyond Blue.

Williams said the money raised goes directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service to continue helping people living in remote areas.

“To date, thanks to Zoetis’s donation, over 14,000 people have been able to get the support they need through the service. Together we have made strong progress in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who live in rural Australia, and we are passionate about helping again this year.”

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Nestled in the harbourside city of Coffs Harbour in NSW’s mid-north coast, Brontosaurus Pet Super Centre has been under the care of Prue and Jock Fisher since 2011.

With a passion for pets and a deep-rooted love for animals, the Fisher’s embarked on a journey to create a pet store that would be a one-stop destination for all things furry, feathery, scaly, and finned. Over the years, Brontosaurus has evolved, expanded, and become an integral part of the lives of countless pet parents.

Prue Fisher, Owner of Brontosaurus Pet Super Centre, said they want all customers to have a positive and interactive experience when coming to the store.

“We encourage our customers to bring in their pets, so they too can enjoy the Brontosaurus experience. Our staff are super passionate about pets and love helping customers be the best pet parents they can be.

“We want to match the right person or family to the right pet to ensure they enjoy the many benefits of bringing a pet into their life. We are solution focused and aim for all customers to leave with a new piece of info that may help them be a better pet parent.”

Brontosaurus is not just a store; it’s a reflection of a local family’s love for animals. The Fisher’s, along with their three children, can often be found at the store, personally attending to customers and their pets’ needs. With a menagerie of their own at home, they understand the laughter, responsibility, and unconditional love that pets bring into people’s lives.

“We are passionate about educating people on being the best pet parents they can be to ensure their pets live happy healthy lives. We love it when people bring their Bronto babies back in-store for cuddles, weigh-ins, nail trims, baths, or just to say hi, as it gives us such a unique opportunity to maintain a relationship with the animal for its life,” explained Fisher.

In-store experience

Upon stepping into Brontosaurus Pet Super Centre, one is greeted by a vibrant and colourful space that mirrors the store’s logo. The layout has been meticulously designed to guide customers through various animal departments, keeping them engaged at every turn.

“Each department has an animal enclosure and products for that animal. Fish are displayed on the right-hand side of the shop, which you walk past to get to the grooming room, puppies, and birds. Dog and fish sections are at the front of the shop as they are the most popular department. Big bags of dog food and poultry food are at the front of the shop for ease.”

What sets Brontosaurus apart from its competitors is its extensive range of products and the expertise of their staff. With Katie Sippel, Manager of Brontosaurus, boasting more than 20 years of experience, customers can trust the guidance and advice they receive.

“We like to source products from smaller suppliers with unique products and to promote Australian made products. We also sell animals, so there is an immediate point of difference – you can see them, hear them, smell them, and interact with them. Whether it’s a rescue kitten or cat, a hand raised bird, a rabbit, or a fish – the vibrancy and life that animals bring to the store is a definite point of difference.”

Like any business, Brontosaurus has faced its fair share of challenges. Relocating the store in 2013 was a daunting task, but with the support of their incredible staff, they managed to transition smoothly to new premises located nearby.

“We spent many a late night wheeling, driving, and carrying stock from one premises to the next. It was a very hectic few months but well worth it.”

Another hurdle that had to be tackled head-on was the negative perceptions some people associate with pet stores.

“We believe that pet shops play a vital role in maintaining the standard of animal welfare and educating customers about pet health. People want pets, and we believe that a pet shop is a great avenue to acquire one, rather than the internet, which offers no options for follow up questions or care.

“Each animal has a very specific set of requirements to ensure their health and wellbeing and our staff have a wealth of knowledge and enjoy sharing this expertise.”

Community minded

The store has already achieved significant milestones in recent years, such as being crowned the Just For Pets Retailer of the Year in both 2014 and 2021.

“We have been members of Just for Pets throughout the whole time we have owned the store, which has been invaluable to us given it was a steep learning curve. Just For Pets has provided us with networking, marketing, and buying opportunities to ensure our business continues to be successful, something we would not have been able to achieve on our own.”

Moreover, they have successfully weathered the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring the wellbeing of their staff and customers throughout.

But their commitment to animals doesn’t end at their store’s walls; Brontosaurus has also partnered with a rescue group and successfully rehomed more than 1000 cats and kittens, ensuring they find loving forever homes.

“We believe giving back to our local community, who support us, is super important. We sponsor the local rugby union and hockey clubs and lots of gift vouchers and pooch packs have been provided for local schools and pre-schools. We also do a local shout out on Sunday on social media as supporting local business is the key to communities thriving.”

This article originally appeared in the 2023 Winter Issue of Pet Industry News.

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Pet Fair Asia 2023 will celebrate its 25(th) anniversary in August in Shanghai holding its largest ever edition up to date.

Pet Fair Asia, the leading pet industry platform in Asia, will take place from 16(th) to 20(th) of August in Shanghai, China. The demand for participation at the show has been unprecedented and the entire exhibiting space at the Shanghai New International Expo Center will be fully occupied, setting a new record in the Pet Fair Asia’s history. 2,200+ exhibitors in 230,000 sqm will showcase the pet industry in Asia and beyond in a 360 degree coverage. This year’s edition holds a significant meaning for Pet Fair Asia as it also marks the 25th anniversary of the show.

The show will bring together global high-end pet brands, innovative products, and technologies, gathering leading companies and professionals in the pet industry. It will serve as a platform for mainstream manufacturers, distributors, retailers, overseas industry experts, expanding networks, facilitating direct communication, and igniting new perspectives for industry development.

A series of concurrent events will also take place, such as the International Pet Industry Summit (IPIS) – Asian CEO Summit, Asia Pet Veterinary Conference, Pet Asia Supply Conference and several industry-themed forums such as the Pet Shop Asia and Asia Pet Alliance Star Camp, which will serve as guiding events for the pet industry.

For more information: https://www.petfairasia.com/en/

To obtain a free entrance ticket for visiting the event: https://ali6.infosalons.com.cn/vscenter/visitor/v2login.aspx?&exh=UVGMADOU

Company / event contact details: info@petfairasia.com

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The Petbarn Foundation has set itself the lofty goal of raising over $1 million in its 10^th annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal.

As a long-term partner of Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, Petbarn Foundation has raised over $6.169 million for the organisation since 2014, helping train 125 puppies for Australians who are blind or have low vision.

Janelle Bloxsom, Manager of Petbarn Foundation, said they are so grateful for the support from the community for the Petbarn Foundation Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal over the years.

“We are aiming to again reach the $1 million milestone with 100 per cent of donations going directly to Vision Australia to help train-up Seeing Eye Dogs puppies and make an invaluable difference to the lives of another 20 Australians.”

Vision Australia estimates there are 453,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision, with this number expected to increase to 564,000 by 2030. Costing over $50,000 and up to two years to train a Seeing Eye Dog, donations help greatly.

Ron Hooton, CEO of Vision Australia, said by donating, you’re not only helping them train and provide Seeing Eye Dogs to Aussies who need them, but you’re giving someone the gift of greater independence.

“On behalf of the team at Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, I want to say a big thank you to all the Petbarn customers who have supported us over the past 10 years, we really appreciate it.

“We’re looking forward to the next 10 years continuing to help Australians who are blind or have low vision by training up as many Seeing Eye Dogs as possible.”

Rolf Geerlings, a recipient of Seeing Eye Dogs, said his first dog Echo changed his life and the pair were inseparable until Echo retired, but remained with Geerlings, and he met his current Seeing Eye Dog, Stella.

“When you have low vision, you can be surrounded by a crowd and still feel utterly alone. But all it takes is a little lick from my faithful companion to reassure me that everything will be ok and that I’ll never be alone.

“These wonderful dogs—they transform your life. Without the generous help from Petbarn, we couldn’t lead a normal life.”

Australians are encouraged to ‘Train-up a pup’ by donating at Petbarn stores or online to support the training and expertise needed to turn puppies in to Seeing Eye Dogs.

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The Oz Top Dog competition is back for its third year in Australia, with a prize pack valued at $1000 for the winner.

The competition, supported by people2people Recruitment and Indeed, has three categories in which dogs can be entered – Top Office Dog, Top Dog with a Job, and Top Dog People’s Choice.

Catherine Kennedy, Managing Director of people2people Recruitment, said they’re expecting 2023 to be bigger and better than ever.

“Since the rise of remote work, dogs at work and dogs that work have been well recognised for their positive impact on our mental health. In the last three years of this campaign in Australia, we have received countless entries showcasing how dogs can improve your wellbeing, whether you’re working from the office or from home, and this is without mentioning the contribution of working dogs.”

A recent online poll conducted by people2people Recruitment found that over three in five employees would be more likely to go into the office if there was a dog and that 53.7 per cent stated they would be more likely to come in if they could bring their four-legged friend.

Rachael Townsley, Marketing Director at Indeed, said the company’s research revealed that 30 per cent of Australians adopted a pet in the last three years.

“The most enthusiastic pet adopters are millennials with 50 per cent of them owning a pet, compared to just 17 per cent of baby boomers. Given the proven positive impact dogs have on people inside and outside of the workplace, we’re thrilled to be a part of this meaningful initiative and are excited to see the entries roll in.”

Entries are open now until 13 August, 2023, with winners announced on 25 August, coinciding with International Dog Day on 26 August.

To enter, simply visit oztopdog.com.au, complete the entry form, and upload a upload a photo of your dog to Instagram with the appropriate hashtags.

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