New Insights into Pet Health: Mars Veterinary Health Unveils 2024 Science Impact Report
Mars Veterinary Health has released its inaugural Science Impact Report: Pets, Purpose & Progress: Synergizing Research and Clinical Excellence, which outlines the company’s contributions to veterinary science in 2024.
The report reflects Mars Veterinary Health’s focus on advancing evidence-based veterinary medicine to support high-quality pet care worldwide, spanning wellness, preventive, specialty, and emergency services. The company’s investments in clinical research across its global network—including AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospital, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Linnaeus, and VCA Animal Hospitals—are aligned with its commitment to clinical excellence and its purpose of promoting a better world for pets.
Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, Global Chief Medical Officer at Mars Veterinary Health, noted, "As part of a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience in veterinary services, we are committed to leveraging the knowledge across our global practices and investing in data-driven insights to improve veterinary care."
Veterinary research, which contributes to advancements benefiting both animals and humans, plays a significant role in public health. Featured studies in the report contribute to the One Health concept and address topics such as COVID-19 and pharmaceutical stewardship. Mars Veterinary Health also conducted research in 2024 on areas including canine osteoarthritis, age-related changes in cats, and body-condition scoring to enhance diagnoses, treatments, and predictions of pet health.
Key highlights from the report include:
Over 450 peer-reviewed publications authored by Mars Veterinary Health Associates, including several landmark studies published in major journals like The Journal of Small Animal Practice, The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and Veterinary Record.
Clinical trials conducted across more than 140 locations in Mars Veterinary Health’s network, including sites in the U.S. and Europe.
The Mars Petcare Biobank, a comprehensive study of clinical, genetic, and lifestyle data from 20,000 dogs and cats, aimed at enabling scientific discoveries to improve pet health.
Support for veterinary education, with over 1,500 veterinary student externs, nearly 500 interns, and close to 350 residents in training in 2024.
Additionally, the report marks one year since Mars Veterinary Health established its global Medical Affairs Science Team, a group of veterinary scientists focused on driving clinical studies and outcomes-based healthcare. The team collaborates with academic and industry partners and draws insights from millions of pet visits annually to improve patient outcomes and further the veterinary profession.
Dottie Brown, DACVS, MS, DVM, VP of Science and Healthcare Innovation at Mars Veterinary Health, stated, "The efforts reflected in this report highlight the expertise and dedication of the thousands of veterinary professionals at Mars Veterinary Health who contribute to advancing veterinary science and healthcare."
