The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:

1. United States (Deadline) America’s Pet Obsession Is Turning Movies, TV & Even Photo Shoots Into Real Dog-And-Pony Shows

   In Brief: Peter Bart discusses the omnipresence of pets in American culture, from movies and TV shows to photo shoots and magazine profiles, highlighting a growing national obsession. In his article, he notes the ubiquity of animal characters in recent films and the requirement for pets to accompany celebrities in promotional materials. Bart critiques the projection of human characteristics onto pets and the burgeoning industry around pet care, which has become financially and environmentally unsustainable. Despite his reservations, Bart acknowledges the significant box office draw that animal characters continue to provide, illustrated by the enduring popularity of pet-centric films. He concludes with a personal anecdote about the professional demands of his own pet, underscoring the deep integration of pets into all facets of life and media.

2. United States (Lexington Herald) Veterinary costs are on the rise. How an independent Lexington clinic is trying to help

   In Brief: In the face of rising veterinary costs, which have increased by over 60% in the last decade, Dr. Alice Mills and her team at Lexington Hospital for Cats provide specialized, compassionate care that emphasizes education and comfort for both cats and their owners. Unlike many veterinary practices now owned by private equity firms, Dr. Mills’ clinic remains independent after more than 30 years, offering a nurturing environment without the pressure of corporate sales targets. This approach not only keeps care affordable—ranging from $90 to $200—but also ensures that treatments are in the best interest of the pets, not profit margins. The clinic is an example of how personalized care can thrive alongside business, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion in veterinary services.

3. United Kingdom (InsuranceNews) Pet insurance sector can’t afford to let sleeping dogs lie where fraud risk is concerned

   In Brief: As the UK pet insurance market continues to grow, it faces significant challenges in detecting and addressing fraud. Despite a burgeoning market valued at £1.58 billion in 2022, and a rapid increase in claims—over £1 billion paid out in 2022—the sector’s capabilities in fraud protection lag behind other insurance lines. The primary issues stem from policyholders misrepresenting their pets' health or breed to lower premiums and fraudulent claims involving nonexistent pets or exaggerated medical needs. This problem is compounded when veterinarians themselves participate in fraud, taking advantage of their expert knowledge to inflate costs or fabricate treatments. Efforts to counteract this include the implementation of more robust data analytics to identify and understand patterns of fraudulent activity. However, the industry still struggles with the sophistication needed in its fraud detection systems, highlighting an urgent need for improved measures as the market continues to expand.

4. South Korea (Korea Biomedical Review) Love and heartache: Pet owners struggle with high veterinary costs and aging pets

   In Brief: In South Korea, pet owners like Yang Kyung-cheol and Shin Sun-hee are grappling with the escalating costs of veterinary care, a challenge exacerbated by the aging of their pets. Their Maltese, Cookie, diagnosed with valvular heart disease, faces high ongoing medical expenses without the support of pet insurance. Similarly, Kang Eun-bi's rescue dog, Miso, requires costly anxiety medication and other treatments due to past traumas. This financial strain is reflective of a broader trend in South Korea where veterinary costs have soared, yet only 0.8% of pets are insured, significantly lower than in other countries. The stress of potentially unaffordable future medical expenses and the desire not to leave pets uncared for in their old age adds emotional weight to the financial burden. The rise in pet care costs, driven by market principles, continues to challenge pet owners who must balance the desire to provide for their pets with the realities of their financial circumstances.

5. United States (LGBTQI News) Almost all LGBTQ+ pet owners agree their pets contribute positively to mental health, data finds

   In Brief: Nearly all LGBTQ+ pet owners believe their pets have a positive impact on their mental health, according to a survey conducted by Lily’s Kitchen and 3Gem. The survey, which involved LGBTQ+ cat and dog owners in the UK, found that 91% view their pets as crucial to their mental well-being. Additionally, 89% seek comfort from their pets during tough times, and 67% said their pets helped them cope with discrimination. Most respondents felt that their pets offered non-judgmental companionship, with over half feeling closer to their pets than their family members. Pets also provided a sense of purpose and facilitated new social connections for many.