Global animal health conference opens registration

Photo: KOTO/Adobe Stock

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) recently announced registration for a first global animal health conference of its kind, Compass,¹ is now open. The NAVC and the Michelson Found Animals Foundation (MFA) are collaborating to bring this event to the Washington, DC, area in 2025. The conference is meant to provide an opportunity for people of many backgrounds to help define the future of animal health and pet care throughout the next decade and beyond, according to the NAVC.² This conference will also focus on how the animal health sector is supported and funded.

The conference is expected to help industry leaders, innovators, investors, and those involved in or curious about the global animal health and pet care landscape convene to synthesize new ideas and plan a healthy future for animals and their connection with humans, according to a news release.²

“The $300 billion global animal health and pet care industry is brimming with opportunity for pets to become an even greater part of people’s lives, for investors to fund new innovations that enhance animal wellbeing, the evolution of animal-centric cities, homes and environments, and so much more,” Gene O’Neill, NAVC CEO, said in a news release.² “The next decade and beyond are full of promise and Compass brings together innovators and leaders from every aspect of the global animal health and pet care ecosphere to pave the way for an exciting future and seek solutions to potential speed bumps before they get in the way.”

At the event, attendees will be able to attend sessions on²:

• The state of the global industry, focusing on today's economic realities, key indicators, investment strategies, and collaborative approaches to explore the potential in animal health and pet care sector
• How pets are reshaping the concept of family as these animal companions become full-fledged family members and more people choose to postpone or forgo having children
• New technology that will revolutionize how humans interact with pets
• Opportunities for investors in the pet industry
• Financial solutions like pet insurance and payment plans that ensure pets receive necessary care, affordably, amid staffing shortages in the veterinary profession
• The evolution of animal-centric cities, homes and environments
• The evolving role of veterinarians amid an evolving world of animal health
• The pet retail and manufacturing industry
• What prominent scientists are working on; these professionals will discuss the moonshot scientific endeavors they are aiming for in the future

Additionally, Compass will explore the similarities and differences between pet health systems and human health systems, including medical, dental, and vision care; at-home diagnostic tools; advancements in pharmaceuticals; nonsurgical treatments for pet health; and the impact of nutrition, breed science, and exercise on pet health outcomes.³

“As we look toward the future, it’s crucial that we continue to explore and invest in innovative solutions that enhance the lives of animals and their human companions,” Brett Yates, CEO of Michelson Found Animals Foundation, said in the release.² “Compass is a vital platform for driving these conversations, bringing together experts from diverse fields to shape a world where animal welfare is integrated into every aspect of our lives. We are excited to collaborate with leaders who share our vision of a future where pets are not just a part of our families but are supported by cutting-edge advancements in health, care, and technology.”

The event will take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, from April 10 to April 11, 2025.

References

1. Bautista-Alejandre A. First global animal health conference of its kind coming in 2025. dvm360. June 13, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-global-animal-health-conference-of-its-kind-coming-in-2025
2. Registration opens Sept. 4 for inaugural global Compass conferencefirst-of-its-kind event focuses on the future of animal health and pet care in 2035 and beyond. News release. North American Veterinary Community. September 4, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024. [email]
3. The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and Michelson Found Animals Foundation (MFA) chart new course to define future of animal health and pet care in 2035 and beyond. News release. North American Veterinary Community. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.michelsonphilanthropies.org/news/navc-and-mfa-announce-compass-partnership/