IDEXX inks Banfield deal

WESTBROOK, MAINE - 05/04/05 - Banfield, The Pet Hospital signed a five-year deal with IDEXX Laboratories, which will equip each Banfield hospital with an expanded VetLab system to provide assay products.

"In-hospital laboratory testing is a vital part of quality veterinary care," Banfield Chairman and CEO Dr. Scott Campbell says in a prepared statement. "Our relationship with IDEXX will enable our dedicated hospital teams to examine a patient, perform the necessary tests, explain the findings to the pet owner, discuss recommendations and begin treatment, if necessary, all in a single visit. It makes veterinary care more convenient, more affordable, and most important, better for the patient."

IDEXX also will help veterinarians develop new diagnostic approaches and provide educational opportunities to veterinary healthcare teams.

"This agreement has benefits for both IDEXX and Banfield," says Jonathan Ayers, IDEXX president and CEO. "The availability of a wide range of accurate and efficient in-hospital diagnostics creates the opportunity to deliver the highest standard of care and client service."