M/A/R/C Research has conducted multiple online surveys among US pet owners to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the animal health industry. Through this research we have focused on tracking specific tendencies among pet owners as well as a separate study conducted among those who adopted and/or purchased pets during COVID-19.
Through the eighth wave of the study fielded Feb 14-16, 2021, the survey showed that 83% of new pet owners have taken their pet to see the vet. 91% took their pet in for a routine check-up or a vaccination.
Most take their new pet to the vet within one month of acquisition. New Owners take a little bit longer than experienced to schedule their first visit. Veterinary practices are to be congratulated for opening accessibility to this influx of pets.
Wait-time to get an appointment was typically less than two days although a little more than a third had longer waits.
For the week ending October 16, 2021, year over year growth remains robust though continues to slow versus the previous year with each of the respective categories moving between (-0.2%) and +0.1% versus the previous week’s YTD results. The YTD Canine and Feline core vaccine purchasing indices were lower by (-0.2%) at +14.4% across the 32,000+ practices and shelter locations in the Animalytix Marketplace. YTD Growth in Kennel Cough vaccine purchases, which provide a measure of the pet mobility, reflected an increase of +0.1% versus the previous week’s results at +13.7%. Growth in YTD purchases of Surgical Suite consumables moved slightly downward with a loss of (-0.2%) to +12.8% while Chronic care medication purchases remained stable at +7.4%. Purchases of Parasiticides were up +0.1% from the prior week’s position at a robust +13.7% YTD growth. Overall, all segments continue in excellent positions versus 2020 sales volumes, suggesting continued strong recovery for the veterinary wellness and in-house pharmacy sectors.
Among the “Bellwether” Vetalytix zones selected for routine reporting primarily based on the relative size of annual Core and Lifestyle vaccines purchases, all zones are posting positive results vs PY this week. The Los Angeles, CA zone leads with +29.4% growth YTD compared to 2020. Next highest zone is the Seattle, WA at +19.6% YTD growth vs PY. Chicago, IL rounds out our “Bellwether” zones at the bottom with a very respectable +9.9% YTD growth. Annual Core and Lifestyle vaccine purchases were selected as the principal “Bellwether” metric given 50% or more of annual visits to a veterinary practice are associated with the administration of these products.
*Map displays YTD Core & Lifestyle Vaccines sales courtesy of Animalytix
This week’s totals for reported parasiticide purchases across all segments year to date through the week ending March 6, are ahead of 2020 results by an extremely robust +12.2% among the 32,000+ practices and shelter locations in the Animalytix Marketplace. The most significant YOY change in the market is the +49.7% growth in the canine combination flea and heartworm products (e.g. specifically Simparica Trio), as substitution continues to occurring at the expense of products from the canine flea and tick preventatives which are experiencing a decline softening decline of (-1.9%) YTD. Canine heartworm preventatives purchases moved ahead of 2020’s record strong sales for the same period, posting growth of +2.6%. Feline flea and heartworm preventatives are now ahead of last year at a robust +8.8% growth.
Among the leading “Bellwether” parasiticide market zones, Greenville, SC now leads with +32.0% growth in total parasiticide purchases followed by Philadelphia, PA at +31.8%. Among the lagging “Bellwether” zones is Los Angeles, CA at +1.9% versus the same YTD period in 2020 bringing all “Bellwether” parasiticide market zones into the positive YTD.
*Map displays YTD Canine/Feline F/T/HW Parasiticide sales courtesy of Animalytix
For the week ending October 16, 2021, aggregate YTD practice revenues were down (-0.2%) at +9.8% net growth versus YTD 2020 for the ~4,000 reporting practices. The YTD growth in unique patients was down (-0.1%) compared to the previous week’s YTD total at +3.0% while the number of unique clients was down (-0.1%) at +3.3%. Total invoice growth was up +0.1% at +2.7% YTD vs 2020 YTD totals.
Among the leading “Bellwether” market zones, the Chicago, IL zone lead with +16.0% in YTD revenue growth and +5.3% growth in unique patients. Among the lagging zones, the Miami, FL market is flat at +0.0% revenue growth and +1.1% growth in unique patients YTD compared to 2020.
Following more current trends, the national 3-week rolling average for practice revenue growth improved to a negative (-1.3%). Three census divisions posted positive results for the 3-week average revenue growth rates this week with eight divisions showing positive movement over last week. The South Atlantic division is notable for the most recent 3-week period with an average revenue growth of +1.5% up +0.7% over prior week. The rolling 3-week average revenue growth index is designed to provide a view of relative robustness of growth trends (e.g., market velocity) for each reporting zone. A positive value indicates rolling revenue growth vs the prior year reported 3-week period.
Map displays YTD total hospital revenue courtesy of Animal Care Technologies
*Indicates Merged Zone Group
© 2020 Animalytix LLC. All rights reserved. Animalytix is a registered trademark and ALYX and Market Sensus are service marks of Animalytix LLC. All other registered trademarks, trademarks, or service marks cited are the property of their respective owners.
Brought to you by 
This website uses cookies to analyze site traffic. By using this site you consent to our use of cookies. Cookie settings can be managed via your browser settings.
Read our privacy policy by selecting 'Give me more info'.