Preventive medicine cornerstone in China's expanding industry for furry friends

As China's pet care market experiences rapid growth, the focus on preventive veterinary medicine and empowering talent is becoming critical in the sector's development, said industry experts.

Xin Shengpeng, standing executive vice-president and secretary-general of the China Veterinary Medical Association, has emphasized the importance of shifting from a treatment-focused approach to a preventive care model.

"People in the industry should collaborate to fully leverage the role of preventive medicine while also enhancing the capabilities of veterinary professionals and improving the quality of talent development," Xin said during the 7th Royal Canin Vet Summit on Sept 1.

The 49th annual World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress, held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, between Sept 3 and 5, played a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

The event brought together veterinary professionals from around the world to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore the rapid developments in China's veterinary sector.

Ellen van Nierop, president of WSAVA, said it is significant to host the congress in China.

"China is a fast-growing economy. Asia, and China in particular, is rapidly expanding markets for the veterinary industry," she said.

With more than 400,000 veterinary practices across the country and a thriving pet market, China's vet industry has become a key player in the global landscape, she said.

The WSAVA Congress was a catalyst for greater collaboration between Chinese and international veterinary professionals, the president added.

Van Nierop stressed the importance of knowledge exchange, which she believes will benefit veterinarians worldwide.

As China continues to integrate global standards for companion animal care, the focus on preventive medicine, talent development, and professional collaboration will be key to ensuring the sustained growth and success of its rapidly expanding pet industry.

Alan Robinson, director of Vet Dynamics Ltd in the United Kingdom, also joined the conference and echoed those sentiments.

He urged veterinarians and hospital managers to adopt preventive medicine as a strategy not only to treat diseases, but to prevent them.

Robinson said it is incremental to attract higher-quality clients and better educate them on the benefits of preventive care.

"We often forget that we need to take care of our clients and help them understand what we do. Additionally, focusing on team dynamics is essential for reducing stress and anxiety among vets," he said.

Rapid changes in the industry have brought about significant issues in talent retention, clinical standards, and customer acquisition.

Xu Juan, general manager of Royal Canin China, a leading pet health and nutrition company and a unit of Mars Inc, said that the industry is facing significant challenges in retaining talent.

Reports indicate that the combined turnover rate of assistant doctors and doctors in Chinese pet clinics is as high as 77 percent, with more than half of the employees in the industry having worked for less than five years. There remains a shortage of highly skilled veterinary health experts and comprehensive professionals.

Moreover, the level of medical care has become the top factor influencing pet owners' choice of veterinary hospitals. Pet owners are increasingly demanding higher standards of professionalism in veterinary services.

Xu said the company has actively looked for measures to help veterinary professionals and pet hospital managers to build a more balanced environment such as carrying out regular training on nutrition to help improve the professional skills among vets in the country.

To meet the needs of Chinese pet owners in comprehensive life cycle healthcare, Royal Canin is advancing its product portfolio with innovative solutions. In recent years, the company has rolled out 300 SKUs with more than 100 formulas.

Research indicates that about 40 percent of dogs and cats worldwide are overweight or obese, with one in two pets seen by veterinarians falling into this category. Overweight pets are closely linked to urinary tract diseases, with obesity and lack of exercise being major risk factors.

Royal Canin has launched a new diet series in China designed for overweight or obese dogs and cats suffering from lower urinary tract diseases. This new diet is formulated to manage multiple aspects of urinary tract diseases while also assisting in weight management.

The company has also been actively seeking ways to help veterinarians and pet hospital managers navigate the new landscape, build a mutually beneficial ecosystem, and identify new opportunities that will allow more cats and dogs to live long, healthy lives with their owners.