Recent headwinds—such as declining veterinary clinic visits, widespread cost cutting, and reduced commitments from private equity and venture capital firms—are creating challenges for the animal health industry. Although cost-cutting measures may be warranted, they can lead to turmoil and unrest both within organizations and throughout the broader sector. Private equity firms currently hold an estimated $2.5 trillion in uninvested capital, reflecting caution in the face of economic uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, our industry has a long history of stable growth and reliable returns. This track record raises an important question: Why wouldn’t investors want to be a part of such a resilient and essential field? As a community, we must ensure we are effectively communicating the value and potential of animal health, both within our organizations and to external investors. Having a well-thought-out, long-term strategy is essential, and companies should consistently advocate for the resources needed to maintain growth and innovation.
To support the sustainable health of our industry, we need ongoing investment—not just from animal health companies themselves, but also from outside investors. As leaders, we have a responsibility to do a better job of ‘selling’ our industry by highlighting its proven stability, profitability, and capacity for innovation. By focusing on these strengths and promoting a unified vision, we can attract sustained support, foster healthy growth, and ensure the vitality of animal health for years to come.
Paul Casady