Defining the future of animal health and well-being in the next decade and beyond is the driving force behind a recent industry collaboration between the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and Michelson Found Animals Foundation (MFA).
The two organizations have announced the formation of an annual global conference, Compass, to launch this partnership and bring together industry leaders, investors, and inventors to collaborate and innovate.
“Our relationship with animals continues to expand and converge in every aspect of our lives,” says NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. “They are at the center of an exciting socio-economic shift requiring bold, new ideas and a unified global approach to how we support their place in our lives today and in the future.”
The inaugural event will focus on several topics across the animal health ecosystem, including:
- Investing and entrepreneurship. Exploring how investment strategies have evolved and identifying new models and trends for investors and entrepreneurs.
- Technology and development. Examining AI in the industry; preventive health management and translating human-wearables to animal-based applications for health monitoring.
- Market dynamics and consumer behavior (supply chain and retail). A look into key industry trends; pharmaceutical advancements and non-surgical solutions for pet health; supplements; nutrition and novel ingredients; eCommerce; manufacturing dynamics and maximizing future opportunities.
- Regulatory policy and legislative development. This will include regulatory bodies and their role in maximizing opportunities around animal well-being.
- Pet healthcare professionals and medical innovations. exploring comparisons and divergences between pet health systems and human health systems (medical, dental, vision); insurance; at-home diagnostic tools; pharmaceutical advancements and non-surgical solutions for pet health; the role of nutrition, breed science, and exercise in pet health horizons.
- Infrastructure and environmental design. New approaches to shelters, veterinary clinics, consumer homes, as well as covering pet-friendly urban planning to ensure they are future ready.
- Industry advocacy and nonprofit perspectives. Addressing social issues affecting pets and their owners (e.g. homelessness, domestic violence); ethical considerations regarding pets as property vs. sentient beings; the role of non-profits vs. governmental support in animal welfare; and diversity, equity, and inclusion in animal welfare spaces.
The event, scheduled for April 10-11, 2025, at the Gaylord National Harbor in Washington D.C., is open to individuals inside and outside the animal health and pet care industry.
For more information, visit the NAVC website.