Listen to this articlePress release: The Farm Dog
Farmer’s Dog, the pet-food company that offers fresh, vet-developed, science-backed, human-grade dog food, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), the global association for companion animal veterinarians professional, today announced a joint partnership to advance the welfare of companion animals and the professionals who care for them. As a WSAVA Diamond Partner, and the first-ever fresh food company partner, The Farmer’s Dog will support WSAVA’s goals by advancing veterinary research and promoting professional growth and well-being for veterinary professionals and their skills.
“WSAVA was the perfect choice as our first veterinary association partner,” said Dr. Ryan Yamka, VP, head of R&D and FSQR, The Farmer’s Dog. “We share the same goals: to promote the health and welfare of companion animals—and that includes good nutrition. WSAVA is a respected force among veterinarians and we are excited to join as an industry partner in advocating for the welfare of veterinary healthcare teams and their patients.
As a WSAVA Diamond Partner, The Farmer’s Dog will participate in both new and established WSAVA committees dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals and supporting and empowering veterinary care teams. WSAVA committees include:
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The Professional Wellness Group: An established committee that aims to improve the health and wellness of veterinarians and all members of a veterinary team. The Committee recently launched WSAVA’s first set of Global Guidelines on Professional Wellness and supported the creation of the first online Certificate in Professional Development and Personal Wellness.
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Non-Clinical Working Group: A new committee tasked with identifying opportunities and threats facing non-clinical companion animal practices and providing resources and other support, for example, continuing education focused on developing skills such as leadership, communication and team building.
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Advancing the Vet-Led Team: By defining the roles and responsibilities of those on the vet-led team, this new committee will establish recommendations and guiding principles that will ensure the teams function productively and effectively. and all team members enjoy a sustainable and rewarding career.
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Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practices: A new committee will begin defining the minimum policies, processes, systems, and competencies that a companion animal veterinary practice must demonstrate in order to practice safely for patients, colleagues , and client. Its work culminated in the launch of a set of WSAVA Essential Standards for Companion Animal Veterinary Practice.
WSAVA president, Dr Ellen van Nierop, said: “We already offer a range of continuing education to our members on key clinical topics and are starting to help them develop important non-clinical skills. skills they also need to ensure that they and their colleagues enjoy rewarding and sustainable careers. The new working groups supported by The Farmer’s Dog will enable us to accelerate our activities in increasingly critical We are pleased to welcome the company as a WSAVA Diamond Partner and look forward to working with them in the coming months.”
The WSAVA veterinary community provides many valuable resources for both veterinary professionals and pet owners, including the Global Guidelines for choosing pet foods. The organization’s membership includes major US associations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Farmer’s Dog employs on-staff, board-certified nutritionists who formulate all recipes to be complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards, its production facilities meet food industry standards of man, and it conducts ongoing studies at top veterinary colleges. With this dedication to doing what’s best for pets, The Farmer’s Dog has established itself as a trusted partner to industry leaders like WSAVA, veterinarians, and dog owners.
“We are committed to the welfare of companion animals and the veterinary professionals who care for them,” said Dr. Brandon Stapleton, chief veterinarian, The Farmer’s Dog. “As part of the WSAVA community and committees, we will play an active role in promoting professional excellence for these groups of people who care, and developing standards of excellence for companion animal practices with some among the best veterinary professionals in the industry.”
