Canada’s federal health agency has released an updated public health notice identifying a likely source in an ongoing 

 outbreak in the country linked to contaminated dog food and treats. The agency found 

in samples of a Puppy World dog treat product and various Puppy Love products, manufactured by Puppy Love Pet Products. The investigation is still ongoing.

In its most prior announcement, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) had confirmed 27 cases of 

 As of October 16, 2025, federal health officials have confirmed an additional 4 cases, bringing the total number of illnesses to 31. Fourteen cases have been found in Alberta, 14 in British Columbia, 2 in Ontario, and 1 in the Northwest Territories. To date, 7 people have required hospitalization. Affected individuals are between the ages of 0 to 87, with 58% being female.

Health officials found the bacteria in the following samples, some of which are freeze-dried raw

Puppy World Lamb Lung treats (150 gram, 340 gram, and 454 gram bags)

Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tip treats (120 gram bags)

Puppy Love Chicken Breast treats (120 gram and 300 gram bags)

Puppy Love Beef Chew 6-inch treats (Value pack, 4 pieces)

Puppy Love "Twisty Jr." beef treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

“Additional sources of the outbreak may be identified,” said PHAC in its announcement, adding that it will provide updates as the investigation evolves.

According to the agency, affected individuals fell ill between mid-February and late-September 2025. PHAC said more recent cases may continue to be reported during the outbreak, as the reporting period for when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials for the current outbreak is between 15 and 101 days.

“This notice only includes laboratory-confirmed cases. The actual number of sick people in Canada is likely much higher,” PHAC said.

 “Many people have mild symptoms and don't go to the doctor, so they aren't tested. Researchers estimate that for each case of Salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported.”

Officials have not identified a single common supplier of dog food or treats responsible for the illnesses reported in the outbreak, but say the aforementioned Puppy Love and Puppy World brand dog treats have been found as a likely source for some of the illnesses reported in the outbreak.

To minimize likelihood of infection from contact with a dog, their food, or treats, PHAC advises caregivers to

Always wash their hands immediately after handling any type of dog food or treat.

Educating children to thoroughly wash their hands every time after touching dogs, their food or treats.

Washing and sanitizing containers, utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with dog food or treats before using them again, including bowls, countertops, microwaves, and refrigerators.

Using dedicated bowls and utensils for their dog and washing them separately from other dishes and utensils.

Storing all dog food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and out of reach from young children.

Picking up food and treats containers when the pet is finished.

Follow dog food and treat storage instructions according to the packaging.

Reading the labels on the food to learn if when the product expires and if the food is cooked or raw. Raw pet food and treats may be fresh, frozen, dehydrated or freeze-dried.

Public health notice: outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to dog food and treats. News release. Public Health Agency of Canada. October 16, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2025/outbreak-salmonella-infections-dog-food-treats.html

Bautista-Alejandre A. Canada faces Salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and treats. 

. September 17, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/canada-faces-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-dog-food-and-treats

Articles

Canada investigates a Salmonella outbreak linked to Puppy Love and Puppy World dog treats, urging safety measures for pet food handling.

Canada identifies likely source in ongoing Salmonella outbreak

Vet Tech Summit panelists at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania, discuss opportunities outside small animal practice.

Exploring veterinary technician career options

The Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, hosted its first Vet Tech Summit on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in partnership with the Zoetis. The event welcomed more than 50 veterinary technician students from Manor College in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania; Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; and Camden County College in Blackwood, New Jersey. The summit provided students with a tour of the zoo’s veterinary hospital, a panel discussion with industry experts speaking about the variety of career options open to veterinary technicians, and a presentation on monoclonal antibodies as well as networking opportunities.

Participating experts Michele Goodman, VMD, an attending veterinarian at Elmwood Park Zoo; Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, FVTE, an owner and educator with 

, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Bailey Donovan, BS, CVT, a specialist in teaching and veterinary learning technology at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison, spoke with 

 about what they would like students to take away from the summit. These professionals all discussed the many opportunities and career paths that the students can take advantage of in their veterinary technician careers.

The following is a transcript of the video:

We're excited to bring veterinary technician students here to the zoo. We just opened a new veterinary hospital, the Frank and Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center. It's been open for about 15 months now. So we're excited to show off our new facility. And we want veterinary technician students to know that there's many more opportunities for them in the field in addition to companion animal medicine. So we want them to be able to see the work that we do here.

Traditional roles within a general practice or within an ER and specialty practice, are not the only things we can do. Once you get your credentials as a CVT, LVT, LVMT or RVT, you can do anything—literally anything. And I'm included in that as well, because I'm an entrepreneur, and that was not something that when I went to school, I thought I would ever do. And now I'm speaking and writing and developing and doing all of the things, just like these other women that I was presenting with today, and just really having those moments where, you know, we saw the students go, ‘oh, I can do that too.’

There are so many wonderful things to do to provide and give back to the industry and really help make a difference in the veterinary industry and animals lives and people's lives, that doesn't necessarily involve being at a clinic every day. Keep an open mind. When you're out starting to decide what you're wanting to do and where you want to end up at the end of schooling, apply for everything that interests you and take all the interviews that you can get. It doesn't mean that you have to accept that job, but you might learn something about how a facet of the industry works, or [find] a different kind of area of clinical practice than you thought you would get into that you really love and enjoy, and might really spark passion for you. You'll never know where you end up. So don't close your mind to those things. Always be open to new experiences.

Videos

Vet Tech Summit panelists at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania discuss opportunities outside small animal practice.

Exploring carer options for veterinary technicians

With nearly 2 decades of experience in veterinary medicine, Danielle Chesek, CVT, is currently the team lead for the Veterinary Academy at Penn Foster, where she helps train and mentor future technicians. Before transitioning to education, Chesek spent years in clinical practice, including almost a decade as a surgical technician working with a range of animals.

: From your perspective as a vet tech and an educator, what do you think are the most important conversations people should be having during National Veterinary Technician Week?


The 3 three biggest things that I would want to talk about this week would be:

Better utilization of veterinary technicians.

Going back to the utilization of technicians, we are educated professionals and we should be utilized as such when we go out into the workforce. Right now, many clinics may not be doing that. They may be underutilizing technicians, and that sort of contributes to this mindset with veterinary technicians where they're not really being empowered...to do what we were trained to do.

[Empowering technicians] not only helps the clinic, but [also] helps the veterinarian. [Veterinarians] are able to focus more so on their responsibilities; the technician feels better utilized, more empowered, and they're going to probably seek more advancement opportunities as a result. So, better utilization of technicians is truly number one.

Title protection is also a very important conversation to have this week and every week. Right now, anybody could sort of say that they're a veterinary technician and it's to the point where we really need to be recognized as veterinary technicians. Not only would this help with compensation, but it would also have the title recognition that we deserve. We put a lot of work in to have the title of veterinary technician, so it should be protected and we should be able to do all of the duties and responsibilities that we are trained to do and what we are educated on.

And then compensation—it is something that for a really long time, wasn't really talked about, but conversations regarding compensation are becoming more widespread. Right now, veterinary technicians are not being paid appropriately, and that sort of makes them not want to advance or take other opportunities if they're not going to be adequately compensated.

And with that, I do believe that if we are paying our technicians appropriately, that's going to empower them, that's going to help them stay in the field. They're not going to have to go find other jobs to make a living. They're going to be able to support themselves, their families, and also just have that time where they can take to themselves. I know the field is stressful in a way as far as this career goes. So I think having the compensation conversation is just really important, that way everybody knows technicians need to be paid appropriately.

You lead the remote Veterinary Technician program at Penn Foster. How would you say education is evolving to prepare technicians for today’s veterinary landscape?


When I went to vet tech school for my associate's degree, that was 20 years ago, and a lot has changed since then. I feel like right now, we are definitely attempting to meet the needs of today's workforce, really having practical applications that are based off of real-world scenarios—a lot more than when I went to school. This is preparing students to do their externships, go into the workforce, and be prepared.

Right now, Penn Foster is...creating accessible, affordable education for students. We are a distance learning program [for] students that may not be able to afford veterinary technician programs normally. Maybe it's a nontraditional student [and] they are already working in the field. This makes up a very large part of our student population.... We are really focusing on those things and reaching technicians that may not have otherwise had the opportunity.

When it comes to curriculum, there are many changes that have also taken place. We are now focusing on burnout and mental health and also compassion fatigue. When I went to school, those things weren't really discussed, and over the years, you realize how much of a toll [this takes] on technicians. So with that, we are incorporating those topics into our curriculum, making sure that students are aware of what to look for if they are susceptible to burnout, and also making sure that their mental health is a priority.

Compassion fatigue is another one—just knowing the signs to look for when they are in practice, and making sure they know the resources available as well.

: What changes do you think need to happen to make career pathways for veterinary technicians clearer and more rewarding?


Like I said, better utilization of technicians—that’s number one. I feel like we can't really get to any of the other stages unless we first recognize that they have to be utilized more appropriately. And then also having roles for technicians that align with their education and experience and where they are compensated appropriately.

We also want to make sure that technicians are aware of all of their options and [do so] early on—whether they go into a government job, education, research, or practice management. What does that look like for them, and how are they going to obtain that information to make that happen?

I'm also a big advocate of leadership pathways. Some employers do actually have this opportunity for technicians—whether that be training, free courses, tuition reimbursement—anything like that. Allow them to really take that next step into leadership courses to become a leader, not just a veterinary technician—to incorporate that into what they're doing and allow them to practice as such.

: Is there anything we didn’t cover that you’d like to add?


Just that I do see so many opportunities right now for veterinary technicians, especially with the new generation of students entering the field with a better understanding of mental health—that’s so important. I would [also] like to see defined roles so that technicians can move forward and pursue their VTS or whatever options they want.

I’d also like to see clinics be more empowering to technicians. If there is somebody who wants to pursue their veterinary technician specialist opportunity, [I would like to see clinics] mentor and empower [the technician] in such a way that they feel successful doing that.

I just really want to continue all those conversations, and I hope that in doing so we can advance the field. I'm optimistic that with the increased conversations about technician recognition and advancement opportunities, we are going in the right direction as a field in general.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Danielle Chesek, CVT, emphasizes the need for better utilization, title protection, and fair compensation for veterinary technicians during National Veterinary Technician Week.

Q&A with a veterinary technician educator: Continuing the vet tech conversation

Jennifer K. Quammen, DVM, MPH, shares how artificial intelligence can serve as a modern day teammate in the clinic. 

Why AI is a helper in veterinary medicine

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common topic in veterinary medicine, creating excitement and uncertainty among professionals. To help demystify what AI can mean for daily practice, Jennifer K. Quammen, DVM, MPH, shares how AI can actually serve as new teammate, or today's veterinary clinic H-E-L-P-E-R.

AI listens and drafts records while we stay focused on the patient and the pet owner in front of us, not on the keyboard.

By automating the grind—the reminders, the scheduling, the callbacks—AI gives us back the energy for care and creativity.

AI can help us review new research or even evaluate a patient's prior medical history, helping us walk into that exam room more confident and more prepared.

AI helps us get back to the heart of why we chose veterinary medicine to begin with: caring for animals and strengthening the human–animal bond.

AI translates complicated medical language into everyday language to help our pet owners feel heard, supported, and informed.

By reducing the busywork, AI allows us to invest in the relationships that keep us grounded—those with our clients, those with our team, and, of course, with our own well-being.

AI certainly isn't perfect. It still needs our human touch to guide it, and that's why I think now is a really cool time for us to experiment.

So if you've not tried any of the tools out there, pick one—even if it's a free option—and give it a try.

This is a really great opportunity for us as a veterinary profession to get in on the ground floor and ultimately shape what this tool will become.

We're just beginning to see what AI can do, and it's evolving really quickly. Used well, it multiplies and doesn't detract from our time.

The practices that are already using these tools are saving dozens of hours per month—and that is probably just the beginning. They're using it on things like schedule reminders, medical notes, and some of those redundant tasks that we all have to get done every day in practice.

Why AI is a HELPER in veterinary care

Photos courtesy of Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The final beam has been set in place in the construction of the new College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Arkansas State University (A-State) in Jonesboro. The university recently recognized the milestone with a celebratory ceremony at the site of the CVM, which is expected to welcome its inaugural class of 120 students in the fall of 2026.

“We imagined this college, funded it, and now we’re building it. Every bolt in that beam represents a student’s future. This is not just about a building, it’s about the capacity to care for animals, to support agriculture, help food insecurity, and keep talent right here in Arkansas,”Todd Shields, chancellor for A-State, said in a news release.

A Veterinary Wellbeing Study conducted in late 2021 by Merck Animal Health and the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed a shortage of qualified staff to be one of the main challenges facing veterinary practices, and Arkansas is one of more than a dozen states that does not currently have an institution offering a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

In the absence of a veterinary college, prospective veterinarians living in Arkansas are currently required to leave the state for the education needed to earn their DVM degrees. However, the state is on track to have 2 veterinary schools with Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, also planning to open to students in fall of 2026. Construction on Lyon’s veterinary education facility began in July of 2025.

An artist's rendering of the planned College of Veterinary Medicine building at Arkansas State University.

Graduates of the A-State program will be qualified to work as veterinarians in Arkansas and elsewhere following a 4-year program of study.

 “Arkansas and this entire region need more animal health professionals,” Todd Shields, chancellor for A-State, said in a news release. “This college will train them, hands-on, from day one, solving problems for producers, clinics, agriculture and communities,” Shields said.

 
Heidi Banse, DVM, founding dean of the CVM, said university has been working diligently to build the animal health education program that will prepare future students for practicing veterinary medicine. The CVM 56,000-sq ft building will be occupied with administrative offices, classrooms, anatomy space, and training spaces for small animal clinical care and surgical skills.

Arkansas is especially in need of rural and mixed animal practices, and the new CVM will address it. “We are building 2 barns at the animal science farm next door that will allow our students hands-on experience with cattle and horses to make sure they are day-one-ready,” Banse said in a news release.


A-State’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the creation of the veterinary school in early 2023. Since then, the university has been working toward accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, a process that is in progress.

During the ceremony on Monday, October 13, 2025, attendees were invited to sign the final beam before it was hoisted and permanently secured into place, a symbolic moment that was not lost on the individuals who helped the CVM reach the milestone. “This structure represents not only just the parts that it is made of, but the spirit of teamwork and doing things the right way,” said Adam Seiter, executive vice president of operations at Nabholz, the contractor for the project, said in the release.

Banse noted that many other partners have contributed to the efforts to get the CVM underway. 


“[These partners include] the Department of Corrections, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, National Toxicology Research Center, and our over 400 general veterinary practices across Arkansas, Southern Missouri, and beyond that are training our students in their fourth year of their curriculum,” Banse said.

A-State holds topping off ceremony for College of Veterinary Medicine. News release. Arkansas State University. October 13, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. 

https://www.astate.edu/news/a-state-holds-topping-off-ceremony-for-college-of-veterinary-medicine

ASU trustees approve the creation of a new veterinary school. 

. March 23, 2023. Accessed October 17, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/asu-trustees-approve-the-creation-of-a-new-veterinary-school

Lyon College breaks ground on a new veterinary school. 

. June 17, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/lyon-college-breaks-ground-on-a-new-veterinary-school

Arkansas State University celebrated the symbolic milestone in constructing its new facility during a celebratory event.

Placing the final beam at a new veterinary college in Arkansas

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) announced earlier this week that it has selected the recipient of the 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year award. This award is presented to a credentialed veterinary technician who has exceptional contributions to animal health, and this year’s winner is Hannah Miller, RVT, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Hannah Miller, RVT, AAHA's 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year

“Over 5 years, I've grown from part-time technician to lead surgery technician and interim supervisor, building a supportive culture where everyone feels valued. I'm passionate about mentoring new hires and being someone coworkers can turn to for guidance or support during tough days,” Miller said in an organizational release.

“I coordinate continuing education to keep our team confident and capable, while fostering camaraderie through team bonding events and celebrations. My goal is to create an inclusive workplace that combats burnout through kindness and empathy—essential in our field. This clinic has become family to me,” she continued.

Sarah Hickey, DVM, surgical director at Animal Care Hospital, where Miller works as a veterinary technician, nominated Miller because of her hard work and dedication to their animal hospital. Hickey stated that through formal training and her own continued education, Miller empowers herself to manage complex cases and support the team with clinical decisions confidently. Hicky also stated that Miller brings professionalism, empathy, and clarity to everything she does at work.

Miller will receive a personalized trophy, a prize package including $750, free AAHA Con 2026 conference registration, and more. AAHA also shared the following veterinary technicians as runners-up for this award

Allison Huettner, CVT, Country Hills Pet Hospital

Laura Gervasio, RVT, Everhart Veterinary Hospital

Heather Schroeder, CVT, Mesquite Veterinary Hospital

"Achieving and sustaining excellence in veterinary medicine is the guiding light for AAHA, and we are so proud to recognize how veterinary technicians support their practices and our profession to reach that goal. The skill set of veterinary technicians spans many disciplines and areas of interest, immeasurably enriching the lives of their co-workers, their clients, and their patients. It is our honor and privilege to recognize outstanding veterinary technicians every year and present this award to a truly exceptional individual," stated Jananne O’Connell, DVM, MVPH, AAHA board member.

In order to qualify for the award, technicians must be credentialed or actively pursuing credentialing, have worked at their current practice for at least 90 days, and be currently employed in a veterinary hospital. The award is also made possible by the support of Zoetis.

“I especially wish clients would see the importance of the veterinary technician for their pets. Many people think it’s the veterinarian drawing blood, monitoring anesthesia, cleaning the teeth, placing catheters, etc., but these tasks are normally the job of the technician,” Miller explained when asked what she wished people knew about her work.

“We are the face they see before the veterinarian comes in and many don’t believe that we know the importance of doing the diagnostics, preventative care, or treatments we, as a veterinary team, recommend. I try my best to inform them of the value of the treatment plan, but without the DVM title, many people still are hesitant to trust until we’ve built that valid client-patient relationship,” she concluded.

AAHA Names 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year. News release. American Animal Hospital Association. October 12, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025.

Dunwoodie C. Meet AAHA’s 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year finalists and winner!. October 13, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025. 

https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/meet-aahas-2025-veterinary-technician-of-the-year-finalists-and-winner/

Each year, The American Animal Hospital Association honors a credentialed veterinary technician for their exceptional contributions to animal health.