HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — More than 120 students from the veterinary community participated in an in-depth workshop at the Nong Lam University (University of Agriculture and Forestry) as part of the inaugural Pet Health Month campaign in Vietnam.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Vietnamese Small Animal Veterinary Association (VSAVA) launched the Pet Health Month campaign in Vietnam with events planned across Ho Chi Minh City to educate pet owners and the veterinary community about the importance of routine veterinary care and proper pet nutrition.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a partner in the effort that also aims to support market access into Vietnam, providing US pet food manufacturers the opportunity to deliver high-quality, complete and balanced pet food, treats and ingredients into the market so Vietnamese pet owners have more options.

During the workshop at Nong Lam University, veterinarians Ngo Hong Phuong and Nguyen Thi Huyen presented information on pet nutrition trends and feline parvoviral enteritis, highlighting the relationship between feeding adequate nutrition while receiving medical treatment for feline leukemia. The session sparked discussions and questions among the veterinary students, who heard from veterinarians about their practical experiences in examining and treating pets.

Recent market research from the AFIA demonstrated that more Vietnamese veterinarians would recommend US pet food to pet owners who are willing to invest in proper nutrition so that their pets live fuller, healthier and longer lives.

“The AFIA and its members can deliver high-quality, safe and nutritious pet food, treats and ingredients to the Vietnamese market so that pet caretakers have the confidence that the foods they are feeding their pets is safe, complete and balanced to meet their nutritional needs,” said Louise Calderwood, director of regulatory affairs for the AFIA. “Through our partnership with the VSAVA, we are committed to stressing the importance of the relationship between pet owners and their veterinarians, which will ensure that pets receive the best routine, preventative care and good counsel on diets to help their pets thrive, based on their specific life stages and health needs.”

Pet Health Month continued with Super Pet Fest at the Youth Culture House on Oct. 19, where pet owners interacted, received free pet checkups, watched training demonstrations and learned about pet care. On Oct. 24, an educational workshop will be held at Pet Like Park complex.

“I strongly believe the collaboration between the USDA, AFIA and VSAVA will empower pet owners with knowledge and resources for healthy pet care,” said Matthew Kustel, economic chief at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. “This partnership will also enable veterinarians to engage with the community and share their knowledge to support healthy pets in Vietnam while fostering the business of veterinary medicine, which is crucial for the well-being of Vietnam’s pet population.”

Read more news from associations and agencies in the pet food sector.