In recent years, Real-World Data (RWD) has revolutionized human healthcare, driving better decision-making, drug development, and patient outcomes. Yet, another promising and rapidly evolving area for RWD innovation lies in veterinary medicine. As pets are increasingly becoming cherished family members and demand for advanced veterinary care, RWD offers an unprecedented opportunity to also transform animal health.
The Rise of Veterinary RWD: From Fragmented Records to Powerful Insights
Unlike human healthcare systems, veterinary care historically suffers from fragmented data sources scattered across independent clinics, hospitals, insurers, and pet owners. This fragmentation has long limited the potential for large-scale research or evidence-based improvements. However, a wave of pioneering initiatives and regulatory strategies is beginning to change that landscape.
Take VetCompass, a UK-based program that aggregates anonymized clinical records from thousands of veterinary practices. VetCompass has created one of the largest veterinary datasets globally, empowering epidemiologists and clinicians to understand disease prevalence, treatment outcomes, and emerging health threats across pet populations. Its success has inspired similar efforts internationally.
In the US, Banfield Pet Hospital, part of a vast veterinary network, leverages clinical data from millions of pets to produce actionable insights. Banfield’s “Veterinary Insights” platform aids in improving diagnostics, tailoringtherapies, and guiding preventive care. Meanwhile, startups like VetVine focus on unifying electronic medical records (EMR), insurance claims, and even owner-reported data into comprehensive analytic platforms.
Perhaps most exciting is the rise of wearable tech and owner engagement in data generation. Collaborations such as the Pet Insight Project by Google and Mars Petcare collect continuous activity and health data through pet wearables. This real-time data complements clinical records and opens new doors for early disease detection and wellness optimization.
Regulatory Momentum: Data Strategies and Frameworks Taking Shape
Regulators are beginning to acknowledge the untapped potential of RWD in veterinary contexts. Several forward-looking frameworks underscore this shift:
- The European Veterinary Big Data Strategy (2022–2027), published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), outlines a roadmap for leveraging digital solutions to enhance pharmacovigilance, surveillance, and the regulatory lifecycle of veterinary medicinal products. It emphasizes interoperability, real-time monitoring, and the use of novel data sources, including wearables and electronic health records.
- The EMA’s Strategic Reflection on Big Data (2020–2025), while focused broadly, includes veterinary applications under the scope of regulatory modernization and harmonization of evidence use in both human and animal health.
- In Switzerland, Swissmedic is investing in data-driven approaches, including digital transformation initiatives that support the integration of real-world insights in both human and veterinary medicine. Their strategic plan highlights the potential of digital health records and cross-border data collaboration.
- The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in the US is exploring frameworks for incorporating real-world evidence into regulatory decision-making. While still early, guidance for post-marketing surveillance and exploratory use of pet data are under discussion, mirroring human medicine’s trajectory.
These frameworks reflect a growing consensus: evidence generation from real-world veterinary data must become methodologically sound, technology-enabled, and purpose-driven.
Corporate Pioneers and the Business of Veterinary RWD
Major animal health players are deeply investing in RWD infrastructure and research. Mars Petcare, a global leader in pet nutrition and veterinary services, integrates data across its veterinary hospitals to fuel innovation. Similarly, Zoetis, the world’s largest animal health pharmaceutical company, increasingly relies on RWD for post-market surveillance and regulatory submissions.
Software companies like Covetrus provide critical practice management tools enabling vets to capture, organize, and analyze clinical data effortlessly. At the intersection of technology and data, companies such as Whistle Labs create pet wearables that continuously stream vital signs and activity metrics, enrichingthe data ecosystem.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite impressive progress, veterinary RWD faces unique challenges. Data standardization remains a hurdle, with ongoing efforts to adopt universal coding systems like VeNom for diagnoses and treatments. Privacy and consent frameworks need tailoring for veterinary contexts, balancing owner rights and animal welfare.
Furthermore, the veterinary field must embrace telemedicine and remote monitoring, accelerating adoption among clinicians and pet owners. Regulatory bodies, such as the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP), show growing interest in incorporating RWE into veterinary drug approvals, signaling a future where RWD will become central to animal health innovation.
Conclusion: A New Era for Veterinary Care
The convergence of data science, technology, and veterinary medicine is ushering in a new era of evidence-based care for animals. Real-World Data is not just a buzzword, it’s a transformative force that promises healthier, longer lives for our pets and a deeper understanding of their health needs.
As the veterinary world embraces this data-driven future, opportunities abound for those ready to innovate, collaborate, and lead. Whether through building platforms, consulting, or creating connected devices, the next chapter of veterinary RWD is wide open — and it’s time to step in and make a difference.
Relevant links:
https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases/mars-pet-insight-project
https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/en/home/tierarzneimittel/zulassungen-tam/rwe.html
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/european-veterinary-big-data-strategy-2022-2027_en.pdf
https://www.mars.com/our-brands/petcare
