AvVaa World Health Care Products Inc. (Lumby, British Columbia) signed agreements with Galaman Ltd. (Caledon, Ontario), to distribute Dermalustre skin and coat treatment through pet and tack stores in Canada and the United States; and Needs N Desires Ltd. (Canyon, British Columbia), to distribute the Care Professional line via retail outlets at dog shows in Canada and online. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods Inc. (Irwindale, Calif.) launched the Active Care On-Duty K-9 Feeding Program, offering discounts on its Active Care foods and treats to owners of community service dogs, and raising funds for canine bulletproof vests via specially marked packages of Active Care products. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Chateau-Animaux, the largest independent pet retailer in Washington, D.C., purchased Zanadoo and Co. Inc. (Vancouver, Wash.), a maker of all-natural dog treats. At press time, the new owners planned to change the expanding line’s labeling to include all information in French and English. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Cosmic Cat Corp. (Hagerstown, Md.) used the services of Catalpha Advertising & Design (Towson, Md.) to update its entire visual identity, from logo to packaging, to reflect its new name: Cosmic Pet Products. [June 2006 PET AGE]

The Crystal Import Corp. (Birmingham, Ala.) recently donated 20,000 microchip scanners capable of reading 125- and 134.2-kilohertz microchips to shelters and veterinary hospitals across the nation, and offered free scanners to up to 10,000 shelters and veterinarians purchasing 20 RFID microchips. Crystal Import is the U.S. distributor of RFID microchips by Datamars S.A. (Bedano, Switzerland). [June 2006 PET AGE]

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in March announced a voluntary recall of Model 7050 AquaPod 12-gallon aquariums by Current USA Inc. (Vista, Calif.) due to an electrical shock hazard via unplugged energized lamp cords. The product was sold through pet stores nationwide, pet merchandise catalogs and Web retailers from December 2005 through January 2006. At press time, Current had received nine reports of electrical problems with the aquarium, seven of which included electrical shock. For more information, call Current at 866-276-8872 or visit www.current-usa.com. [June 2006 PET AGE]

D&D Commodities Ltd. (Stephen, Minn.) cited PetSmart Inc. (Phoenix) as its 2005 Multi-store Retailer of the Year for outstanding sales, product promotions and displays, support in building the category and willingness to build brand image and loyalty. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Del Monte Corp. (San Francisco) agreed in March to acquire the Milk-Bone brand from Kraft Foods Inc. (Northfield, Ill.) for approximately $580 million. The transaction includes Kraft’s Milk-Bone manufacturing facility in Buffalo, N.Y., and a pet food testing center in Sherburne, N.Y. Del Monte will hire approximately 230 Kraft employees, including a business team in East Hanover, N.J., an operations team at the Buffalo facility and technicians at the Sherburne center. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Digital Angel Corp. (South St. Paul, Minn.) received a U.S. patent for the Bio-Thermo microchip, which uses radio frequency identification technology to determine the body temperature of host animals. At press time, the company was preparing to launch the microchip in the U.S. companion animal market. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Doane Pet Care Co. (Brentwood, Tenn.) reported net sales of $249.2 million for the 2005 fourth quarter, down 8 percent from net sales of $271 million for the prior-year period. Doane is the largest manufacturer of store-brand pet food and the second largest manufacturer of dry pet food overall in the United States. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Dogmatic Products (Brooklyn, N.Y.) sponsored a DVD series produced by PetsIncredible (Tarpon Springs, Fla.) for the Training Your Adopted Dog Program, providing affordable, humane and effective training for adoptive families. Available to animal adoption agencies for 99 cents, the DVDs include 30-second sponsored segments about Dogmatics’ SnackShotz Treat Launcher. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Farnam Pet Products (Phoenix) acquired Mrs. Allen’s Shed-Stop from Stabar Enterprises Inc. (Newington, Conn.). [June 2006 PET AGE]

Farnam Pet Products (Phoenix) signed as a sponsor on Animal Radio Network for the fourth consecutive year to promote Comfort Zone pheromone plug-ins, Bio Spot flea/tick products and other brands. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Fe-Lines Inc. (Fort Worth, Texas) is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The company has sold more than 1.5 million packages of Sticky Paws scratching deterrents for cats. [June 2006 PET AGE]

FLORIDA—Pet Dealer Warranty/License. Senate Bill 470, to amend the existing law regulating the sale of dogs and cats, passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture in March. The bill requires anyone who offers a dog or cat for sale to provide each purchaser with information about the animal’s birth, origin and registration information.
The committee temporarily deferred a related bill, Senate Bill 674, to establish a new pet dealer law that would require dealers to be licensed and inspected at least once a year. [June 2006 PET AGE]

For the Love of Dogs, A Dog Bakery opened new stores in Plainfield and Southport, Ind. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Glo-Marr Products Inc. (Lawrenceburg, Ky.) acquired the Balance Products division of Landco Corp. (Post Falls, Idaho). Kenic plans to expand the Balance line of shampoos, colognes, milk replacers and supplements to support the company’s plans for growth in domestic and international markets, according to Fred Nicolosi, vice president of Glo-Marr. [June 2006 PET AGE]

The Honest Kitchen Inc. (San Diego) and Primal Pet Foods Inc. (San Francisco) teamed to co-market their product lines, beginning with a sales campaign aimed at California retail stores and gradually expanding into a nationwide campaign with shared sales reps, reciprocal coupons and other marketing efforts. [June 2006 PET AGE]

ILLINOIS—Breed-Specific Legislation. House Resolution 1026, to encourage municipalities to pass laws that target irresponsible dog owners rather than enact breed-specific legislation, passed the House Committee on Local Government in April. [June 2006 PET AGE]

INDIANA—Kennel Licensing. Gov. Mitch Daniels signed House Bill 1418 into law. The new law requires that major and minor kennels be inspected before a license is issued. [June 2006 PET AGE]

International Absorbents Inc. (Ferndale, Wash.) reported sales of $25.4 million for the 2006 fiscal year, up 15 percent from $22.2 million for the prior year. International Absorbents makes pet bedding and litter from recycled and renewable materials. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Invisible Fence Brand (Garrett, Ind.) formed strategic marketing relationships with The Iams Co. (Dayton, Ohio) and Pet Central (Sylvania, Ohio). [June 2006 PET AGE]

Kaytee Products Inc. (Chilton, Wis.) entered an agreement with Discovery Licensing (Silver Spring, Md.) to create more than 70 Animal Planet-branded products, including food, treats, toys and accessories for pet birds, small animals and aquariums. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Lambert Kay (Princeton, N.J.) awarded a Ford Escape Hybrid sport utility vehicle to Mike Silverman of Mutts & Butts (Merrick, N.Y.) in its Get Thin and Win Sweepstakes, a retailer incentive program held in conjunction with the launch of Fresh ’N Clean floor protection pads. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Lixit Corp. (Napa, Calif.) was named San Francisco Bay Area Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for community work, minority status as a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-certified company, hiring and training disabled and special-needs workers, and continued dedication to hiring within the Napa community. [June 2006 PET AGE]

LOUISIANA—Disaster Planning for Pets. A bill that provides for a disaster plan for pets and service animals passed the Judiciary Committee in April. Senate Bill 607 requires the state office of homeland security and emergency preparedness and agencies at the parish level to consult with experts in the fields of animal sheltering, veterinary medicine, public health and safety, and other professional and technical personnel deemed appropriate, to formulate emergency operation plans for the humane evacuation, transport and temporary sheltering of service animals and household pets in times of emergency or disaster. [June 2006 PET AGE]

MAINE—Domestic Violence and Pets. Gov. John Baldacci in April signed a law that allows animals to be included in protection orders in domestic violence cases. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Mars Inc. (McLean, Va.) in April agreed to acquire S&M NuTec L.L.C. (North Kansas City, Mo.), maker of Greenies brand pet treats, for an undisclosed amount. Mars’ pet brands include Pedigree and Whiskas. [June 2006 PET AGE]

NEW YORK—Boarding Kennel/Groomer Regulation. The Senate Consumer Protection Committee approved Senate Bill 2164-A and companion Assembly Bill 4253-A, to require kennels and groomers to be licensed and inspected and to comply with minimum standards of animal care and safety. It also requires kennels and groomers to ensure that boarded animals are up to date on inoculations against transmissible diseases and that sick animals are separated from other boarders. [June 2006 PET AGE]

OurPet’s Co. (Fairport Harbor, Ohio) reported net sales of $1.59 million for the 2005 fourth quarter, up 18 percent from $1.35 million for the year-earlier period. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Pawsitively Gourmet Inc. (Centennial, Colo.) signed distribution agreements with All Pet Distributors Inc. (Brentwood, N.Y.), K&W Distributing Co. Inc. (Fremont, Ohio), Loveland Pet Products (Mason, Ohio), Petersen Pet Provisions Inc. (Greeley, Colo.), Purbeck Isle Inc. (Gardiner, Maine) and Super-Dog Pet Food Co. (Leola, Pa.). [June 2006 PET AGE]

According to published news reports, the Georgia Department of Agriculture in April ordered six Atlanta-area stores to stop selling dogs after more than 130 puppies at the stores tested positive for Giardia, a zoonotic parasite. The affected stores are part of The Pet Company, a chain based in New Windsor, N.Y. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Pet Ecology Brands Inc. (Dallas) signed Tradewinds Global (Oahu, Hawaii) to manage exports of its cat litter and dog treats in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Pet Living Inc. (Bloomington, Minn.) acquired Pet Living from Global Access. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Petco Animal Supplies Inc. (San Diego) reported net sales of $541.5 million for the 2005 fourth quarter, up 10 percent from the year-earlier period. Comparable-store net sales increased 2 percent on top of a 5.1 percent increase in the year-earlier period.
Additionally, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which it can purchase up to $100 million of its outstanding common stock. [June 2006 PET AGE]

In a pre-book program for fall, PetEdge Dealer Services is offering discounts of up to 30 percent on selected merchandise—and get free delivery on orders of more than $275—to qualified retailers participating in the PetEdge Dealer Services Program. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Petland Inc. in April opened a location in the North Creek Shopping Center in Laredo, Texas. [June 2006 PET AGE]

PetSmart Charities (Phoenix) donated $1.3 million—its largest single donation in history—to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (New York) to fund a large-scale spay/neuter program in greater New Orleans and southern Mississippi; $540,000 to State Animal Response Teams to fund the development of 25 new SART-certified states through 2010; and $500,000 to establish a regional emergency supply trailer program. [June 2006 PET AGE]

The Planet Dog Foundation (Portland, Maine) gave $2,500 grants to the Chenny Troupe (Chicago), a volunteer network that provides animal-assisted therapy; the National Education for Assistance Dog Service/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans (West Boylston, Mass.); Puppies Behind Bars (New York), which trains prison inmates to raise guide dogs for the blind and explosive detection canines for law enforcement; and Western Montana Search Dogs (Gallatin County, Mont.).
The foundation also donated $3,000 raised through its first amateur dog show fund-raiser to My Wonderful Dog, a Maine nonprofit organization that trains animals to aid disabled people. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Prevue Pet Products Inc. (Chicago) signed NEMA North (Arlington, Mass.) to represent its products in the Northeast. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Sergeant’s Pet Care Products Inc. (Omaha, Neb.) signed a licensing agreement with EcoSmart Technologies Inc. (Franklin, Tenn.) to offer a new line of natural pest control products for cats and dogs. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. [June 2006 PET AGE]

T.F.H. Publications Inc. (Neptune City, N.J.) signed a publishing agreement with Discovery Licensing (Silver Spring, Md.) to create and distribute an original series of Animal Planet-branded pet care books in North America. Tentatively titled Animal Planet Care Library, the series will reflect the family-friendly informative content and style of the Animal Planet network and T.F.H. The first editions are scheduled for a fall release. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Tetra (Blacksburg, Va.) is featuring The Quest for the Tetra Treasure national sweepstakes on specially marked packages of TetraMin, TetraFin and TetraColor fish foods. Tetra will award $10,000 cash to one grand-prize winner, a trip for two to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia to one first-prize winner, and aquarium setups worth $2,150 to five runners-up. Consumers can enter their UPC code at www.tetra-fish.com to see if they are an instant winner. [June 2006 PET AGE]

United Pet Group (Cincinnati) finalized a licensing agreement with Vital Needs International (San Antonio) to use Vital Needs’ propriety bismuth sodium tartrate formula for a new line of pet diarrhea medications, the first of which is 8 in 1 Canine G.I. Relief. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Virbac Corp. (Fort Worth, Texas) reported revenues of $19.6 million for the 2005 fourth quarter, up 9 percent from $17.9 million for the year-earlier period.
Also, Virbac recently formed a committee of independent directors to review a proposal by Virbac S.A. (Carros, France) to acquire 39.7 percent of the outstanding shares of common stock that it does not already own. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Siamese narrow-headed softshell turtles involved in a breeding and conservation program co-sponsored by the Fort Worth Zoo are enjoying better living conditions with the help of Mardel Master Test Kits, provided by Virbac Corp. (Fort Worth, Texas). Keepers use the strips to spot-check water in dozens of tanks so they can quickly and accurately identify specific adjustments needed to keep the endangered animals healthy.

Petfood Forum Asia, produced by Petfood Industry magazine and Watt Publishing Co. (Mount Morris, Ill.), has been postponed until 2007. The event was slated for Sept. 11-13 in Bangkok, Thailand. [June 2006 PET AGE]

Zoological Education Network (West Palm Beach, Fla.) signed Western Drug Distribution Center (Alberta, Canada) to distribute its AVIx product line, making it convenient for Canadian veterinarians to obtain the products locally. [June 2006 PET AGE]