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Key points:
- The AFIA and VSAVA launched a Pet Health Month campaign in Vietnam, with events planned across Ho Chi Minh City, to educate Vietnamese pet owners and the veterinary community about good veterinary care and proper pet nutrition.
- The USDA also served as a partner in the effort, aiming to support market access into Vietnam, providing U.S. 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 from which to choose.
- Super Pet Fest, held Saturday, Oct. 19, offered hundreds of pet owners and leading veterinary experts the opportunity to connect and discuss pet food and care options, along with other interactive activities.
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The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Vietnam Small Animal Veterinary Association (VSAVA) wrapped up a successful Super Pet Fest event this past Saturday, as part of its recently launched Pet Health Month campaign. The event brought together over 1,000 pet owners and leading veterinary experts, connecting many veterinarians with pet owners, while creating a space for sharing meaningful interactions and learning experiences.
The Pet Health Month campaign, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) successfully educated pet owners and the veterinary community about the importance of routine veterinary care and proper pet nutrition by feeding a complete and balanced diet proved by pet food.
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"The AFIA and its members can provide high-quality, safe and nutritious pet food, treats and ingredients to the Vietnamese market, giving pet caretakers peace of mind that their pets are consuming safe, complete and balanced diets that meet their nutritional needs," said Louise Calderwood, AFIA director of regulatory affairs. "Through our partnership with VSAVA, we aim to strengthen the bond between pet owners and veterinarians to provide pets with long and healthy lives. Through this, we will partner with pet owners to build comprehensive care plans, from disease prevention to nutrition, tailored to each pet's individual developmental stage and specific health needs."
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Louise Calderwood, AFIA's director of regulatory affairs.
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Associate professor Dr. Le Quang Thong, VSAVA president, added: "Each pet requires a unique approach to nutrition and physical activity. Pet Health Month in Vietnam is a great opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of pet health care and good nutrition. We encourage veterinary clinics to enhance professionalism and provide top-notch services to meet the diverse needs of pet owners."
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Associate Professor Dr. Le Quang Thong, VSAVA president.
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Super Pet Fest offered educational resources, including workshops tailored to pet owners, covering topics ranging from basic pet care and nutrition to preventive medicine and early disease detection. Interactive sessions provided hands-on learning experiences, enabling pet owners to develop essential skills and deepen their understanding of their pets' needs.
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Dog training demonstration with skills from basic to advanced.
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Beyond education, Super Pet Fest provided a stage for pets to shine. The festival featured engaging activities, such as costume contests, showcasing the creativity and bond between pets and their owners. These lighthearted competitions fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants while celebrating the unique qualities of their animal companions.
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Costume contests Pet Super Star - showcasing the creativity and bond between pets and their owners.
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One of the festival's most compelling features included the pet training demonstrations, led by experienced trainers, which highlighted the transformative power of positive reinforcement and consistent training methods. The demonstrations showcased how pets can learn essential skills and develop into well-behaved companions. Attendees witnessed firsthand how patience, understanding and effective communication can strengthen the bond between humans and their pets.
The festival grounds buzzed with activity as attendees explored a diverse marketplace of pet food products and services. Numerous vendors showcased a wide range of offerings, from nutritious pet food and innovative toys to grooming supplies and health supplements. This bustling marketplace provided pet owners with ample opportunities to discover new products and make informed choices for their pets’ well-being.
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A few images of the event.
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Attending the event, Jane Luxner, agricultural attaché at the U.S. consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City (U.S. Department of Agriculture), said:
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“The U.S. Department of Agriculture believes in the importance of animal welfare and good veterinary care. I congratulate AFIA and VSAVA for organizing Super Pet Fest. This event demonstrates, in Vietnam like in the United States, people highly value their pets and want to learn how to best care for them. The pet food and pet care sector has great growth potential in Vietnam.”
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Jane Luxner, agricultural attaché at the U.S. consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Pet Health Month continues with an educational workshop and the 2024 Dog Swimming Race at Pet Like Park complex on Oct. 24, as well as a comprehensive communication campaign being rolled out to attract widespread community interest.
The Pet Health Month Festival marks a significant step toward fostering a modern, responsible and well-informed, pet-loving community in Vietnam. This groundbreaking collaboration between the AFIA, VSAVA and USDA underscores the bilateral commitment to advancing pet healthcare in the country.
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