The Trump Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating the proposed merger between Covetrus and MWI Animal Health amid concerns over veterinary industry consolidation and rising pet care costs. The FTC has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to all parties involved in the merger to gather documents and information as part of a potential antitrust inquiry.

If approved, the merger would reduce the number of major national veterinary distributors from three to two, with the combined Covetrus-MWI company controlling up to 75 percent of the market. An expert told the Daily Caller, “The standard for a really high, high concentration is for one corporation to own 30 percent of all the households, and this is 75 percent, so this is where we’re essentially dealing with a straight monopolist after this.”

The investigation follows filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, where the FTC conducts an initial review and may escalate concerns by issuing CIDs if competition issues remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, pet owners are feeling the financial strain. A national study by PetSmart Charities and Gallup, reported by USA Today, found that 52 percent of pet owners skipped or declined veterinary care in the past year, primarily due to cost. One of the largest no-kill shelters in the U.S., Paws Chicago, reported a 28 percent increase in pet surrenders in 2026, citing rising medical expenses as a contributing factor.

Recent data also shows that 22 percent of pet owners carry more than $2,000 in pet-related debt. The lifetime cost of owning a dog has climbed to roughly $35,000, with cat ownership costs not far behind.

These developments highlight the growing affordability crisis impacting pet care in the United States.

Sources