RALEIGH, November 13, 2026 — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing to block a $3.5 billion merger between Covetrus and MWI, the nation’s two largest veterinary supply distributors. This merger, if allowed to proceed, could lead to higher prices at veterinary clinics and bigger bills for North Carolina pet owners.
Background On The Merger
Covetrus and MWI are two of only three companies capable of supplying a full range of veterinary products nationwide. Currently, veterinary clinics can negotiate between these two companies, which regularly offer discounts and incentives to win customers. The technical reality is that this competition keeps prices in check, allowing clinics to provide affordable services to pet owners. Under the hood, the merger would eliminate a major source of competition, reducing bargaining power and potentially increasing operating costs that get passed on to pet owners.
The Antitrust Arguments
The lawsuit argues that the merger would reduce competition in an already concentrated market, leading to higher prices for pet owners. As Attorney General Jeff Jackson stated, “Pet owners are already paying hundreds of dollars a year for veterinary care. The last thing they need is two giant companies merging so they can charge veterinarians more, knowing those costs will get passed along to pet owners.” The detail that matters here is that nearly 80% of North Carolina households own pets, translating to more than 3 million homes, and veterinary care is already a substantial expense, with dog owners spending an average of nearly $600 and cat owners spending about $530 in 2025.
Potential Impact On Pet Owners
The potential impact on household budgets is significant, as the SPCA of Wake County receives requests from more than 1,000 pet owners each year seeking affordable veterinary services. Mondy Lamb, Vice President of Donor & External Relations at the SPCA of Wake County, noted that “basic veterinary care shouldn’t be a luxury. Vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and treatment for sick or injured pets are essential services that every pet owner should be able to afford.” The merger, if allowed to proceed, could make these essential services even more expensive, limiting options for pet owners who are already struggling to afford care.
Multi-State Coalition And Federal Trade Commission Involvement
Attorney General Jackson is joining the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas in challenging the proposed acquisition. The lawsuit seeks to block the merger under federal antitrust law, arguing that combining the two major distributors would reduce competition in an already concentrated market. As the case moves forward, the outcome will be closely watched by pet owners and veterinary clinics across the country, as the decision will have a direct impact on the cost and availability of veterinary care. The next scheduled court date is not yet available, but one thing is certain: the fate of this merger will have far-reaching consequences for pet owners and the veterinary industry as a whole.
Sources
- Jeff Jackson (politician)
- Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Stop Merger that Could Raise Pet Owners’ Bills – NCDOJ
- NC attorney general sues to block veterinary supply merger over potential price increases
Photo: Department of Defense. American Forces Information Service. Defense Visual Infor (Public domain)
