Calgary (Alberta), June 18th, 2024
Internationally recognized for its unwavering commitment to animal welfare and pain management, Solvet, an Alberta Veterinary Laboratories Ltd. subsidiary, celebrates 15 years in business. Since its launch in 2009, Solvet’s last decade and a half of operations as a family-owned business have demonstrated how passion, skill, and resourcefulness can spark a successful, thriving enterprise.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Solvet co-founders Dr. Merle Olson and Dr. Barbara Olson saw a growing need from Canadian veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners for access to fairly priced, well-researched, and versatile products. The duo heard too many stories from friends and colleagues daily, noting the need for affordable products and knowing there was a missing, critical step between research and commercialization. So, with their rich science backgrounds, they stepped up and started crafting and sourcing products frequently in demand by the industry.
“Solvet was born at the kitchen table, as at the time, Barbara and I often discussed the gaps we saw in the industry,” explained Dr. Merle Olson, Solvet co-founder and Director of Research & Development. “The same relentless quest for progress has given way to our expansion these last 15 years. As we become an increasingly important player in the Canadian animal health sector, we take immense pride that our vision has remained the same since day one: “Innovation by request.”
With its growing team of 85, Solvet researches the challenges Canadian producers and their veterinarians face daily. The company integrates feedback into product development by prioritizing its relationship with veterinarians and animal caretakers, creating world-class experiences in personalized treatment. Investing over twelve million dollars in Canadian research in the last fifteen years, Solvet is one of the most active sponsors of animal health research in Canada. It is preparing to enter the next fifteen years with an arsenal of over fifty exclusive patents and global partnerships.
“We broke the mould on the traditional industry experience for our customers and partners,” said Dr. Barbara Olson, Solvet co-founder and VP of Quality & Regulatory Affairs. “Our business model is distinct: we develop our products by listening to our customers, and we produce them right here in Canada. It’s what’s inspired our diverse product line and what continues pushing us forward. We’ve seen time and time again that the right product can make all the difference.”
As Solvet looks to the future, it remains optimistic and eager to continue building a greater understanding of animal welfare. Most recently, this has included diving into the companion animal market with global partners from Australia, Ireland, and the USA while stepping up as a distributor throughout North America for leading international manufacturers. Moreover, Solvet recently launched a novel technology, Lidoband, that is set to revolutionize livestock castration worldwide.
Although Solvet has its sights set on expansion, it strongly believes in supporting the Canadian market. With research and manufacturing focused in Canada, Solvet develops solutions grounded in the local environment and market realities.
“Our goal from the beginning has been to solve the problems practicing veterinarians face daily. Of all the research and products we’ve introduced to the market, I am most proud of the cultural shift in pain management recognition we fostered for food-producing animals. When we started, pain management in food animals was not even discussed; now, it is viewed by producers as an obligation. We continue to lead the way in pain management for animals in Canada and worldwide.”
As part of the 15th-anniversary celebrations, Solvet intends to recognize the accomplishments of staff and senior leadership who have helped them reach this significant milestone, host events with stakeholders, industry partners, and government leaders who have supported its continued growth, and share their thanks with customers. More information about Solvet’s 15-year success can be found on its website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Grégoire Leduc, Director of Marketing
About Solvet: Founded by the Olson family in 2009, Solvet meets the veterinary pharmaceutical needs of producers and pet owners. With an innovative business model, they develop products by listening to customers and producing them at their headquarters in Calgary, Alberta.
