Endorsed By a Veterinarian? Think Again.

A recent investigation highlights growing concerns about misleading online marketing of pet supplements falsely claiming Veterinary endorsement. A viral Facebook post promoted a taurine supplement for cats, attributed to a supposed veterinarian, but reporters could not verify the veterinarian’s identity or the medical claims. Experts found no evidence of widespread taurine deficiency in cats and traced the ad to anonymous or overseas entities using stock or AI-generated images.

Misrepresenting oneself as a veterinarian may violate Federal Trade Commission endorsement guidelines, which require truthful credentials and clear disclosure of paid advertising. Similar deceptive tactics were found on platforms like Instagram and Amazon affiliate links, where creators implied veterinary expertise without verification or disclosure.

Veterinary professionals and consumer protection experts urge pet owners to be skeptical of online endorsements, verify credentials, and report suspicious ads. The piece underscores the need for stronger platform enforcement as AI-generated content and affiliate marketing make deceptive health claims harder to detect.