French/West/Vaughan, one of the nation’s largest independently-owned PR firms, has acquired Fetching Communications, founded in 2003 as the nation’s first marketing and PR firm focused exclusively on the pet and veterinary industries.

The acquisition also includes PetPR.com, Fetching’s dedicated news release distribution service for the pet industry.

Kristen LevineKristen Levine

Fetching will complement FWV’s expertise in the equine and consumer lifestyle categories and will operate as FWV Fetching, a wholly-owned division of FWV. 

FWV clients have included the U.S. Polo Association, the New York Horse Show, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Professional Bull Riders and Dognition.

Rick FrenchRick French

Fetching has handled the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, PetSafe® Brand, Calmz® Anxiety Relief System for dogs and John Paul Pet, created by John Paul Mitchell Systems.

“When we looked at the client cultures of the two agencies, as well as the geographic footprint of our existing offices and the broader capabilities we could extend to Fetching’s clients, it became clear that we could build something special together,” said Rick French, FWV chairman & CEO.

Fetching founder Kristen Levine will lead the new Pet & Veterinary Practice as senior VP.  Levine is a nationally-known speaker, media personality, author and blogger, reaching passionate pet lovers across the country through her website, Kristen Levine Pet Living.

“We are ecstatic about integrating our pet and veterinary practice into such a prestigious and respected agency as FWV,” Levine said.

Fetching CEO Liz Lindley, an attorney who previously worked in Edelman’s litigation PR practice in New York City and later in PR for a division of the Washington Post, becomes VP.

Prosper Group’s David Bosses served as M&A advisor to Fetching. 

The combined firms now employ over 100 with fee billings approaching $25 million.