Zoetis Celebrates 100 Years of Advancing Animal Health at Charles City Site
June 25, 2026
The Zoetis Global Manufacturing and Supply site in Charles City, Iowa, U.S.A. is celebrating a historic milestone: 100 years of operation. As one of the most vital facilities in the company’s global manufacturing and supply network, Charles City produces over 100 vaccines for poultry, canine, swine and equine, supplying essential animal health products to more than 100 markets worldwide.
The history of the site dates to the 1920s, when Dr. Joseph Salsbury established a veterinary practice. What began as a small-town veterinary operation evolved through a series of transformations that mirror the broader growth of the animal health industry.
Dr. Salsbury's practice grew into Salsbury Laboratories, a pioneering veterinary pharmaceutical company. The site later became part of Solvay Animal Health, before becoming Fort Dodge Animal Health. When Pfizer acquired Fort Dodge, the Charles City facility operated under Pfizer Animal Health until 2013, when Pfizer spun off its animal health division to create Zoetis, the world's leading animal health company. Through each chapter, the Charles City site has remained a constant—adapting, growing, and continuing its mission of advancing animal health.
The site spans over 600,000 square feet on 256 acres and is the second-largest facility in the entire Zoetis global manufacturing network. It produces over 100 vaccines that help protect animal health and the world's food supply in more than 100 markets. Over 40% of the site’s production is focused on poultry vaccines followed closely by canine, swine and equine animal products.
With over 500 colleagues, Charles City is a vital part of a broader U.S. manufacturing network that spans nine sites in seven states and employs more than 2,700 people. Together, these teams supply essential animal health products to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners worldwide.
"Charles City represents the very best of what Zoetis manufacturing stands for — a relentless commitment to quality, a culture of innovation, and a deep connection to the communities where we operate," said Nick Ashton, Executive Vice President and President of Global Manufacturing and Supply at Zoetis. "As we continue to expand our U.S. manufacturing footprint, sites like Charles City remind us that enduring excellence is built on a foundation of people, purpose, and pride."
The site's contributions to Zoetis' innovation pipeline have accelerated in recent years. Over the last decade, Charles City has licensed and launched over 10 products while increasing output by approximately 15 million bottles and 20 billion doses. Charles City holds both United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) regulatory credentials.
For Site Leader Amanda McCarty, who has been working at the site for over two decades, the celebration was deeply personal. "A hundred years of operation isn't a line on a timeline — it's generations of workers showing up, solving hard problems, and delivering products that make a real difference in animal health. We're protecting animals, protecting the food we eat, and protecting the livelihoods of farmers right here in Charles City. This isn't just where we work; it's where many of us live, raise our families, and show up for our neighbors. That's something I am truly proud of."
The site celebrated its 100th anniversary by hosting an exhibit of its history at a local museum, where it welcomed Iowa State Senator Sandy Salmon and State Representative Charley Thomson. A Saturday celebration with colleagues and their families followed that made for a beautiful day of fun, food, and community.
Beyond its manufacturing capabilities, the site has been a vital part of the local community in northeast Iowa. As one of the largest employers in the region, Zoetis colleagues contribute to the fabric of Charles City through local partnerships, internship programs, and community engagement, a tradition that stretches back to the site's earliest days.
The Charles City centennial milestone is a powerful reminder that the same resilience and dedication that built this site a century ago continue to fuel Zoetis' mission: nurturing our world and humankind by advancing care for animals.