•Impact of zoonotic and multidrug-resistant pathogens in companion animal (dogs, cats and horses) medicine.•Lack of practical implementation of infection control programs in veterinary clinics.•Outbreaks associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylooccus aureus (MRSA) and −S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli were reported.•Indirect evidence for a rising problem with healthcare-associated infections.•Representative surveillance efforts and infection control strategies respecting animal-species specific needs are indispensable in companion animal medicine in the sense of the “One Health” idea. Although the problems associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and the emergence of zoonotic and multidrug-resistant pathogens in companion animal (dogs, cats and horses) medicine have been well-known for decades, current progress with respect to practical implementation of infection control programs in veterinary clinics has been limited. Clinical outbreak events reported for methicillin-resistant Staphylooccus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Serovars indicate the necessity of infection control strategies for protecting animal patients at risk as well as veterinary personnel. The close bond between humans and their companion animals provides opportunities for exchange of microorganisms, including MDR pathogens. This particular aspect of the “One Health” idea requires more representative surveillance efforts and infection control strategies with respect to animal-species specific characters.