Canadian vet telehealth company Vetster is launching in the UK shortly after raising $30m (£25.3m) in Series B funding for international growth.
Vetster provides 24/7 appointments with licenced UK vets for less serious problems through video, voice or messaging. It supports over 20 pet species.
A Vetster commissioned study found that the UK veterinary clinics (57%) are struggling with the volume of appointments for pets.
Mark Bordo, CEO and co-founder, Vetster said: “Veterinarians are facing tremendous pressure to provide services to millions of pet owners.”
Illnesses treated via the service include dermatology, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary tract, ophthalmology and musculoskeletal problems.
Vetster hopes this results in more time for veterinary clinics to focus on more serious problems such as surgery and bloodwork.
“Vetster’s virtual care platform connects pet owners with licenced UK veterinarians to provide support when their clinic is closed, to answer a non-urgent question, and to improve the health outcomes of their pet and help ensure owners can care for their animals,” added Bordo, who previously founded vacation rental platform CanadaStays, which was acquired in 2019 by Expedia Group.
Vetster’s move into the UK builds on its existing operations in Canada and North America.
It will face competition in Britain from London-based PetsApp.
Telehealth services boomed during the pandemic’s stay-at-home restrictions – a trend that has continued after lockdowns were lifted.
Digital health company Vira Health said it will be adding telehealth tech to its menopause app following a £9.2m funding round earlier this year.
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