Pet telehealth service Vetster is launching in the UK after a recent $30m (£25m) Series B fundraise.
The Canadian tech startup is targeting international expansion for its service, which provides video chat appointments 24/7 with licenced UK vets for non-urgent cases.
The pet market is increasingly competitive following the pandemic, when the number of new pet owners soared.
The expansion follows a $30m oversubscribed Series B fundraise led by Kensington Capital Partners along with existing investors Brightspark Ventures and Whitecap Venture Partners.
Mark Bordo, co-founder and CEO of Vetster, said: “Our incredible team of savvy, compassionate pet-lovers has created a platform that empowers veterinarians to provide pet telehealth services to pet owners around the world.
“The pandemic highlighted what we all knew, that it’s time for new, convenient, affordable, and always-on digital solutions to improve pet health outcomes and overall wellbeing.”
Vetster has also partnered with America’s leading pet pharmacy PetMeds as both an investor and strategic partner.
Bordo said: “Together with their CEO Matt Hulett and the PetMeds team we are going to fundamentally change how pet lovers take care of their animals.
“Vetster has established trust with pet owners and veterinarians alike, by offering choice, flexibility and a seamless mobile experience that fundamentally transforms pet care,”
“This round and our game-changing partnership with PetMeds, will allow us to empower more pet parents and veterinary professionals by vastly expanding availability and access to Vetster across North America and around the world.”