- PetPal is a telehealth platform for pets, created by 917Ventures, the Philippines’ largest corporate venture builder
- 79% of households in the Philippines own a pet, one of the highest percentages in Asia – however there is only one vet available for every 10,000 pet owners in the country.
- Has expanded retail presence to over 80 clinics and 250 veterinary experts since its launch
Pet ownership in the Philippines has witnessed a remarkable surge, with a staggering 79% of the population now embracing furry companions, marking one of the highest percentages in Asia. This heightened pet ownership trend, however, has exposed a pressing challenge: the scarcity of affordable and convenient veterinary care options, with only one veterinarian available for every 10,000 pet owners across the country.
To bridge this gap in the market, 917Ventures, the Philippines’ largest corporate venture builder, conceived PetPal. Initially launched as a veterinary teleconsultation service, PetPal has expanded its offerings to include at-home grooming services, house calls from veterinarians, laboratory tests, and vaccinations. Furthermore, the platform has ambitious plans to introduce an online pharmacy and a marketplace for various pet-related products, supplies, and services. PetPal’s subscription service, known as the PetPal Club, grants users unlimited teleconsultations for up to two pets annually, along with valuable discounts on pet-related services. The development of a mobile app version is also on the horizon, with an expected launch later this year.
The brainchild behind PetPal, Carlo Flordeliza, a Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, was driven by a deeply personal motivation. He recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive online pet care platform after experiencing firsthand the challenges of finding an available veterinarian when his dog, Pippin, urgently required care.
“PetPal addresses a critical void in the pet care market, providing convenience, accessibility, and cost-effective healthcare services for pets. According to the ASPCA, a significant number of pets rarely receive veterinary care due to owners facing substantial challenges, such as cost constraints and the unavailability of veterinarians. These hurdles can lead pet owners to delay or forego essential veterinary treatments, or even abandon their pets. Affordable telehealth services like PetPal can address these issues while helping pet owners avoid additional expenses related to transportation, travel time, or missed work,” explained Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures.
The demand for such services extends beyond the Philippines, as the pet care market in Southeast Asia grew to a substantial US$1.6 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach US$3.08 billion by 2032. Recognizing the vast potential of this sector, 917Ventures aims to make comprehensive pet care accessible and facilitate the local industry’s adaptation to digital transformation, aligning its growth with global trends.
“More than half of Asia’s population are pet owners, and we view PetPal and pet telehealth services at large as transformative solutions that cater not only to the needs of modern pet owners but also redefine how veterinary care is accessed and administered, ushering in an era of convenience, accessibility, and holistic well-being for pets,” emphasized Vince Yamat, Managing Director at 917Ventures.
“By offering a platform, PetPal enables veterinary practitioners to reach a wider audience, deliver crucial services to more pet owners and their pets, and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Additionally, PetPal has the potential to stimulate economic growth by boosting demand and thereby creating new revenue streams and potentially generating jobs within the pet service sector,” Yamat added.
Since its inception, PetPal has conducted thousands of consultations nationwide. Partnered veterinarians have provided guidance on pet nutrition and behavior to first-time pet owners and assisted seasoned pet parents in scheduling appointments for their beloved companions, seamlessly fitting pet care into their busy lives.
