Healthy Pets is the only telemedicine service in Canada to offer on-demand video consultations with veterinarians, was officially launched and was announced 500K in seed funding from District Ventures Capital, a VC fund led by Arlene Dickinson, Dickinson will be joining Healthy Pets as a board member.  The announcement followed a Dragons’ Den appearance with Healthy Pets’ Founder and CEO Emma Harris who successfully pitched her business idea and accepted an offer from Dickinson.

“I was extremely impressed with Emma’s idea and her passion in the Den. Her entrepreneurial spirit is infectious,” said Arlene Dickinson, CEO of District Ventures Capital and star on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Healthy Pets’ innovative approach to pet care and the following pet services in Canada made it an ideal business for my fund, District Ventures Capital, to invest in and partner with. We are very much looking forward to seeing the growth of this business and to working closely with Emma.”

“Nearly 63 per cent of Canadian millennials own pets and as the parent of a pet that has experienced health issues.  I understand the stress that comes with trying to recognize when it is or isn’t time to visit the clinic. It’s the first-hand experience that inspired me to start Healthy Pets,” said Emma Harris, founder and CEO of Healthy Pets. “Appearing on Dragons’ Den gave me an incredible opportunity to connect more Canadians with vets through telemedicine and I couldn’t be more excited to work with Arlene and the team at District Venture Capital.”

Healthy Pets morphs veterinary care by leveraging technology to connect pet owners and certified veterinarians for a consultation via on-demand video, voice or instant messaging. Pet parents register online by creating a profile for themselves, and of their pet. From there they would book an appointment with a registered veterinarian from within the platform.  Users can select single  15 minute sessions, or opt for annual subscriptions.

“Healthy Pets is a valuable tool to reach patients in a new way,” said Dr.SarahHansford, DVM of Medical Director for Healthy Pets. “The platform allows vets to expand their practice and implement a flexible working schedule outside of regular clinic hours.”

To learn more about Healthy Pets, visit healthypets.io