Online veterinary services enhance accessibility for pet owners
Implications - Digital platforms that allow pet owners to connect to veterinary services are increasingly popular, as hands-on pet care is on the rise among consumers. Though not as thorough as in-person appointments, these services aim to protect the general health of domestic animals, while prioritizing accessibility for consumers who may face more barriers–like cost and transport–to accessing vet services.
Workshop Question - How could your brand offer an accessible version of its product/service?
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Veterinary Services - Digital platforms that offer virtual access to veterinary services through chat or smart devices redefine accessibility to vet care and aligns to the rising trend of online consultations. Business opportunities can be found in developing devices that enhance AI capabilities to provide near-accurate diagnosis or in creating accessibility-focused pet clinics for patient care services for remote areas.
2. Subscription-based Pet Care - Subscription-based pet care services, like Fuzzy Pet Health, offer access to round-the-clock vet care and enable affordable pet care which is equally comprehensive as on-site visits. Business opportunities can be explored in developing personalized pet care plans via mobile apps or devices that encourage more consumer subscriptions to post-pandemic market scenarios.
3. Convenience and Premium Services in Pet Stores - High-end pet stores such as PetCoach combine grooming and daycare facilities with personalized pet care services like vet consultation and training, advantageous to busy pet owners who look for 'one-stop-shop' pet care services. Business opportunities can be found in developing online marketplaces that feature premium pet product collections and add-on services or in creating co-sharing spaces that encourage pet coaching and care services.
Industry Implications
1. Virtual Healthcare Industry - Technological innovations in remote diagnosis and online consultation act as future-focused offerings in the virtual healthcare industry, creating large-scale opportunities for new ventures and startups.
2. Pet Care Industry - The trend of pet ownership and a shift towards accessible and personalized pet care services create growth opportunities for pet care companies and associated products like premium food & nutrition, grooming and vet clinics.
3. Pharmacy & E-commerce Industry - Integration of e-commerce platforms with healthcare, wellness and pet care services presents opportunities for the pharmaceutical and retail industries, both online and offline, to expand their customer reach and explore newer market prospects.
