Just like humans, most pets instinctively dislike visiting the vet. Even during a seemingly casual walk, they often freeze and refuse to move as soon as they realize they’re near a clinic. For pet owners, the experience is just as challenging. When their pets show unusual symptoms, they’re often unsure whether it’s serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet or if it can be resolved with simple care at home.

Pettinee, an innovative telemedicine startup for pets, is transforming veterinary care in Korea with its accessible and stress-free solutions. The platform addresses common challenges faced by pet owners, such as the inconvenience of clinic visits and uncertainty over whether professional care is needed. By providing 24/7 online consultations with licensed veterinarians, Pettinee allows pet owners to manage their pets’ health without leaving home.  

Tailored to the unique needs of Asian pet owners, Pettinee’s services are grounded in the 2021 American Animal Hospital Association Telehealth Guidelines. The company has customized these guidelines for the Korean market, offering data-driven and personalized healthcare solutions. With a diverse team of veterinarians from Thailand, Laos, France, and Korea, Pettinee provides a localized experience supported by language translation technology and customer service designed specifically for Korean users.  

Since its launch earlier this year, Pettinee has successfully completed 150 telemedicine cases in Korea, establishing a strong foundation for its expansion. The company was also selected for the K-Startup Grand Challenge, further boosting its market entry. Its platform, available through both mobile and web applications, includes integrated features for Korean-language accessibility and offers a variety of services, from ongoing health management to pre- and post-hospital care packages.  

The Korean pet market, valued at approximately 3.8 trillion won, offers significant opportunities for growth. With the average pet owner spending around $385 annually, Pettinee aims to meet the needs of owners who struggle to access traditional veterinary care. To expand its footprint, the company is actively seeking strategic partnerships and investment to enhance its product offerings and local presence.  

Pettinee’s long-term vision is to set a new standard in pet telemedicine across Asia. As the first company of its kind in the region, it is dedicated to creating a future where all pets receive premium healthcare that is both convenient and accessible.

What problems are we trying to solve?

At Pettinee, we aim to make pet healthcare more accessible. Many pet owners struggle with the inconvenience of hospital visits and the challenge of deciding whether a visit is necessary. This issue is especially relevant for pets that experience stress in clinical environments or are located far from quality care.

How are we trying to solve this problem?

Pettinee offers an online telemedicine platform that allows pet owners to consult with veterinarians 24/7 from anywhere. Our services cover a range of needs, from simple health issues to ongoing management, empowering pet owners to care for their pets at home quickly. This solution minimizes the need for distant clinic visits and reduces unnecessary hospital trips.

What are our competitive advantages over your competitors? 

Our competitive edge lies in delivering data-driven, personalized health information, utilizing the 2021 American Animal Hospital Association Telehealth Guidelines, adapted for Asian pet owners. Our team comprises experienced veterinarians from Thailand, Laos, France, and Korea, providing a localized experience with language translation APIs and flexible customer support tailored to Korean pet owners.

What is the product/service we are providing, and what is its current status?

Pettinee provides telemedicine and consulting services for pets, enabling owners to manage their pets’ health from home. Since early this year, we’ve conducted 150 test cases in Korea and are now expanding through the K-Startup Grand Challenge. Our platform is accessible via mobile app and web, with integrated Korean translation capabilities.

What is the market size our product/service is targeting, and who are our key target customers?

The Korean pet market is valued at around 3.8 trillion won and is rapidly expanding. Our target customers are primarily pet owners who face difficulties in accessing veterinary services or require ongoing health management for their pets. With an average annual expenditure of $385 per household, we see significant growth potential in Korea.

Why did we enter the Korean market, and what are we trying to achieve here?

Korea has a high level of spending on pets, making it an ideal market for Pettinee’s innovative telemedicine solution. We aim to enhance the health and well-being of pets in Korea, and in the long term, to provide premium, accessible care to a broader audience of pet owners.

What is our business model?

Pettinee operates on a pay-per-session telemedicine model, with additional pre- and post-hospital packages and pet care products. We also offer a partnership model that includes delivering various products and supplements to customers’ homes, enhancing convenience and access to care.

What have been our achievements so far, particularly in the Korean market?

We were selected for the K-Startup Grand Challenge, allowing us to enter the Korean market and successfully complete 150 telemedicine cases with local partners. Additionally, our partnership with Com7 has laid the groundwork for offering a wide range of products and services in Korea.

What are our team’s competitive advantages?

Our team consists of veterinarians from Thailand, Laos, France, and Korea, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise tailored to the Asian market. Every team member is committed to providing the best service possible, with a strong background in telemedicine and pet care.

What do we need most right now to enter the Korean market?

Right now, we need investment and strategic partnerships. We plan to collaborate with local partners to expand products and services tailored to the Korean market, strengthening Pettinee’s presence and impact.

Is there any other information you would like to convey?

As the first innovative telemedicine startup for pets in Asia, Pettinee aims to set a new standard in the Korean market. Our ultimate goal is to create a world where every pet can receive the best possible healthcare.