Vet tech company partners with insurer

Vet-AI, which provides pet owners access to affordable and convenient veterinary care via its app Joii Pet Care, has teamed up with Markerstudy Broking, which is working with Asda Money to relaunch its pet insurance brand.

The commercial agreement will give Asda Money pet insurance customers, whose policies are underwritten by Markerstudy Broking, access to 24/7 digital vet care.

Policyholders will get unlimited access to Joii Pet Care’s video consultations with qualified and RCVS registered UK vets.

Pet owners with Asda Money pet insurance will also be able to access Joii Pet Care’s symptom checker, which uses the latest technology to help pet owners pinpoint issues from the comfort of their home.

Founded in 2017 and based in Nexus, University of Leeds, Vet-AI aims to improve the lives of animals by increasing access to vet care through Joii Pet Care, as well as supporting veterinary professionals who are leaving the industry due to the high pressures and stresses of clinic life.

Joii Care launched in May 2019 and has supported more than 200,000 pets to date.

Paul Hallett, co-founder of Vet-AI, said: “This major partnership completely opens up access to professional vet care for thousands of pet parents who will benefit hugely from accessing regular, preventative veterinary care from the comfort of their homes.

“The pandemic has seen an exponential rise in pets. Many pet owners are now facing high vet bills and difficulties accessing in-practice veterinary care.

“Both Markerstudy Broking and Asda Money share our commitment to put animal welfare first, and collectively we’ll ensure more owners have easily accessible choice to receive the very best care for their pets.”

Ross Hallifax, Markerstudy Broking’s affinity director, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Asda Money and Vet-AI. I am personally looking forward to seeing our shared vision become a reality.”

Neil Foster, head of Asda Money, added: “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing the very best and most up to date service for each of our policyholders.

“We previously offered a vet phone line, and digital telemedicine is the next step forward. Joii Pet Care has proven to be an effective lifeline to pet owners over the last few years and we’re really pleased to strike up this partnership on behalf of our customers.”