At Woofya, we imagine a future where veterinary clinics stay connected to their patients throughout the entire recovery journey — seamless, data-backed, and automated, without adding administrative burden to already stretched vet teams. A future where post-consult follow-up care no longer depends on phone calls or pet owners’ memory.

As humans, we expect digital experiences and real-time access to our own health metrics — so why are we still settling for paper-based systems in pet care?

What This Means for Vet Clinics

As the pet population ages and chronic conditions become more common, clinics face new demands for long-term care coordination and continuous monitoring. Dogs living longer means managing conditions like arthritis, diabetes, allergies, and anxiety — all requiring structured, ongoing support.

This is where connected data and owner participation can transform outcomes.

• Structured, owner-submitted data fills in the missing history between vet visits, helping pet care teams make faster, evidence-based decisions.

• Real-time symptom tracking replaces vague recall with time-stamped trends — enabling earlier detection and intervention.

• Personalised care plans turn discharge notes into simple, daily guidance that owners can easily follow, improving compliance without increasing workload.

• Centralised record storage ensures that vaccination dates, medication history, and chronic condition logs are accessible to both owner and clinic.

For pets living with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or anxiety, continuous data insights empower clinics to tailor care, detect trends early, and deliver truly personalised treatment over time.

For post-surgical patients, digital recovery tracking gives clinics real-time visibility into healing progress — allowing early intervention and improved outcomes.

Ultimately, this approach enables more holistic, preventive, and data-informed care — improving pets’ quality of life, easing clinical workloads, and strengthening the partnership between owners and veterinary teams.

Early Results of Woofya pilots

• Pet owners feel supported and confident in managing their dog’s care

• Clinics experience stronger adherence, earlier detection of complications, and deeper client loyalty.

• Vets and nurses spend less time chasing updates — and more time delivering meaningful, high-value care. 

• Early pilot feedback has been positive, with clinics reporting time savings of around five minutes per consult and approximately one hour per nurse per day.

Invitation to Collaborate

At Woofya, we believe real solutions start with real stories. We’re inviting veterinarians, nurses, and clinic owners to share your experiences — from post-consult follow-up challenges to innovative ways you support clients. Together, we can shape the next generation of connected, compassionate care.

Interested in collaborating or sharing your perspective?
 📞 Book a quick chat with our Founding team
 📧 info@woofya.com

The Changing Veterinary Landscape

The findings reveal a widening gap between the growing demands on veterinary services and the complex realities of care at home. With pet ownership at record levels and clinics under increasing pressure, efficiency has become just as important as empathy. Pet owners are deeply caring and motivated, yet many lack the tools, time, and clarity to translate veterinary advice into confident, consistent action.

Evolving Expectations

• Younger, digitally fluent dog owners now expect seamless, app-based experiences and proactive communication from their vets. 

• The humanisation of pets — with dogs increasingly treated as family members — has raised expectations for quality of care, empathy, and ongoing follow-up. 

• At the same time, rising treatment costs are creating tension between owners and clinics, as clients seek high-touch, personalised support despite shorter consult times and increasing caseloads.

Expanding Scope of Care

The scope of veterinary care is also broadening. Beyond annual check-ups, tick prevention, and vaccines, pet owners are now engaging with physiotherapists, behavioural specialists, massage therapists, supplements, and tailored nutrition plans. This shift signals a move toward a more holistic, lifestyle-based model of pet health — one that integrates clinical expertise with everyday wellbeing.

Implications for the Industry

For pet care professionals, this evolution demands smarter systems, clearer communication, and proactive guidance that extend beyond the consult room to sustain trust and manage growing complexity. Supporting pet owners where confusion often begins — after they leave the consult room — is no longer optional; it is now central to delivering modern, high-quality veterinary care.

Modern pet care now extends beyond clinical expertise — it requires ongoing visibility, proactive communication, and systems that help clients stay on track between visits.

👉 In Part 6, we share how the Woofya team is responding — and the new model of connected, data-supported care emerging from early pilots.

Open to piloting or sharing your challenges?
📞 Book a quick chat with our Founding Team
📧 info@woofya.com

From all conversations, four clear priorities emerged. Here’s an overview:

1. Desire for Digital Support

Across interviews, dog owners expressed strong interest in tools that simplify and personalise care. They want centralised access to health records, reminders for medication and home-care routines, and credible advice — without the overwhelm of online misinformation. Convenience, accuracy, and reassurance consistently emerged as core needs.

Bianca & Diego – Jessie

Grace & Chris – Henry

Tristan – George

Lisa – Alba

2. Trust, Continuity, and Relationship with Vets

Beyond convenience, owners seek stronger relational continuity with their vets — advice that feels personal, follow-ups that show genuine care, and long-term visibility into their pet’s health journey. The emotional value of trust is just as important as clinical excellence.

Grace & Chris – Henry

Joseph – Tex

Tristan – George

3. Simple, Tailored, and Reassuring Experiences

Ultimately, dog owners seek ease — clear instructions, reduced cognitive load, and confidence that they’re “doing it right.” The opportunity lies in removing complexity through timely, personalised, and reassuring support that fits naturally into how people live and care for their pets every day.

Sid – Benji

Richard – Cavoodle

4. Community and Peer Learning

Many owners learn from other pet parents — through online communities, local parks, and word of mouth. They value real-life tips, product recommendations, and emotional reassurance from others who “get it.” Creating a trusted space for shared experiences could extend the sense of support and continuity of care beyond the clinic.

Sid – Benji

Kelly – Earl

Dawn – Blair & Lola

Anonymous – Border Terrier Mix

Connie – Zeus

What dog owners want is not unrealistic — it’s practical, personal, and rooted in feeling supported rather than overwhelmed. Their expectations offer clinics a powerful roadmap for building trust and improving adherence.

👉 In Part 5, we outline what these expectations mean for pet care professionals — and how the veterinary landscape is shifting around them.

Want to contribute to the next iteration of our research?
📞 Book a quick chat with our Founding Team
📧 info@woofya.com

Through our conversations with dog owners, six clear patterns emerged.

1. Aftercare Confusion (Post-Consult or Vet Advice)

Many dog owners leave veterinary consultations uncertain about how to manage care at home — especially after surgery, during complex behavioural issues, or when supporting pets with chronic conditions. Feeding routines, medication schedules, and progress monitoring are often forgotten or inconsistently followed. Most owners rely on memory, handwritten notes, or online searches to fill these gaps, leading to anxiety, fragmented care, and slower recovery outcomes

Lisa – Alba

Amy – Elsie

2. Information Overload & Misinformation

Many owners feel overwhelmed by the abundance of online advice. They cross-check information from Google, Reddit, Facebook groups, and friends — yet often end up more confused. The challenge lies not in finding information, but in trusting which advice applies to their dog’s breed, specific chronic condition, and lifestyle.

Lisa – Alba

Amy – Elsie

Grace & Chris – Henry

Yeonjee – Bella

3. Vet Access & Continuity Gaps

Many owners juggle multiple clinics — a trusted specialist, a convenient local vet, or emergency visits — resulting in scattered records and inconsistent advice. While most veterinarians provide follow-up care, ongoing coordination across different providers is often limited. This lack of shared visibility can undermine owner confidence, fragment care routines, and affect long-term health outcomes.

Sid – Benji

Lisa – Alba

4. Routine & Habit Struggles

Busy lifestyles and competing priorities make it difficult for pet owners to maintain consistent feeding, exercise, and training routines. While most owners genuinely strive to stay on track, daily care is often disrupted by time pressures, changing schedules, or lapses in motivation. Many rely on manual calendars, memory, or ad-hoc reminders to stay organised — methods that are rarely reliable or sustainable.

Jay – Pluto

Che – Riley

5. Admin & Tracking Burden

Many owners still manage their dogs’ health information manually — tracking medications, home care instructions and routines through notes, diaries, or spreadsheets. These manual systems are time-consuming, error-prone, and often lead to unnecessary stress and inefficiency in daily care.

Grace & Chris – Henry

Bianca & Diego – Jessie

Lisa – Alba

6. Emotional & Mental Load

Behind every practical task lies emotional labour — the constant worry about “getting it right.” Owners express guilt over missed walks, anxiety about making health mistakes, and stress about the time and cost of care. Their reflections reveal genuine dedication to their pets, but also the ongoing mental burden that comes with the responsibility of daily care.

Jordan – Buster

Yeonjee – Bella

Chris & Savannah – Laura

Michelle – Riley

These challenges reveal how much pressure dog owners carry behind the scenes — often silently. Their intentions are strong, but daily life, limited support, and fragmented communication make adherence difficult.

👉 In Part 4, we explore what dog owners want — the tools, experiences, and communication they value most from their vets.

Want to share your clinic’s experience?
📞 Book a quick chat with our Founding Team
📧 info@woofya.com

Australia is home to over 7 million dogs, with 69 % of households owning a pet (Animal Medicines Australia, 2024). This deep level of pet ownership reflects the strong emotional bond Australians share with their animals — but it also means veterinarians are supporting a vast and diverse population, each with unique health needs.

The challenge is that the veterinary workforce remains stretched. With fewer than 14 000 registered veterinarians caring for more than 30 million animals nationwide (Jobs & Skills Australia, 2024), clinics face increasing caseloads and limited consultation time. As a result, vets often have to prioritise urgent care, leaving less opportunity to provide detailed post-consult guidance or ongoing health management advice. For owners, this can translate into uncertainty, inconsistent routines, or even unsafe decisions at home.

At the same time, pet owners’ expectations have never been higher. Research from PetSure (2023) and the Frontiers in Veterinary Science journal (2021) shows that many pet owners leave veterinary consultations unsure about how to manage care at home. This uncertainty is most often linked to information overload, emotional stress during appointments, and the absence of clear written or digital follow-up.

Many owners describe consults as rushed or highly technical, leaving them overwhelmed by the volume of information and medical terminology. Without structured take-home guidance, they struggle to recall medication schedules, re-check timelines, or symptom-monitoring advice once they return home. In turn, they frequently turn to online forums or social media groups for reassurance — sources that can be inconsistent or misleading.

The consequences of this gap in support are visible at scale. The RSPCA reported over 87 000 animal intakes in 2022–23, while in Victoria alone there was a 20 % rise in pet abandonments during the same period (Four Paws Australia, 2023). Although these outcomes stem from multiple factors, poor access to ongoing guidance and behavioural support remains a key contributor to pet neglect and surrender.

In other words, every interaction between a clinic and an owner represents a critical point of influence. When owners leave with clear, actionable guidance they can easily follow, compliance improves, stress reduces, and the likelihood of preventable issues drops significantly. Conversely, when communication ends at the consult-room door, uncertainty grows — for both owners and staff.

Providing structured, accessible, and ongoing post-consult support isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for reducing clinical pressure, improving recovery outcomes, and strengthening trust between veterinary teams and the communities they serve.

These pressures highlight a widening gap between what owners need and what clinics have capacity to provide. Clear, structured support outside the consult room is no longer optional — it’s essential for better outcomes, stronger relationships, and smoother clinic operations.

👉 In Part 3, we unpack the six major challenges owners face once they leave the consult — told directly through their words and lived experiences.

Have insights from your clinic?
📞 Book a quick chat with our Founding Team
📧 info@woofya.com

Across Australia, dog owners are devoted to their pets’ well being — yet many feel unprepared to manage care once they leave the vet clinic.

Through in-depth interviews with pet owners, this report explores how they navigate post-consult care — where confusion and stress often emerge — and what types of support they value most.

The Woofya team conducted over 70 in-depth interviews with dog owners across Australia to understand their post-consult care experience, identify common pain points, and uncover opportunities to improve communication and adherence between vet visits.

Findings reveal six consistent challenges:

• Aftercare confusion — Pet owners often forget or misinterpret veterinary instructions, struggling to manage feeding, medication, or recovery steps once at home.

• Information overload — Conflicting online advice and scattered resources make it difficult to know what’s credible or breed-specific.

• Continuity of care gaps — The most critical phase of recovery happens at home, yet the least supported phase of recovery.yet many pets miss out on consistent follow-up care. Despite their best intentions, pet owners often struggle to follow discharge instructions or maintain routines, leading to fragmented care after the consult.

• Routine struggles — Busy lifestyles and competing priorities make it difficult for pet owners to maintain consistent feeding, exercise, and training routines.

• Admin burden — Many pet owners manually track  diets, behaviours, and chronic conditions through diaries or spreadsheets — creating unnecessary workload and fragmented records.

• Emotional load - Pet owners face ongoing worry about “getting it right,” often balancing guilt, confusion, and financial pressure. Fragmented communication amplifies this stress, leading to repeat vet calls and reduced care adherence. 

Together, these themes reveal a consistent challenge: dog owners genuinely want to do the right thing but often lack the structure, clarity, and reassurance needed to maintain confident care between appointments.

Vet clinics and pet care providers that bridge these gaps through timely, personalised support can not only enhance health outcomes but also build stronger trust, operational efficiency, and long-term client loyalty.

The first part of our research reveals a crucial truth: owners genuinely want to follow veterinary advice — but unclear instructions, emotional stress, and fragmented systems make home-care harder than it should be.

👉 In Part 2, we dig deeper into WHY this problem matters right now — from workforce shortages to rising expectations and emotional stress during consults.

📞 Book a quick chat with our Founding Team
📧 info@woofya.com

Pet ownership in Australia continues to rise, with dogs and cats dominating as the nation’s most popular companions. According to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2025 report, Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people, 49% of Australian households own at least one dog, while 34% own cats. These figures underscore the central role pets play in Australian homes and highlight growing demand for veterinary services and pet healthcare.

The Australian Pet Ownership Landscape

Implications for Veterinary Clinics

The dominance of dogs and cats in Australian homes has clear implications for the veterinary industry and pet healthcare providers:

• Consistently high demand for dog- and cat-specific veterinary services

• Increasing pet healthcare spending, including preventive care and treatments

• Growing pressure on clinic workflows, particularly in managing post-consult care, discharge instructions, and medication reminders

For clinics, this means there is an urgent need for efficient veterinary workflow automation to support staff, improve client compliance, and enhance patient outcomes.

How Woofya Helps Clinics Deliver Better Pet Healthcare

Woofya is a Melbourne-based pet care technology startup offering AI-powered post-consult care workflows for dogs and cats. Our platform helps veterinary teams:

• Boost clinic efficiency and reduce administrative workload

• Increase capacity for veterinarians without hiring additional staff

• Deliver tailored post-consult care, including medication reminders and discharge instructions

• Improve client compliance and pet recovery outcomes

By integrating AI in vet clinics, Woofya ensures that teams can focus on high-quality pet care while reducing operational stress

Conclusion

Dogs and cats remain central to Australian households, driving both emotional bonds and increased demand for veterinary services. Clinics that adopt veterinary workflow automation and AI-driven post-consult solutions are better positioned to manage workloads, enhance client engagement, and deliver superior pet healthcare in Australia.

Woofya empowers clinics to meet these challenges efficiently, keeping pets healthier and supporting veterinary teams every step of the way.

📩 Learn how Woofya can help your clinic save time and improve patient care.

Let’s Chat
📅 Book a 30-min call with Woofya’s Founder, Rachel Zhao
📧 info@woofya.com

#PetHealthcareAustralia #VeterinaryWorkflowAutomation #AIinVetClinics #PostConsultCare #PetCareInnovation #Woofya

Rising living costs are having a tangible impact on pet ownership across Australia. According to Animal Medicines Australia’s 2025 report, Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people, 26% of prospective pet owners identify ongoing costs as the biggest barrier to getting a pet, up from 21% in 2022.

Even current pet owners are feeling the pinch. Over the past 12 months, 12% of pet owners required financial assistance to cover veterinary care, while those under financial stress are more likely to delay routine check-ups and vaccinations.

Implications for Veterinary Clinics

For veterinary practices, these trends have several important consequences:

• Fewer preventative visits – Routine care may be postponed or skipped altogether.

• Delayed vaccinations and treatments – Can lead to preventable illnesses and complications.

• Increased emergencies – More acute cases place additional stress on clinic staff.

• Reduced long-term client retention – If owners cannot maintain consistent care, they may disengage from the clinic over time.

The cumulative effect is higher pressure on veterinary teams, both in terms of workload and financial sustainability.

How Woofya Supports Clinics

Woofya provides an AI-powered solution designed to ease these challenges. By digitising aftercare and generating simple, personalised care plans, Woofya helps clinics:

• Improve adherence to treatments and follow-ups

• Increase engagement with pet owners, even when budgets are tight

• Demonstrate clear value to clients through easy-to-follow post-consult instructions

• Reduce staff stress by automating routine communications

These capabilities enable veterinary teams to maintain strong client relationships, support better pet health outcomes, and optimise clinic efficiency in a cost-of-living constrained environment.

📞 Learn how Woofya helps clinics boost efficiency.

Talk directly with our founding team: info@woofya.com

The Numbers Behind the Shortage

Australia’s veterinary industry is at a tipping point. According to Jobs & Skills Australia (2024), there are just 13,993 registered veterinarians caring for over 30 million pets — that’s one vet for every 2,000 animals.

Since COVID, pet ownership has surged, but the workforce has not kept pace.

The Human Toll on Clinics

This mismatch is taking a toll:

• Clinics are overwhelmed

• Waiting times are increasing

• Staff are stretched thin

Vet nurses, who are critical to daily operations, face particularly heavy workloads as they balance administrative and clinical duties. A La Trobe University study (2025) found that burnout among vet nurses is widespread, with many considering leaving the industry.

Industry bodies warn that if this trend continues, access to veterinary care — particularly in rural and regional areas — will worsen dramatically.

Burnout and Retention: The Critical Challenge

The biggest concern now is retention. Too many skilled vets and nurses are leaving each year due to:

• Unsustainable workloads

• Unmanageable stress

• Lack of adequate support systems

Industry leaders warn that if this trend continues, access to care—especially in rural and regional areas—will decline sharply. And it’s not just an Australian issue. Veterinary shortages are being reported globally, including in New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

So what can be done?

Improve workflow efficiency with digital tools
Going paperless and digitising records, forms, and client communication helps reduce admin burden and free up clinical time (Vets Digital, 2023).

Provide stronger support systems for veterinary teams
Nearly half of vet nurses report having no workplace systems in place to support their wellbeing. Researchers recommend better communication, career pathways, and clear policies (La Trobe University, 2025).

Create sustainable staffing models that reflect rising pet ownership
Pet ownership in Australia surged from 61% in 2019 to 69% in 2021, adding over 2 million pets. The workforce has not kept pace, leading to rising workloads and burnout (Animal Emergency Australia, 2021; Jobs & Skills Australia, 2024; La Trobe University, 2025).

Photo by Pawfey

Where Innovation Can Help

This is where Woofya steps in.

Woofya is a Melbourne-based pet care startup helping vet clinics boost efficiency, reduce admin stress, and unlock more capacity for vets with AI-powered post-consult workflows.

Co-designed with veterinarians, nurses, and pet behaviour experts, Woofya provides:

• Real-time pet recovery insights

• Digitised discharge instructions

These tools improve client adherence and care continuity while easing pressure on busy veterinary teams. Early pilot feedback has been very positive— Woofya saving 5–10 minutes per consult and up to 1 hour per nurse each day.

📞 Let’s Talk

Want to see how Woofya can support your clinic?
👉 Talk directly with our founding team: info@woofya.com

At Woofya, we’re proud to work alongside veterinary professionals who are reshaping the future of pet care. This month, we’re excited to spotlight Dr. Laurel Chew: founder and head veterinarian of Hold My Paws, a Melbourne-based in-home palliative care and euthanasia service, and an insightful voice on the Woofya Customer Advisory Group.

Introducing Dr. Laurel Chew

Dr. Laurel Chew – founder of Hold My Paws

Dr. Laurel Chew founded Hold My Paws after experiencing the loss of her own beloved dog. The ability to say goodbye at home — in comfortable and familiar surroundings, surrounded by love and family — became a turning point in her career. It showed her just how meaningful and healing that final moment could be, for both pets and their people.

Today, Hold My Paws provides compassionate, personalised end-of-life care for families across most of Melbourne. Services include in-home quality of life assessments, palliative support, and peaceful euthanasia, all delivered with empathy, dignity, and clinical excellence.

Before launching Hold My Paws, Laurel spent over a decade as a veterinary surgeon, working in hospitals across Australia. That experience helped shape her understanding of a key challenge many clinics face: what happens after the consult.

Whether it's palliative care or post-surgical recovery, the challenge is the same: ensuring the pet continues to receive the care they need after they leave the clinic. And this is where tools like Woofya are transforming the experience for both clinics and pet owners.

Laurel provided input during the early stages of Woofya to help shape new solutions for better post-consult care. From the Quality of Life Tracker — which helps vets and owners make informed end-of-life decisions — to post-surgical home care plans, Woofya is bridging the gap between clinic and home.

By making compliance and tracking simple, Woofya allows vets and owners to focus on what matters most: creating comfort and dignity. Whether it’s adjusting pain relief, monitoring appetite, or noting small changes in behaviour, Woofya’s digital plans bring structure and reassurance to an emotionally difficult journey.

Let’s Build the Future of Veterinary Care — Together

As part of the Woofya community, Dr. Chew is one of many voices helping shape smarter, more supportive veterinary care across Australia.

Are you a vet, clinic owner, or part of a passionate veterinary team? We’d love to hear from you. Share your experience with us, tell us what support you need, and help shape the future of vet care in Australia.

📩 Reach out to us at info@woofya.com.

At Woofya, we’re building a better future for pet care, together with the people who live it every day. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Dr. Eleanor (Elle) Parker, a behavioural veterinarian and founder of Pawly Understood, South Australia's only dedicated behaviour-focused veterinary clinic.

From our very first conversation, Dr. Elle’s passion for compassionate, evidence-based care was clear. With a team of 10+ vets and pet trainers, Dr Eleanor’s clinic provides a holistic model—where both medical and behavioural needs are met in every consult.

Like many growing clinics, Elle and her team face common challenges as their practice evolves—managing staff, handling high volumes of client enquiries, and most importantly, keeping clients engaged and accountable after their visit.

Client accountability and visibility into the recovery process remain big hurdles. Elle shares, “We often see pet owners come in expecting quick fixes. But behaviour change takes time, consistency, and active participation.”

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Elle to the Woofya Advisory Group. We deeply appreciate her expertise as she continues to grow Pawly Understood into a full-service, force-free GP clinic. To know about Dr Elle’s expertise and her clinic, visit here: https://www.pawlyunderstood.com/about

Dr. Eleanor Parker, a behavioural veterinarian and founder of Pawly Understood

We Want to Hear From You

If you're a vet, clinic owner, or part of a passionate team, we’d love to hear your insights and story. Help us better understand the challenges you face, and share your insights with our community.

Interested in sharing your experience? Reach out to Woofya’s Founder team for a chat at info@woofya.com.

At Woofya, we believe digitising and automating post-consult workflows delivers more than just efficiency—it drives better outcomes for clinics, teams, and patients.

That’s exactly what we’re hearing from clinic teams who’ve tested our pilot product.

During a recent walkthrough at a Melbourne practice, nurses estimated they could save 5–10 minutes per 30-minute consultation using Woofya—freeing up 40–60 minutes per nurse, per day.

The Clinic Manager put it simply:

“I think we can reduce our admin workload by at least 10%—and shave 5 minutes off each consult.”

What does that translate to?

💰 Up to $6,700 saved annually per nurse
⏱️ Save Vets 5–10 Minutes Per Consult & Save Nurses Up To 1 Hour Daily.
🧠 Less manual follow-up, fewer callbacks, and more time for care that matters

While we’re still in early pilot stages, the feedback is clear: Woofya isn’t just reducing admin time—it’s helping clinics grow capacity without increasing pressure on staff.

📅 Want to see what this could look like in your clinic?
👉 Book a free 15-minute session with our founding team to map out your clinic’s digitisation and efficiency opportunities.

 💬 Chat with our founding team: info@woofya.com 

The next generation of pet owners is here—and they’re doing things differently. Gen Z now makes up nearly 1 in 5 pet owners globally (EzyVet, 2024), and their expectations are changing the pet care landscape in ways the industry can’t ignore.

These new pet parents treat animals as family—sometimes even as children. According to SGK (2024), over 76% of Gen Z and Millennials see their pets as part of the family, with many planning life events, travel, and even housing around their animals. Clinics now see pet names on birthday cakes, dogs in prams, and “paw-rent” guilt after a missed walk.

Image: @oneshuttermomentpetphotography on Instagram

But their needs go deeper than emotional connection. Gen Z expects seamless, personalised experiences across every service—including veterinary care. According to Morgan Stanley’s 2030 Pet Care Outlook, the demand for digitally managed pet health records is growing rapidly. Yet most clinics still heavily rely on manual printouts and paper-based discharge instructions. 

Gen Z are true digital natives— pets are increasingly visible on social media. According to Mars Petcare (via The Content Architects, 2016), 65% of pet owners share posts about their pets at least twice a week. For veterinary clinics, this creates both opportunity and pressure: to build trust digitally, deliver engaging education, and offer modern, mobile-first experiences.

BCG (2025) highlights that personalisation is no longer optional—it’s the future of care. From chronic disease tracking to tailored treatment plans, today’s pet parents expect data-backed tools and seamless digital interactions.

Woofya is built for this future. Our platform enables clinics to deliver personalised, digital-first post-consult care—from interactive post-consult care plans to real-time recovery tracking—helping veterinary teams engage younger pet owners with confidence, while driving better outcomes and stronger client relationships.

📅 Want to prepare your clinic for Gen Z clients?
💬 We’re inviting industry leaders into a true co-design process—forming an advisory group and actively gathering feedback at every step.

Reach out to Woofya at rachel@woofya.com.

At Woofya, we’re dedicated to listening to those who live and breathe pet care every day. We interview veterinary experts to understand the real challenges they face—and uncover the unique insights that can help shape a better, more connected future for clinics, pets, and their owners.

This edition features Dr. Andrea Kimler, Head Veterinarian and owner of 313 Vets, a respected clinic in Melbourne known for its deeply personal approach and surgical expertise. With a BVSc, a Membership in Small Animal Surgery, and training in Animal Acupuncture, Dr. Andrea combines clinical skill with a commitment to her team and clients.

A Voice for the Industry: Andrea’s Insights

In an hour-long conversation with Woofya’s co-founder, Rachel Zhao, Dr. Andrea highlighted a key challenge facing 313 Vets: maintaining clinic efficiency amid a shortage of vets and nurses.

• “We have a vet shortage, so maintaining clinic efficiency is very important for us.” 

With clients sometimes arriving late—or multiple clients showing up at once—staying on schedule can be difficult:

• “People come in groups of three—not on time or in the right order. We run late, and then we’re playing catch-up. It’s chaos sometimes.”

Adding to the pressure, five new clinics have opened nearby, increasing competition. While 313Vets faces these external challenges, their focus remains on delivering personalised care and building trusting, long-term relationships with every client.

A Balanced Perspective on Pet Care Technology

When it comes to tracking pet recovery and behaviour, Dr. Andrea Kimler and her team have diverse views.

Andrea values a personal, hands-on approach:

• “I want to listen to the animal and build that trust through personalised services.” 

• "We give great advice and discharge instructions, and it’s up to owners to follow through. But tools that help track symptoms and key health milestones—those are useful, especially we try everything and our advice is tailored to individual needs."

For Andrea, connection in the consult room, supported by thoughtful follow-up, remains at the heart of great veterinary care.

Nurse and the Office Manager of 313 vets, Emily, see strong value in structured tracking, especially for chronic cases:

• “Clients say their dog had a seizure. We ask—how long, how often? They don’t know. A tracker would help.”

• “I like seeing numbers—glucose, weight, patterns. For conditions like diabetes, it helps us manage better.”

Emily believes that having concise, actionable data on symptoms and client adherence can improve outcomes—without overwhelming owners or adding stress to clinic staff.

Leading with Heart

Behind every decision at 313 Vets is a commitment to personalised care. Dr. Andrea leads her team with a focus on trust and long-term relationships.

Her journey as a respected veterinary surgeon is filled with dedication—not just to her patients, but to her community, her team, and the evolving world of pet care.

About Dr. Andrea Kimler

BVSc, MACVSc
Owner and Head Veterinarian, 313 Vets
A passionate surgeon, community leader, and lifelong animal lover, Andrea brings a personal touch to veterinary care. Her commitment to excellence and compassion shapes the culture of her clinic.

We Want to Hear From You

If you're a vet, clinic owner, or part of a passionate team, we’d love to hear your story. Help us better understand the challenges you face, and share your insights with our community. Stay tuned for more stories from the frontline of pet care, as we work with leading pet care providers to shape a more connected future for pets and their people.

Interested in sharing your experience? Reach out to Woofya at rachel@woofya.com.

#BetterPetCare #ClinicSupport #VeterinaryInnovation #Woofya #startup

In April, the Woofya team visited and interviewed 23 vet clinics across Australia. We even sat in clinic waiting rooms, observing firsthand the pace, pressure, and emotional load carried by vet nurses and vets every day.

One thing became clear: once a client walks out the door, it’s hard to stay connected. We’re all familiar with phone Ping Pong. Unless someone makes a follow-up call or the client returns for a check-up, the clinic has little visibility into how recovery is progressing or if care plans are being followed.

But what happens after the consult can be just as critical as what happens during it.

What We Heard from the Front Line

Vet nurses told us:

“We spend so much time explaining discharge instructions—but most clients forget and call back later to clarify.”

“We want to know how recovery is going, but when we follow up, it turns into phone pingpong. It’s wasting lot of time.”

“We just wish there was an easier way to know clients are actually following the care plan and staying accountable.”

Vets shared:

“We often spend the first part of a follow-up consult just asking clients how things have been going at home—what symptoms they’ve noticed, how recovery is tracking. It’s time-consuming and not always accurate, because clients can’t remember everything.”

This disconnect results in:
• Delayed rechecks
• High phone volumes and time-consuming follow-ups
• Missed opportunities to intervene early on deteriorating conditions

 Great Practices Clinics Can Use Right Now 

1. Give Clear, Simple Take-Home Instructions
Use bullet points with no jargon, outline when to call, and leave space for notes. This cuts down on follow-up confusion.

2. Use a Standard Follow-Up Call Schedule
Set a clear template (e.g. Day 2, Day 5, Day 14) so staff know who to check in with—without overloading the team.

3. Ask Clients to Keep a Recovery Journal
Suggest that clients jot down symptoms, behaviour changes, or medication routines in a notebook. Even better if they bring it to follow-ups. This helps with memory gaps and improves consult quality.

4. Set Clear Expectations at Discharge
Tell clients what’s normal, what to watch for, and what to prepare if they call. It helps avoid panic calls and repeat questions.

A Small Shift, Big Impact: Staying Connected After the Consult

At Woofya, we’re co-designing a post-care support tool with clinics, hospitals, and vet nurses across Australia—focused on making everyday workflows easier.

We focus on what helps vet clinics team now:
• Less admin and fewer follow-up calls
• Shorter consults with better pre-visit context
• Better client adherence—without the phone pingpong
• A clear view of recovery progress and symptom trends

The goal? Reduce stress, streamline your day, and give pets the continuity of care they deserve.

Co-designing with Clinics

If your clinic is exploring easier ways to stay connected with clients—without burning out your team—we’d love to hear your story and share our insights.

Let’s Chat
📅 Book a 30-min call with Woofya’s Founder, Rachel Zhao
📧 info@woofya.com

#BetterPetCare #ClinicSupport #VeterinaryInnovation #Woofya #startup

Talk with Jess: Why Milly Needs Care That’s Just for Her

Q: So, Jess, tell us about Milly!
A: Oh gosh, Milly is everything. She’s this tiny, sassy little ball of fluff who basically runs my life in the best way. 

Hmm, she’s my best mate, my little shadow. And honestly, that’s why I want to on making sure everything I do for her is tailored. Like, she’s Milly, and she’s got her own little quirks.

Q: What do you mean by “tailored”?
A: Well, not all dogs are the same, right? Like people, they’ve got different needs. 

Milly’s small, she’s got tons of energy some days, and other days she just wants to sleep on my lap. 

Her food, her exercise, even how I train her—it all has to suit her. Not just what works for the other dogs.

Q: Can you give us some real-life examples?
A: For sure.

• Food-wise, she’s a picky eater and small breeds need different stuff than big dogs, so I’ve had to figure out what keeps her healthy (and what she’ll actually eat!).

• Exercise? Some days she’s zoomies central, so we hit the park. Other days, nah—just chill.

• And now that she’s getting older, I’m noticing she’s slowing down a bit, so I’ve had to adjust. 

Q: How’s the personalized approach helped you though?
A: I know what works for her now. Plus, it’s made us closer. Like, I just get her. 

And it saves me time, ‘cause I’m not messing around trying random things that don’t suit her.

Q: Why do you think personalised care is such a big deal?
A: Because they deserve it! Milly gives me so much joy—it’s only fair I give her the best care. 

Plus, pets are like our kids now, right? You wouldn’t treat your daughter like everyone else, so why treat your dog like that? She’s got her own vibe, and I just wanna make sure she’s living her best life.

Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Just that being a dog mom is one of the best parts of my life. And giving Milly the best care I can—it’s not just for her, it’s for me too. 

When she’s happy, I’m happy. She is my little girl. That’s what it’s all about.

Meet Milly, Wendy’s Charming Maltese-Shih Tzu

We love hearing from fellow dog mums and dads! 

🐾 Share your pawsome stories with us at info@woofya.com — we might just feature your moment next! #ShareYourPawsomeMoments

Hey Dog Lovers! 🐶🐾  I'm always sniffing out the latest trends in the dog world, and this one is HUGE. Forget cramped carriers and stressful cargo holds – a new airline is taking canine travel to luxurious heights.

Bark Box, the company that brings joy to pups with its monthly subscription boxes, is launching Bark Air, a premium airline designed specifically for dogs and their owners. Yes, you read that right. An airline for dogs!

The Stress-Free Alternative to Crate Travel (Photo by Bark Air)

What is Bark Air?

Bark Air is an ultra-luxury airline service focused on providing a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for pets and their humans. Imagine this:

• 🛏️ Comfy Cabin: Pups fly in the cabin with you, lounging on comfy beds with calming pheromone-scented blankets.

• 🦴 Doggy Delights: Forget boring water bowls. Bark Air offers "dog champagne" (chicken broth, of course!). Even the music and plane colors are designed to soothe canine passengers.

• 😊 Stress-Free Security: Skip the TSA nightmares! Owners and their furry friends can relax in a private terminal area before takeoff. Anxious pups can even get noise-canceling earmuffs, calming treats, and special jackets.

🕺Human Perks: While the focus is on the dogs, owners aren't forgotten. Enjoy pre-flight gourmet meals, complimentary mid-flight snacks, leather seats, and a car service to your destination.

‘The moment both you and your dog can enjoy!’ (Photo by Tori Latham on Robb Report)

The Catch

Okay, let's address the elephant (or should I say Great Dane?) in the room: the price. One-way tickets start at USD$6,000 from New York to Los Angeles and USD$8,000 from New York to London. Ouch!

And currently, Bark Air only offers those two routes: New York to Los Angeles and New York to London.

Florida to New York coming soon (April 10) 🤭

‘Snacks and cuddles? It’s a yes for me!’ (Photo by Clifford A on Axios)

Is This the Future of Dog Travel?

Bark Air caters to a very specific clientele: wealthy pet owners who are willing to pay a premium for their dog's comfort and well-being. It's undeniably a niche market. But, as Bark's CEO points out, it fills a massive gap by providing a comfortable alternative to traditional, often stressful, pet travel.

Whether Bark Air will "take off" (pun intended!) remains to be seen. But it sparks an interesting conversation about the future of pet travel. Will we see more airlines catering to our furry friends in the years to come? Will competition drive prices down, making luxury dog travel more accessible? Only time will tell.

Join the Discussion!

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What do you think? Would you fly first class with your dog if you had the chance? Share your thoughts in our Facebook, and don't forget to show us your pups' adventures (maybe flights in the future in Australia) by tagging us on Instagram @woofya.dogfriendly 

Woofya - Your Pup, Your Plan: Smart, Personalised Dog Parenting 🐾

Hey dog lovers!

Ever wished you could combine your love for coffee with your love for cuddly canines? Dog-themed cafes are popping up around the world, offering just that unique experience!

Photo by CuppaPug

CuppaPug: A Global Success Story

CuppaPug, which first opened in London, is a prime example of this trend. It's not just a cafe; it's a pug sanctuary where visitors can enjoy pug-themed refreshments, buy dog-friendly treats for the resident pugs, and simply bask in the cuteness. They also partner with charities to improve the lives of these adorable dogs. With its popularity expanding to Manchester, dog cafes are proving their place in the modern pet owner's lifestyle.

Melbourne’s FIRST dog café: Photo by Pupsy

Melbourne's Dog Cafe Scene

Lucky for us Melburnians, we don't have to fly halfway across the world for a dose of doggy-cafe charm! 

Check out DogHouse Cafe in Collingwood. Melbourne’s FIRST café for dogs. The cafe boasts an off-leash area where customers can enjoy a cuppa while watching their dogs socialise and play. This cafe isn't just about the dogs, though. Their menu features organic and locally sourced meals and beverages, ensuring that humans and dogs alike can enjoy a meal.

Why Are Dog Cafes So Appealing?

There are several reasons why these cafes are a hit:

• 😊Stress Relief: Studies have shown that interacting with animals can lower stress levels and improve mood.

• 🐶Social Connection: Dog cafes provide a built-in community for dog lovers to connect and share their passion.

• ✨Unique Experience: They offer something different from your average coffee shop, making them a fun and memorable experience.

Considerations?

Of course, not everyone is a fan. Some concerns include hygiene, noise levels, and the well-being of the resident dogs. It's crucial for these cafes to prioritise animal welfare and maintain a clean environment.

What Do You Think?

Would you visit a dog-themed cafe? Do you think Melbourne needs more of these unique spaces? Share your thoughts in our Facebook, and don't forget to show us your pups' cafe adventures by tagging us on Instagram @woofya.dogfriendly 

Woofya - Your Pup, Your Plan: Smart, Personalised Dog Parenting 🐾

As a dog owner, you might have found yourself thinking:

“My dog is lovely with people, but wants to fight other dogs.”
“I have to walk my dog at sunrise to avoid seeing other dogs.”

If that’s you — you’re not alone. Dr Chantelle McGowan shares valuable insights to help you understand and manage your dog’s social stress.

Dr McGowan, BVSc MANZCVS (Behaviour), Elite CCFP, has been a veterinarian since 2011 and a pet behaviour counsellor since 2012. Dr Channy helps pet owners understand behaviour and how it shapes a pet’s interactions with people and other animals.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that pets can teach us a lot — especially how to manage and accept our own expectations.”

Dogs Have Personalities Too

“Just like people, dogs have their own personalities, preferences, and comfort levels. Some are social butterflies, while others prefer solitude.”

“Dogs have friends — dogs they enjoy spending time with — and others they simply don’t. Some are high-energy and love rough, physical play. Others are more introverted, preferring calm, non-contact play with one or two companions,” says Dr McGowan.
“And there’s every combination in between.”

Why your dog might be reacting 

Dr McGowan said that dogs may display aggression or avoidance for many reasons, including:

• Past trauma or negative experiences

• Fear, anxiety, or pain

• Being startled or overwhelmed

• Poor early socialisation

Even friendly dogs may need space in certain situations — and behaviours like growling or lunging can be a way of communicating that.

Dr McGowan’s advice for managing inter-dog aggression:

• Know your dog - their health, reactivity, life experience and temperament all contribute for risk of inter-dog aggression 

• Watch for changes - Aggression can increase with behavioural maturity (1-3 years old) so can start to develop ‘later’ in life, do not ignore changes & seek help early

• Don’t wait — seek professional help early if you notice changes

📖 Read more advice from Dr Chantelle McGowan about dog aggression here htps://www.calmpetvet.com.au/post/my-dog-is-not-nice-to-other-dogs-on-walks-help 

We Want to Hear From You

At Woofya, we know that real solutions begin with real stories.
We’re inviting veterinarians, vet nurses, and clinic owners to share the challenges and truths you face every day.

Your voice is powerful. Your experience and insights can shape how we support thousands of dog owners across Australia.

Let’s spotlight your work and expertise! Let’s elevate the conversations that matter — not just in consult rooms, but in communities.

📩 Want to share your insights with Woofya’s community?
Reach out directly to our Co-founder: rachel@woofya.com

At Woofya, we believe the best pet care tech solutions start with listening.

At Our Vet Northland, Gemma is one of three dedicated nurses working hard to provide top-notch care for every furry friend.

In a recent chat with the Woofya team, Gemma gave us a candid look at her daily routine, key priorities, and what could make life easier for both clinic staff and pet owners.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you and your team face every day?

"Honestly, affordability of appointments and medications is a big one. With the high cost of living, some owners struggle to pay for care plans and treatments, which can lead to delays."

“Delays in treatment often mean pets return with worsened symptoms, which can be more costly—or more serious—despite our best efforts.”

“There’s no Medicare for pets. Everything is out-of-pocket for owners—and that means tough choices sometimes.”

Q: How do you currently follow up with clients?

“We always follow up with clients the day after treatments, just to check in and make sure everything’s going well. We also hand out printed info after each consult, so owners can understand their pet’s condition a bit better—or dive deeper if they want to. My team takes the time to walk through the discharge instructions too, making sure everything’s clear. We want owners to feel confident about what to do next.”

Q: Which daily tasks can take up lot of your time?

• “A part of my day is spent explaining discharge instructions, because we need to make sure every client really understands their pet’s care plan. “

• “ The most common questions? Things like, ‘When should I stop the meds?’ or ‘How much should I feed them, especially now they’re on a weight loss plan?’ It’s important, but it does take time.”

Q: What could help save time and improve communication?

“I’d love a symptom tracker! If clients could send regular updates, it would save us so much time and help us stay on top of things. For example, with chronic skin issues, they could track itchiness, note any changes, and even send photos. For For chronic stomach sensitivities, they could log symptoms, diet tweaks, and flag us if things get worse.”

“ Ideally, all those updates would go straight into the pet’s file, with smart alerts for anything unusual—so we can jump on it quickly. It’d save us from chasing calls and help avoid treatment delays too.”

We Want to Hear From You
At Woofya, we know that real solutions begin with real stories.

We’re inviting veterinarians, vet nurses, and clinic owners to share knowledge, unique stories, and behind-the-scenes experiences with Woofya’s community. Whether it’s advice on common pet issues, funny clinic moments, or tips that make your day easier—we want to hear it!

Let’s spotlight your story and expertise! Let’s elevate the conversations that matter.

📩 Want to share your insights with the Woofya community?
Reach out directly to our Co-founder: rachel@woofya.com