PetPal clinches Gold for Marketing at KMC Startup Awards for Innovative Pawtection Party Campaign

 917Ventures’ PetPal won the Gold for Marketing Award at the KMC Startup Awards 2023, standing out among over 200 entries nationwide. This accolade recognizes the company’s exceptional marketing campaign for the Pawtection Party, a vaccination drive that promoted pet health and responsible pet ownership.

Pawtection Party, organized in partnership with animal nutrition and healthcare brand UNAHCO and the Ayala Malls Up Town Center, offered free 7-in-1 and Anti-Rabies vaccinations for pets, attracting a large number of pet owners and their furry companions. The campaign's effectiveness was reflected in the vaccination of over 300 pets, exceeding the target by 110%.

The event also fostered a sense of camaraderie and joy among pet owners and passionate veterinarians, fostering connections among like-minded people and nurturing a supportive and enthusiastic pet community.

"Beyond the prestige, the award serves as a testament to PetPal's commitment to making pets live their healthiest and happiest lives. Pawtection Party is a stepping stone to the future where no pet is left unprotected, where the joy of having a furry companion is accompanied by the responsibility of ensuring their well-being,” said Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures. 

PetPal’s marketing strategy was distinguished for its creative approach to pet vaccinations, turning a typically daunting experience into a celebration. It utilized vibrant art and colors aligned with the brand to communicate the message and positively engage pet owners.

The campaign addressed several critical issues in pet care, including assisting pet owners who rely on local government units for vaccinations and helping those whose pets have an unknown vaccination history. Its broader vision is to continuously assist in pet care through informational content and digitized pet services, such as vet teleconsults, home vet visits, and a PetPal Club Membership offering unlimited vet consults and other perks.

The campaign's success serves as a milestone fitting as PetPal is set to launch an app that aims to provide seamless access to pet care services, including real-time access to pet records, streamlined appointment scheduling, prescription requests, and telehealth consultations. This digital innovation is poised to transform how pet owners manage their pet's health and wellness.

The KMC Startup Awards brought together esteemed judges from the Robinsons Group, Bossjob, Kaya, and KMC. The event celebrated the achievements of startups and entrepreneurs who are catalyzing change across various industries.

PetPal's win highlights its innovative approach to marketing and its commitment to making a transformative impact in the pet care industry. The company's success at the Pawtection Party and its ongoing initiatives position it as a forward-thinking leader in pet health and wellness.

Learn more about Petpal’s various services by visiting https://petpal.asia/.

917Ventures' PetPal Targets US$1.6 Billion Pet Care Market in SEA - Expands Access to Essential Pet Care for Filipinos

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 11 September 2023 – The Philippines has seen a significant increase in pet ownership, with 79% of the population now owning a pet, one of the highest percentages in Asia. With the surge in pet ownership, many struggle to find affordable, convenient veterinary care options for their beloved animals with just one vet available for every 10,000 pet owners in the country. 

917Ventures, the largest corporate venture builder in the Philippines, created PetPal to address this market gap. Launched as a vet teleconsultation service, it has recently started to offer at-home grooming services, home vet visits, lab tests, and vaccinations. It also plans to launch an online pharmacy and marketplace for other pet-related goods, supplies and other services. Their PetPal Club subscription service provides users unlimited teleconsultations for up to two pets annually, along with discounts on pet services. A mobile app version is expected to launch later this year.

Carlo Flordeliza, a Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, conceived the idea of PetPal after recognizing a gaping need for a comprehensive online pet care platform. The platform aimed to broaden access to veterinary services and champion responsible pet ownership. The motivation for PetPal was deeply personal after experiencing firsthand the challenges of finding an available vet when his dog, Pippin, urgently needed care. 

“PetPal addresses a gap in the pet care market for convenient, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare services for pets. According to ASPCA, a significant number of pets rarely see a veterinarian due to their owners facing substantial challenges such as cost issues and unavailability of veterinarians. These barriers can lead pet owners to delay or skip veterinary treatments, or even abandon their pets. Affordable telehealth services like PetPal can address this while also helping pet owners avoid additional expenses related to transportation, travel time, or missed work,” said Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder  at 917Ventures.

The clamor for these services is not confined to the Philippines as the pet care market in Southeast Asia grew to a sizable US$1.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to US$3.08 billion by 2032. Recognizing the potential of the sector, 917Ventures aims to make comprehensive pet care accessible and help the local industry address challenges through digitization, ensuring its growth is in line with the rest of the world. 

“More than half of Asia’s population have pets and we see PetPal and pet telehealth services at large as a transformative solution that not only caters to the demands of modern pet owners but also redefines the way veterinary care is accessed and administered, ushering in a new era of convenience, accessibility, and comprehensive well-being for pets,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Director at 917Ventures.

“By offering a platform, PetPal enables veterinary practitioners to reach a wider audience, deliver crucial services to more pet owners and their pets, and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Additionally, PetPal can also foster economic growth by stimulating demand and therefore creating new revenue streams and potentially generating jobs within the pet service sector,” added Yamat. 

Since its launch, PetPal has conducted thousands of consultations nationwide where partner vets provided guidance on pet nutrition and behavior to first-time pet owners and helped seasoned pet parents book schedules for their pets, fitting them into their busy lives.