The online store allows pet parents to fill prescriptions and have them delivered to their door.
A new online marketplace hopes to help close the gap in availability and affordability of pet care services in Canada.
Furble launched across Canada except Quebec to help pet parents fill out prescriptions for their furry companions online (or browse other food and health products) and have them delivered to their door. The company was founded earlier this year by CEO Lisa McIntyre-Smith, chief strategy officer Aaron Eclair and chief communications officer Matt Friesen.
According to recent study published by PetSmart Charities of Canadafree treats aren't enough to get nearly half of Canadian pet owners to take their pets to the vet. The study found that 67 percent of those who avoid visiting the vet do so because it is unaffordable, and those who are further away from the vet are more likely to skip the visit.
Furble says it softens the blow by allowing pet parents to stay home, compare products, view transparent prices and choose fulfillment options.
“This is what inspired Furble: to create an accessible, affordable platform, built in Canada, so that families don't have to choose between mandatory vet visits and the prescriptions and products their pets rely on,” McIntyre-Smith said in a statement.
After recommending a medication, the veterinarian can send the pet's prescription to one of Furble's licensed pharmacy partners, who will process and deliver the order directly to the pet parent's door.
A Furble spokesperson told BetaKit in an email that Furble is not based in one location: MacIntyre-Smith is based in Halifax and the rest of the company is distributed across Canada. The spokesperson added that Furble is “actively working” to bring its services to Quebec.
The company, named after “the funny voice that pet parents use to communicate with their pets,” says a portion of its profits go to support Canadian animal welfare charities. The representative did not specify how much of Furble's profits go to charity.
CONNECTED: Pawsible Ventures seeks opportunities in pet health
The Canadian pet care industry has increased its funding in recent months. Vancouver-based venture studio Pawsible Ventures. launched its first $10 million fund last month to support early-stage pet healthcare startups with capital, incubation and distribution services. Romanian pet grooming software startup Digitail launched last week. expansion of its center in Toronto following a US$23 million ($32 million CAD) Series B round.
Image provided Unplash. Image by Andrew S.
