Heart + Paw celebrates 5 year anniversary

Heart + Paw, a multi-service pet care company since its inception in September 2018, is marking its 5th anniversary. In conjunction with milestone celebration, the company has announced an incentive production plan for its credentialed veterinary technicians as well as a new mobile app and a referral program.

George Melillo, VMD, cofounder and chief veterinary officer for Heart + Paw, discussed the anniversary and technician program in an interview with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for dvm360, at Fetch Coastal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “It’s a way to supplement the earnings of our technicians. It starts with a strong base living wage, to really value what these members do as part of an important health care team. [It] rewards them for seeing their own patients and doing things in line with the state practice [policies] that keep them at the top of their license,” said Melillo.

Designed in-house by Heart + Paw's team, the app aims to empower pet owners to take an active role in their pets' health, while the app provides convenience and accessibility, allowing a patient’s pet's health and wellness to be managed by clients from anywhere. Key features of the app include:

Easy booking: Quickly find nearby Heart + Paw locations, book various services, review upcoming and past appointment details, and more. Services such as veterinary care, grooming and daycare are seamlessly integrated in a single location and can all be booked via the app.

Veterinary and vaccine records: The app can review and download important pet records such as vaccine certificates, laboratory reports, medications, and invoices.

Pet Profile: Manage individual profiles for each pet, complete with vital information and the option to upload personal photos for that extra touch of customization.

Client resources: Easily access Heart + Paw's blog content, which can provide answers to common questions that arise throughout every stage of pet parenthood.

"Heart + Paw's new app is a game-changer for pet parents," said Dave Lasus, CEO of Heart + Paw, in the release. "We understand the deep bond between pets and their families, and our app reflects that understanding. It provides a seamless way for pet parents to access essential pet care services, manage their pet's health records, and stay connected with our team, all from the palm of their hand. It's an embodiment of our commitment to delivering exceptional care in the most convenient and compassionate way possible."

To facilitate the referral program, Heart + Paw has made advancements to their technology and platforms. They have considered various factors, including updates to online booking, the current patient portal, and the new mobile app, to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for both referrers and referees. The program will incentivize current clients and new clients with credits that can be used during each visit.

According to the release, Heart + Paw has made substantial investments in advanced diagnostic technologies in an effort to raise the bar for pet care. These investments include state-of-the-art surgery suites equipped with cutting-edge monitoring equipment, leading-edge radiology and ultrasound machines, cytology machines, dental suites, and more. With these tools, Heart + Paw aims to empower its' veterinary team to provide timely information and develop immediate, comprehensive treatment plans, eliminating the need for multiple appointments, invasive procedures, or long waiting times.

“We’re always looking to reimagine veterinary care but also how… we engage our team. We established Heart + Paw with wellbeing at the center of that,” said George Melillo, in the interview.

At the heart of Heart + Paw's pet care experience are their veterinarians and staff, who hold a passion for delivering low-stress, high-quality care to their community. Heart + Paw's approach to care delivery stems from their veterinary-led operations model, which encourages veterinarians to make informed decisions that align with their commitment to excellence, all while being surrounded by a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

As Heart + Paw continues to redefine veterinary care, their approach remains centered on ensuring a low-stress experience for both pets and their owners. The company has 28 locations in 10 states, according to Melillo.

Reference

Heart + Paw Celebrates 5 Years of Exceptional Pet Care with the Launch of Its Innovative App and Referral Program. News release. Heart + Paw. October 3, 2023. Accessed October 24, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heart--paw-celebrates-5-years-of-exceptional-pet-care-with-the-launch-of-its-innovative-app-and-referral-program-301945905.html