Introducing dvm360 and Chewy Health’s October Innovator of the Month: Technician Alexandre Contreras, Founder of PetTrio

Sponsored by Chewy Health

The Innovator of the Month series, sponsored by Chewy Health, spotlights veterinary professionals who are driving positive change and inspiring their peers. By recognizing outstanding clinicians, technicians, and paraprofessionals, Chewy Health aims to highlight impactful initiatives and promote a brighter future for veterinary medicine.

Veterinary technicians are the backbone of any successful practice. And with a career spanning nearly 20 years, Alexandre Contreras has taken his passion for medicine beyond the exam room. Not only did he found PetTrio Charity to give back to his community, he also developed an innovative new product—KlipTrio—which is a three-in-one pet nail trimmer that securely holds a replaceable styptic powder cartridge. In this Q&A with dvm360®, Contreras shares his personal journey, the challenges he believes will have the greatest impact on our profession, and his vision for the future.

dvm360: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in the veterinary field?

Contreras: I’ve been a veterinary technician in South Florida for 19 years. I got started when I was just 18, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Growing up, I was always passionate about animals, and that’s something that never changed. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay deeply committed to this field, and I wanted to find a way to do more—not just for animals, but for the people who care for them too. In 2021, that passion led me to create PetTrio Charity, which allows me to give back to underserved communities by helping families access veterinary care they might not otherwise be able to afford.

What really drives me is the idea that we’re all in this profession for the same reason—because we love animals and want to make a difference in their lives. I’ve been lucky enough to work in a career that aligns perfectly with that passion. But there comes a point where you feel the need to do even more, and that’s what inspired me to start this journey.

dvm360: What inspired you to start PetTrio Charity?

Contreras: Working as a technician, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for pet owners to afford the care their animals need. There were times when other technicians and I would pool our own money together—$30 here, $50 there—to help a family pay for a necessary treatment. But that’s not a sustainable solution, and I knew there had to be a better way. That’s when the idea for PetTrio Charity was born.

In 2021, I was fortunate enough to get support from the Companion Animal Reform for Equality (CARES) organization and later a grant from Maddie’s Fund. That allowed me to launch PetTrio Charity and start making a bigger impact. Now, if a client comes into the clinic and they can’t afford the full cost of treatment, we can help cover part of the expense. For example, if a $200 treatment is needed and they only have $100, PetTrio can step in to bridge that gap. The look of relief and gratitude on their faces is incredible. That’s when I knew this was the right path.

Being able to give back to my community, especially in an underserved area like South Florida, is what drives me every day. It’s not just about treating animals—it’s about helping the people who love them.

dvm360: What are the key goals of PetTrio Charity?

Contreras: PetTrio Charity is built on 3 main pillars: care, advocacy, and support. First and foremost is care. That’s where we help families who are struggling financially by supplementing the costs of veterinary treatments. It’s the heart of what we do because access to care is one of the biggest barriers people face when it comes to pet ownership, especially in underserved communities.

The second pillar is advocacy. I’m a huge advocate for veterinary technician programs in public schools. I’ve been speaking to students at vocational centers for about 4 years now, sharing my story and showing them that they, too, can make a difference in this field. A lot of these kids don’t even know that becoming a vet tech is an option for them, so being able to inspire them is really important to me.

Finally, there’s the support aspect. This includes sponsoring low-cost spay and neuter clinics and vaccination drives. By offering these services, we’re not only improving the health and well-being of pets but also helping to ease the financial burden on families.

dvm360: You’ve also developed a new product, KlipTrio. Can you tell us more about that?

Contreras: KlipTrio is a 3-in-1 pet nail trimmer that I invented in 2016, and it’s really a game-changer for the industry. It combines a nail clipper, a file, and a styptic powder cartridge into one tool. Styptic powder is usually a messy part of the nail trimming process—it comes in a jar, and we all know how much of a hassle it can be to pour it out. I wanted to find a way to make it more hygienic and user-friendly, especially for veterinary clinics.

The “trio” part of KlipTrio refers to the 3 functions: clipping, filing, and providing styptic powder. My goal is to have KlipTrio in every animal hospital in North America by 2027 or 2028. I’m currently focusing on the charity side of things, but I’m also preparing to launch KlipTrio, with plans to debut at major trade shows like Global Pet Expo and VMX in 2025. I’ve even partnered with rescue organizations to donate a KlipTrio for every pet adoption, so that new pet parents can bond with their animals during the nail trimming process.

dvm360: What advice would you give to those entering the veterinary profession?

Contreras: My advice is simple: Stay passionate, and don’t lose sight of why you got into this field in the first place. Whether you’re a technician, a veterinarian, or support staff, we’re all in this profession because we love animals. That passion is what drives us and keeps us going, even when things get tough.

When I started, I was a kennel assistant, and over the years, I worked my way up. It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed focused on what I loved—caring for animals. If you have that same passion, everything else will fall into place. You don’t have to be a veterinarian to make a difference in this field. There are so many ways to contribute, whether it’s through education, advocacy, or direct care. My journey is proof that with dedication, you can achieve anything.

dvm360: What’s next for you and PetTrio Charity?

Contreras: The long-term goal for PetTrio Charity is to make it synonymous with youth engagement, particularly within the Hispanic and Latinx communities. There aren’t a lot of male Hispanic veterinary technicians, and I hope to be an example for others who might not see themselves represented in this profession. I want young people to see that there’s a path for them here—that they can turn their passion into a meaningful career.

dvm360: What challenges do you think the veterinary profession will face in the coming years?

Contreras: One of the biggest challenges is access to care. Veterinary care can be expensive, and many families are struggling to keep up. I think we need to find ways to make care more accessible, especially in underserved communities. This could start with smaller organizations like PetTrio stepping in to help fill the gaps, but I’d love to see larger efforts to address this issue on a broader scale.

Another challenge is the division between certified, licensed, and registered veterinary technicians versus on-the-job-trained technicians. At the end of the day, the animals don’t see those titles; they see the care and compassion we provide. While I understand the need for title protections and educational standards, I think it’s important that we all come together as a profession. We need to focus on what unites us, our love for animals, and work toward solutions that improve the industry as a whole.

dvm360® is proud to partner with Chewy Health in recognizing outstanding veterinarians and paraprofessionals who are true change agents, both passionate and compassionate, all to help pets live longer, healthier and happier lives. Click here to nominate an innovator today!