FirstVet announces partnership with UK pet insurance specialist Petwise, to provide unlimited vet video appointments to customers

Through its partnership with FirstVet, customers of Petwise, the first UK pet insurance specialist to arrange dedicated cover for senior dogs and cats, will receive easy access to unlimited on-demand video appointments with highly qualified vets, via their mobile phone, tablet or computer.

FirstVet, the startup which provides pet-owners with on-demand video consultations with UK registered veterinarians, today announces a partnership with Petwise, a dedicated insurance specialist for senior dogs and cats. Now live, Petwise customers are entitled to unlimited appointments via their mobile device, tablet or computer and can receive expert advice on their pets all from the comfort of their own home. 

Petwise, a brand which is part of Markerstudy Broking, is the first insurance specialist in the UK to offer cover solely for cats and dogs aged seven and over and chose to partner with FirstVet to ensure its customers had first class access to veterinary advice when they need it.

With 24/7 on-demand video care, FirstVet will help Petwise attract new business and draw in modern consumers, who following the pandemic, require more flexible and virtual pet care services. Once a Petwise policy has been purchased, members can then download the FirstVet application, available on iOS and Android. Using the app, they can video call UK-registered vets who, in addition to offering advice on treatments and symptoms, can also refer them to a local vet if required. Video appointments can be booked in as often as necessary, with users often being able to meet with vets within 30 minutes, with the standard FirstVet consultation cost of £24 - £36 per session being waived.

Certain common pet health issues can be treated remotely, with it not always being necessary for owners to physically take their pets to the vet. Petwise members can save time, money and potential stress to their pet by using the FirstVet service included with their policy, while also alleviating the strain on the veterinary surgeries. When a referral to a local vet is needed, FirstVet provides detailed notes of the initial consultation to both the owner and the vet so that all parties remain fully informed.

FirstVet and partners

Through its 70 partnerships across its 7 markets, FirstVet delivers more than 30,000 consultations per month. By partnering with insurance providers, FirstVet can offer its service at no additional cost to the insurance, for millions of pet owners.

In November 2020, FirstVet announced it had raised €35 million, enabling the startup to officially launch its service in the US. The company, which has raised a total of $65M since being founded in 2016 now has a presence in seven markets (the United Kingdom, US, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and its native Sweden). Currently, FirstVet has more than 780,000 registered users and has helped nearly 850,000 pets since launching in 2016.

FirstVet has an average customer rating of 4.9/5 from over 370,000 user reviews.

David Prien, CEO at FirstVet comments: “FirstVet was founded in 2016 with the passionate goal of making pet care more accessible for everyone. Our new partnership with Petwise Senior reflects our commitment to ensuring all pets, including senior pets receive the best possible care they deserve after all those years of companionship, friendship and loyalty. Since launching, FirstVet has helped nearly one million pet owners around Europe. I really look forward to supporting Petwise Senior pets through our FirstVet app and to the many stories that will come from this great partnership!”

Ross Hallifax, Affinity Director at Petwise Insurance, adds: “FirstVet’s credentials speak for themselves, and I’m thrilled we’re able to offer our customers this service which will no doubt help put owners mind at ease but also give guidance in what can be a worrying time.”