PetCoach
Revolutionizing how Pet Parents engage with Veterinarians to improve the health & lives of pets by improving the conversation.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
N/A | Acquisition | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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PetCoach began as a digital platform connecting pet owners with veterinary professionals for personalized advice. The company was co-founded by Brock Weatherup, David Martin, and Alvaro Jimenez. Weatherup, a serial entrepreneur in the pet space, previously co-founded and served as CEO of Pet360, which was acquired by PetSmart. This experience in the digital pet market directly informed the creation of PetCoach, which aimed to provide a reliable online source for pet health information.
In a significant strategic move, Petco acquired PetCoach on April 4, 2017, for an undisclosed amount. Following the acquisition, co-founder Brock Weatherup joined Petco as Executive Vice President of Strategic Innovation & Digital Experience, tasked with driving the retailer's digital growth. This acquisition was a key part of Petco's strategy to expand beyond retail and into comprehensive pet wellness and services.
The business has since evolved from a purely online service into a hybrid, omnichannel model. In July 2018, Petco launched the first physical PetCoach retail store in San Marcos, California, which was designed as an "innovation lab" to test integrated pet care services. These stores provide a suite of in-person services including full-service veterinary care, grooming, training, nutrition consultations, and daycare, all integrated with the company's digital platform. Revenue is generated through these in-person services, sales of curated pet products, and a membership model. The optional subscription, priced at $9 per month at launch, offered perks like free vet visits and discounts on products and services, aiming to build loyalty and gather first-party data.
The PetCoach platform serves pet owners by providing 24/7 digital access to licensed veterinarians for consultations via chat. Its physical locations are intentionally smaller than traditional Petco stores, with a majority of the space dedicated to services rather than merchandise. This model allows PetCoach to function as a one-stop-shop for total pet wellness, differentiating itself from online-only retailers and mass-market stores by offering experiences that cannot be replicated by mail. The integration of online and offline channels allows clients to book appointments, access veterinary records, and receive expert advice seamlessly. Keywords: pet wellness, veterinary services, omnichannel retail, pet care, subscription model, digital health, pet services, animal health, grooming, dog training