Vet-tech start-up brings artificial intelligence to the trade

A veterinary research and development company with aims to “revolutionise” the UK has filed patents to bring artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the £100bn global pet market.

Founded in early 2017 by tech expert Paul Hallett and veterinarian Robert Dawson, Vet-AI is an R&D company developing a number of solutions that focus on supporting pets and vets. It will also give owners the tools to access care more affordably and conveniently. The company’s flagship brand, Joii, is set to launch in April 2019.

Joii is an app for pet parents to diagnose and receive recommended treatment for pets from the comfort of their home.

Trevor Hardcastle, chief data scientist at Vet-AI and physicist, with 19 published papers to his name, said: “This technology allows us to learn the statistical patterns present in our data to discover preventative healthcare intervention strategies for the benefit of our beloved pets. It’s very exciting to collaborate with veterinarians and expert data scientists to develop new groundbreaking technologies with the ultimate goal of improving animal welfare.”

Vet-AI has a focus on bringing “revolutionary innovation” to the industry with the support of vets. The company said it is going to “extensive lengths to scientifically validate the vision” by involving the world’s biggest animal health pharmaceutical companies, leading universities and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The company’s co-founder, Paul Hallett said the firm hopes to use its research to develop better treatments and create stronger relationships between vets, pets and pet parents.

The company plans to partner with charities in the near future, with animal welfare at the forefront of Vet-AI. Both Hallett and Dawson want to donate some of the firm’s profits to mental health and animal welfare charities.

Co-founder Robert Dawson added: “Sadly there is a real problem with vets leaving the profession, a lot of which is down to the difficulty of maintaining a work/life balance within traditional practices, particularly for those with young families. We are building technologies that will offer an alternative way of working with complete flexibility.

“By doing so we believe we will help keep some amazing vets working within this great profession and give them new ways to connect and engage with pets and pet parents.”