Imagine a world where vet visits aren't dreaded, but welcomed. That's the vision driving Hello Vet, a London-based veterinary practice that's just secured a whopping €17 million (approximately £15 million) in Series A funding! This investment isn't just about expanding clinics; it's about revolutionizing the pet care experience by including pet owners in the treatment process.
Hello Vet's unique approach, which allows owners to be present during procedures and recovery, has already garnered significant support. Investors Addition and Future Positive, along with 15 leading veterinary specialists, have contributed to a total investment of €24 million (£21 million), following a €6.8 million (£6 million) Seed round in 2023.
Co-founder and CEO James Lighton emphasizes the core mission: to create a better work environment for veterinary professionals. He states, "We want to become Britain’s best place to work, to ensure working in a vet clinic feels like the dream job it should be." This focus on employee well-being is a key differentiator.
But here's where it gets interesting: Hello Vet's success comes amidst a flurry of investment activity in the European animal health sector. In 2025 alone, several startups have secured significant funding:
- Lupa (UK): €17 million Series A to scale its AI-native veterinary software.
- ASTRA Therapeutics (Switzerland): €8.3 million Seed funding for precision parasiticides.
- Dalma (France): €20 million Series B to expand pet insurance and wellness offerings.
These investments represent over €45 million flowing into the European animal-health and petcare ecosystem in 2025. Hello Vet's raise is notable, being one of the largest service-oriented investments of the year and the only UK-based announcement in this segment.
Lighton further highlights the positive impact: "When we treat our teams better, pets and their people benefit too. It’s a win-win."
Founded in 2022 by healthcare entrepreneurs James Lighton and Alessandro Guazzi, alongside veterinary surgeon Dr. Oli Viner, Hello Vet launched its first clinic in London Fields in July 2024. Their approach prioritizes a stress-free environment, allowing owners to be present during procedures. This method, they claim, reduces stress, improves recovery, and builds trust.
And this is the part most people miss: Hello Vet offers a complimentary WhatsApp triage service, enabling registered pet owners to consult with qualified practitioners immediately. This has allegedly saved owners over €85k (£75k) in fees in the last year.
The company acknowledges the high rates of burnout and attrition within the veterinary profession, with concerning statistics: one in three vets considering leaving within five years and around 10% leaving annually.
Robbie Horwitz, partner at Addition, applauds Hello Vet's approach, stating it's "redefining what pet care can look like in the UK."
With over 7,500 registered patients, the new funding will fuel expansion across the UK, with plans to hire 200 vets and vet nurses within two years.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: Hello Vet is also investing in proprietary technology and AI applications to reduce administrative time by up to 90%. This is designed to free up clinical teams to focus on patient care. Do you think technology can truly solve the challenges faced by veterinary professionals? What are your thoughts on including pet owners in treatment rooms? Share your opinions in the comments below!
