Mohamed Ould-Chikh (SKEMA 2009): "Caring for Your Pet Shouldn't Be a Luxury!"

Mohamed, can you introduce Vetassistance and the VetSolidaire initiative?

I co-founded Vetassistance in October 2022 to support pet owners in managing veterinary care by providing tailored, cost-effective solutions. VetSolidaire builds on this vision with an innovative approach—an affordable subscription model that helps owners spread veterinary costs over time while ensuring access to preventative care. By partnering with veterinary clinics, we negotiate discounts of up to 30%. The goal is simple: caring for your pet should never be a luxury.

How does VetSolidaire work in practice?

We offer a subscription-based model that allows pet owners to manage veterinary costs with monthly instalments while covering essential preventative care. Starting at just €6 per month, our members receive a customised care plan that includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, sterilisation, and other preventative treatments. Additionally, they get unlimited access to veterinary tele-advice, available six days a week. This service helps avoid unnecessary vet visits and ensures informed medical decisions.

I wanted to create a fairer model that aligns with my values—ensuring that all pet owners, regardless of financial difficulties, can provide essential care.

What role does tele-advice play in your services?

It’s important to clarify that we do not provide remote medical consultations. Instead, our service offers first-level veterinary advice via phone, messaging apps, Facebook, or our Edgar Pet Care app. Our team of licensed veterinarians guides and reassures pet owners, helping them assess the urgency of a situation and avoid mistakes that could jeopardise their pet’s health.

Your commitment to animal welfare seems deeply personal. Can you tell us more?

I grew up in a farming family and spent my summers surrounded by animals. Their well-being has always been close to my heart. When researching the pet care market, I identified a major issue: a lack of pricing transparency, leading to financial inequities. I wanted to create a fairer model that aligns with my values—ensuring that all pet owners, regardless of financial difficulties, can provide essential care. A pet is a family member, and their welfare should never be compromised.

You also host the podcast Invest in Pet Care. What is its purpose?

Invest in Pet Care is a platform for entrepreneurs and industry experts to discuss innovation and challenges in the pet care sector. The goal is to highlight the importance of continuous advancements in animal healthcare.

You’re also working with the association Agir pour la Vie Animale (AVA) on a solidarity-based aid programme. Can you share more details?

Yes, we’re partnering with AVA on Ava Care, a programme that helps fund emergency veterinary treatments. It is open to everyone, with no restrictive conditions—cases are simply reviewed and validated by the association. Partner veterinarians can submit funding requests via an online form, and at Vetassistance, we handle the process to ensure rapid and efficient support.

What are the future plans for Vetassistance?

We aim to expand our network of partner clinics to provide even more affordable solutions across France. We’re also developing new services to support families, especially those with multiple pets, who are disproportionately affected by rising veterinary costs. Our ambition is to become the leading solidarity-driven pet care provider.

Finally, what would you say to those hesitant to join VetSolidaire?

Our pets are family, and financial constraints should never prevent them from receiving the care they deserve. VetSolidaire is a transparent, accessible, and stress-free solution designed for responsible pet owners. Subscribing means choosing preventative care, peace of mind, and above all, your pet’s well-being.

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