Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine.
Hi Christine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The idea for TelaVets came to me in the most chaotic moment: two babies in my arms, a restless dog with an ear infection, and a long wait at the vet’s office. Instead of a quick appointment, I spent two hours in the waiting room with my kids and anxious dog, only to leave with ear drops and a $400 bill. That’s when it struck me: I see my own doctor through telemedicine from the comfort of home, why couldn’t my dog get the same convenient care?
When I looked around, I realized there wasn’t a true telemedicine solution for pets. So, I decided to build one. Today, TelaVets helps pet parents nationwide connect with licensed veterinarians virtually, often the very same day. From ear infections in cats and dogs to respiratory issues in backyard chickens, our vets provide expert care without the wait or the stress of an in-person visit. Even better, prescriptions ship overnight so pets can start feeling better fast.
At its heart, TelaVets is about making veterinary care easier, more affordable, and accessible—whether you’re a busy family, a chicken keeper, or just someone who loves their pets like family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a straight path. In the beginning, I had to recruit licensed veterinarians across 50 states, navigate complex telemedicine regulations, and design a prescription delivery system that was fast and reliable. The biggest challenge, though, was technology. Unlike human healthcare, there was no existing platform for true veterinary telemedicine, so I had to build TelaVets’ software completely from scratch.
There were plenty of late nights troubleshooting glitches, making sure we stayed compliant, and scaling quickly to meet demand. But every time a pet parent tells us we saved them time, money, and stress and, most importantly, helped their pet feel better, it reminds me exactly why I started TelaVets in the first place.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At TelaVets, we provide same-day virtual veterinary care for cats, dogs, and even backyard chickens. We prioritize helping pet parents skip the wait, avoid the stress of clinic visits, and still get expert care from licensed veterinarians.
We value convenient, quality, and personalized care for our clients. Our vets take time to listen, explain, and follow up which I think can be missing in rushed in-person visits. I’m proud of how we’ve made pet care accessible for busy families, rural pet owners, and anyone who can’t easily get to a clinic.
What truly sets us apart is that we’re not just a telehealth platform. We’re a pet care solution, from the first click to the medication on your doorstep, often in less than 24 hours.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about San Diego is how much it feels like a community. The people of our city are active, outdoors, and always enjoying the sunshine with their pets. It’s hard not to be inspired here. It’s such a pet-friendly city, which makes building a veterinary telemedicine company here feel natural.
What I like least? Probably the traffic when you’re trying to get anywhere near the beach on a weekend but I guess that’s the price we pay for living somewhere everyone else wants to visit.
Pricing:
- $65 for an appointment with a licensed veterinarian
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.telavets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/telavets
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-naoum-long-4296b758
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@telavetss?si=eSjyAMB5f1IyWzGM
