I. Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for high-quality pet medical services is increasing as more people consider their pets part of the family. This growing demographic requires comprehensive and convenient veterinary care, pushing the industry to evolve rapidly. However, many veterinary clinics face significant challenges, including inadequate facilities (St. Louis Public Radio, 2022), unpredictable clinic visits (Janke et al., 2021), and operational inconsistencies (Urgel et al., 2023). These issues cause longer wait times, compromised care quality, and stress for both pets and their owners.

In the Philippines, the veterinary sector is facing significant pressure due to the limited number of registered clinics, which now stands at 329 (Bureau of Animal Industry, 2022). This is concerning given the growing number of pet owners in the country. This scarcity results in overwhelmed facilities and extended waiting periods. Malaysia faces a shortage of veterinarians and private veterinary clinics, with just 2,500 doctors and 453 clinics available. This scarcity hinders the country's ability to deliver prompt and satisfactory treatment to animals, as reported by the HRDF Insights Report in 2021. On a global scale, there is a decreasing trend in the number of veterinary clinics that cater to large animals, particularly in rural areas. Since World War II, less than 2% of private practices in Malaysia have exclusively focused on treating large animals (St. Louis Public Radio, 2022).

Frequent trips to veterinarian facilities for regular examinations, immunizations, and therapies can be somewhat burdensome for pet owners. Multiple visits to clinics are often necessary for pet owners to fulfill their pets' vaccination and deworming requirements (Dizon et al., 2022). In Malaysia, the number of visits to pet owners varies, with some individuals visiting every three months (Debbra et al., 2019). On a global scale, the majority of pet owners seek veterinary care at least once a year, and a significant number make three or more trips annually (Janke et al., 2021). Moreover, veterinary clinics frequently encounter unforeseeable fluctuations in their operations and accessibility, which impact the reliability of their services. In the Philippines, some pet owners face difficulties adhering to vaccination schedules due to the limited availability of clinics (Urgel et al., 2023). Operational difficulties hinder the presence of a growing number of clinics in ASEAN countries like Thailand, thereby impeding the consistent provision of services (Kacholia, 2021). Internationally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the differences in the availability and methods of veterinary services, particularly in relation to low-contact euthanasia (Quain et al., 2022).

PetJoyPlus is an innovative digital platform designed to revolutionize veterinary care by addressing some of the industry's most pressing challenges. The motivation behind creating PetJoyPlus stems from the need to solve issues such as inadequate facilities, frequent clinic visits, and operational inefficiencies that often burden veterinary practices. The developer’s goal is to provide a comprehensive solution that includes easier appointment management, comprehensive medical plans, and shop-to-shop recommendations, elevating the standards of pet care for both pet owners and veterinary service providers.