Tired of managing printed documents and appointments for his pets, a young Emirati entrepreneur created an app that links users with pet care centres throughout the UAE. Mohamed Alzaabi, 23, the founder of PetRepublic, explained that the digital platform, accessible via the Apple Store and Google Play, acts as an e-passport for pets, simplifying pet care services and record-keeping.
"This app will streamline the booking process and management of your pet's medical records. Our digital solution is designed to replace traditional pet passports and vaccination books, centralizing pet information," he told Khaleej Times. Alzaabi introduced PetRepublic in late 2022, driven by his own struggles in managing his pet's care. He noted, "I faced significant difficulties in finding a pet care centre that fit my schedule and budget. I had to call multiple centres to inquire about their pricing and availability for appointments."
Alzaabi highlighted that the pet care industry is plagued by issues such as fraudulent documents and unlicensed breeders, who often use deceptive practices and unsafe conditions to sell pets. He added, "There are also pet centres with low standards contributing to industry challenges. At PetRepublic, we have developed services and initiatives to address these issues."
The e-Passport feature of the app serves as a central record for care centres and pet owners to monitor medical, ownership, and vaccination histories, and aids in locating lost pets by linking with existing microchip numbers. "This digital solution has replaced traditional pet passports and vaccination books, creating a centralized database for pet information," Alzaabi stated. The app also simplifies the transfer of pet ownership, making it easier for users to re-home their pets.
As with any startup, PetRepublic faced its share of challenges, including introducing a new concept to the market and studying existing companies. The company's journey included participation in GITEX 2022 and the Sandooq AlWatan 2023 Competition, which led to investment through Shark Tank Dubai. Reflecting on the challenges, Alzaabi said, "Starting a business is one of the most exhausting endeavors, but it's a long-term investment. Building a capable team transformed it from a job into a purpose. Our journey so far has been remarkable, and we are prepared for future challenges."
