Will you take care of your pet when they get older and sick?

For the love of a better life for our pets.

Timeline

2024/08 — 2024/11

Project Type

Service Design

Contribution

Individual Work

Tools

Wix

Figma

Photoshop

Purpose

When my friend complained to me that her dog was sick and she couldn't be around all the time to take care of her, I suggested that she could hire a caregiver to look after her dog, similar to how a human caregiver would. I started searching for resources to help her, but most services were not specifically for sick elderly pets. And this gave me motivation and some ideas.

WHY WE CARE

What could be sadder than watching your pet grow old and become sick, knowing that one day they are going to leave you? You do everything you can to provide comfort and care, but it can be a daunting and emotional journey.

At Pawsitive Care, we offer dedicated support for pet owners. Whether you prefer managing your pet's care on your own or need professional assistance, we have a solution for you.

MARKET RESEARCH

Caregivers and nurses provide assistance to elderly and sick people, but what about pets?

$8.3B

$7.1B

North America Pet Services Market

Grand View Research

2020

2030

Dogs

Cats

Others

The global market for pet services was valued at USD 24.92 billion in 2022, and it's on track to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.21% from 2023 to 2030. Despite the abundance of pet service providers, my friend is still facing challenges in finding one that can effectively alleviate her stress as she cares for her sick dog. This clearly demonstrates a significant gap in the pet services market that can be filled.

All existing markets focus on helping pet owners take care of their pets independently. However, many of us are already overwhelmed with life and other tasks, and we need support from other people to help us navigate through the daily challenges with our pets.

EXISTING PRODUCTS

Rover

Rover connects pet owners with pet sitters, dog walkers, and caretakers. It has an easy booking system and a large network. However, it has a limited focus on the unique needs of pets and lacks medical trained professionals to take care of pets.

Whistle offers a GPS pet tracker with added health monitoring features. It is designed to help owners keep track of their pet's location, activity levels, and overall health. The product is specifically focused on monitoring rather than providing direct care for pets.

Whistle

PetDesk

PetDesk is designed to manage pets' healthcare needs, focusing on helping pet owners keep track of appointments, medication, and other health-related tasks. But PetDesk does not offer services for pet care while owners are away.

Pet First Aid

The American Red Cross's Pet First Aid app offers resources for pet owners and caretakers to manage emergencies and provide first aid to pets. Yet the app does not include comprehensive care management for pet owners.

Shiba Inu, 15, Kidney Problem, Brain Function Decline

Flora & Boo

Boo has kidney issues, which means Flora has to change pee pads, wash bedding, and walk him at least three times a day. She uses a waterproof bed, large pee pads, and a mobility aid to help Boo.

PET STORIES

Ekinbu manages Niuniu's Addison's disease and vision loss while working full-time. He feeds Niuniu in the morning and at night and gives the medicine that is keeping Niuniu alive.

Ekinbu & Niuniu

Toy Poodle, 13.5, Loss of Vision, Addison’s Disease

Bichon, 13.5, Leg Arthritis, Ligament Issues

Jojo developed arthritis after chasing a rabbit in the backyard. She now needs daily medication and careful monitoring to prevent exhaustion or activities that could worsen her condition.

Mandy & Jojo

Rocky uses a supportive harness during walks. And James gives Rocky joint supplements and massages his hips daily.

James & Rocky

Golden Retriever, 13, Hip Dysplasia

Rachel cleans Ginger’s ears daily and applies medication as prescribed by the vet. She also uses a gentle ear cleanser to prevent infections and ensures Ginger’s ears are dry after baths or swimming.

Cocker Spaniel, 12, Ear Infections

Rachel & Ginger

Andrea & Max

Labrador, 12, Arthritis

Andrea provides Max with daily joint supplements and takes him on gentle walks. She’s modified her home with ramps to help Max with mobility and ensure his comfort despite his arthritis

Cat, Elderly, Severe Arthritis

Sophie & Milo

Sophie has installed steps and provided heated bedding to manage Milo’s severe arthritis, focusing on pain relief and comfort.

Mei & Luna

Cat, 15, Hyperthyroidism

Mei administers Luna's medication twice daily and closely monitors her weight. She feeds Luna a special diet for hyperthyroidism and ensures Luna gets small, frequent meals to maintain her energy.

Cat, 14, Kidney Disease

Stephen & Bella

His daily care routine is to administer fluids and monitors Bella’s appetite. He has adjusted Bella’s diet to support her condition and remains diligent in her care.

Wei & Daisy

Bichon, 10, Heart Disease

Daisy needs to administer daily medication, and Wei ensures that she avoids strenuous activities. He monitors her closely for any signs of distress, prioritizing her comfort.

Dachshund, 11, Arthritis

David & Buddy

David needs to carry Buddy up and down the stairs and has set up ramps around the house to make movement easier for Buddy, who struggles with arthritis.

Michael & Toby

Poodle, 14, Diabetes

Toby needs insulin injections twice a day and monitor his blood sugar levels regularly. Michael planned a strict feeding schedule and ensures Toby gets moderate exercise to help regulate his blood sugar.

Cat, 17, Kidney Disease

Jessica & Whiskers

Jessica gives Whiskers subcutaneous fluids every other day and feeds him a kidney friendly diet. She monitors his water intake closely.

Mixed Breed, 16, Cognitive Dysfunction

Patricia & Pipper

Patricia keeps Pipper on a strict routine to manage his confusion and anxiety. She provides puzzle toys for mental stimulation, calming music to soothe him, and short, regular walks for his physical health.

Oliva & Muffin

Cat, 11, Respiratory Issues

Olivia uses a humidifier in the house to help with Muffin’s trouble breathing. She administers medication as needed.

Golden Retriever, 12, Cancer

Tom & Bruno

Tom administers pain medication and supplements as prescribed by the vet. He takes Bruno on gentle walks and provides a quiet, comfortable space at home, monitoring Bruno’s appetite and adjusting his diet as needed.

Rachel & Oliver

Poodle, Senior, Glaucoma

Rachel reorganized her home to make it safer for Oliver, who is blind from glaucoma. She uses verbal cues and a harness to help him navigate both indoors and outdoors.

Labrador, 15, Arthritis & Deafness

Brian & Duke

Brian uses hand signals to communicate with Duke and gives him joint supplements and medication. He takes Duke on short walks and has installed ramps to assist Duke in moving around the house.

EMPATHY WITH USERS

I began my research with three close friends, whose interviews provided valuable qualitative data to help me understand the struggles of elderly pet owners. Pets are like children to them; they can't simply leave the house without worrying about their situation at home—especially when their pets are sick and need special attention. As a pet owner myself, I relate to these feelings. Even though my dog is still young and healthy, I constantly worry about how I would care for her if she were to age, lose her eyesight, or have trouble walking.

I decided to dive deeper into the experiences of pet owners who face challenges in caring for their pets. I gathered various stories and analyzed their frustrations. One common thread among them is their attachment to their homes; they feel unable to leave their pets alone or trust someone else to care for them. This concern stems from worries that others may not fully understand the pet’s medical condition or lack the expertise to handle emergencies. I genuinely empathize with their concerns and aim to provide pet owners with peace of mind so they can feel less anxious and more comfortable in their situations.

OPPORTUNITIES

A toolkit that consolidates all of the pet's essential information. If pet owners need someone else to care for their pet, this toolkit provides everything they need to know.

A platform offering professional pet care services that owners can trust and rely on.

SYNTHESIS

Solution Direction

Arthritis

Type of Cases

Other

Kidney Disease

Diabetes

Cognitive Dysfunction

Cancer

Respiratory

Mobility

Medical
Management

Emotional
Support

Physical
Support

Service
Based Solutions

Dietary Needs

Mobility Aids

Pet Anixety

Exercise

Owner's Emotional Strain

Medication
Adminitration

Toolkit
Based Solutions

Personalized Toolkit

Customize the toolkit to fit pet’s unique routine and needs, ensuring everything is organized in one place.

Refillable for Long-Term Use

With easy to replace components, the toolkit can be refreshed and updated as the pet’s care evolves.

One Toolkit for Pet's Care

Keep all information, schedules, and medical records in one convenient toolkit designed just for your pet.

Leave Home Worry-Free

Our team of experts ensures pet receives the highest level of care while owners are away, they can relax.

Specialized Caretakers

Each caretaker is trained to handle pets with specific needs, offering care that fit to pet’s unique requirements.

Pet Health Monitoring

Receive real time updates on the pet’s health and activity, ensuring they stay safe, healthy, and happy.

PAWSITIVE CARE SERVICES

We offer two plan choices for pet owners to compare. They can choose the one that best suits their pets' care needs. One plan provides tools to help pet owners with their care journey, while the other offers a comprehensive solution for pet owners who want both the essential toolkit and additional professional support.

Toolkit Based Plan

Care Routine Binder

Outlines the pet’s daily routine, including feeding times, medication schedules, and specific care instructions.

Pet's Profile Card

A profile card that tells all about your pet. Including their habits, preferences, health conditions, and triggers.

Sticky Notes

Outlines We offer a range of Pawsitive Care sticky notes for owners and caretakers to use.

Emergency Protocol Guide

Step-by-step instructions cards for handling common emergencies that are relevant to the pet.

Medical History Folder

A portable folder that includes the pet’s medical records, and vaccination history.

Stickers

The care routine binder includes sticker pages for various purposes, such as task stickers, status stickers, positive reinforcement stickers, and decorative stickers.

Service Based Plan

Pet owners can opt for our professional care service when their pet requires specialized attention due to medical conditions while they’re away. Trained caretakers will visit at scheduled times, providing dedicated care and offering real-time updates to ensure peace of mind and keep owners informed about their pet’s well-being.

Recognizing that different pets have different needs, the Professional Care Service Plan utilizes a diverse team of service personnel, each with specialized skills and expertise. This approach ensures that pets receive competent and tailored care specific to their individual conditions.

Certified Veterinary Technicians

Behavioral Specialists

We offer three levels of caretakers, allowing pet owners to select the right level of care based on their pet’s specific needs and health conditions.

Pawsitive Companion

Pawsitive Guardian

Experienced Pet Care Specialists

Pawsitive Specialist

USER JOURNEY

Pet owners discover the Basic Toolkit and Service Plan through social media, or vet recommendations. They begin exploring their options, realizing the need for additional support in caring for their pet.

Awareness

Owners either purchase the toolkit, customize it to their pet’s needs, or opt for the service plan, setting up a personalized care plan and scheduling visits.

Decision

Toolkit users manage their pet’s care independently.

Service Delivery

Owners will receive a customized toolkit containing all the materials based on the information provided. Meanwhile, toolkit users focus on mastering its use.

Basic Care Toolkit

Both groups provide feedback through surveys or consultations, leading to adjustments in the toolkit or service plan.

Feedback

Owners will receive additional professional services in addition to the toolkit. A specialist will be assigned to care for their pet based on their specific needs.

Service Care Toolkit

If users choose to subscribe to their service, toolkit users are offered refills and discounts, while service plan users renew their contracts and benefit from loyalty rewards.

Suscription

Service plan users receive regular caretaker visits with real-time updates.

Service Delivery

MISSION

At Pawsitive Care, our membership platform is all about giving pet owners the peace of mind they deserve. With our real-time updates, you'll always be in the loop about your pet's activities, medication, and overall health. Our detailed health reports provide valuable insights, so you can stay informed about your pet's well being and progress.

But it's not just about pets – it's about building a caring community. We're on the lookout for kind hearted and skilled individuals to join our team and make a real difference in the lives of pets and their families. Whether it's regular care or special medical needs, our caretakers are dedicated to providing top-notch support and ensuring the happiness of both pets and their owners.

Home

About

Services

Become a Caretaker

Toolkit

Join Us

Pet Form

Link to website

https://angiehe1224.wixsite.com/pawsitive-care

Pet Info

Account

TOOLKIT

Stickers

Care Routine Binder

Emergency Guide

Sticky Notes

Pet Profile

Thank You Note

Medical History Folder

USER FEEDBACK

Q

What did you like about the toolkit?

I love the care routine binder's design. It stands up on its own, making it easy to access content. The pet profile booklet is my favorite since it keeps all of Pipper’s information in one place. Especially when I need someone to look after him, this saves me from having to explain everything each time.

Recording weekly health progress

Reading emergency protocol guides

Use task stickers to fill care routine

Filling out the pet profile

Q

Any suggestions for improvement?

My suggestion is to improve the paper texture in the care routine binder. Although it is smooth, it is not suitable for writing on. And maybe consider increasing the size of the binder. Since it can stand upright, having a larger size would make it easier to see everything on the schedule.

Writing the care routine schedule

Organizing pet’s medical documents

SERVICE BLUEPRINT

EVIDENCE

CUSTOMER JOURNEY

LINE OF INTERACTION

FRONT STAGE

Website

Confirmation Email

Care Toolkit

Professional Caretaker

Real Time Updates

Book Service

Revice Toolkit

Care Visits