Virtual Vet Nurse has launched ‘Sophie’, a digital human, allowing petowners to access credible health and nutrition advice directly from a clinic’swebsite.

The New Zealand-based veterinary practice technology company has launchedSophie – a first of its kind AI-powered digital human – at selected practicesacross New Zealand and Australia. Sophie communicates with non-verbal cues,such as facial expressions or tone of voice, to provide a dynamic, emotionallyresponsive, and informative experience to clients via a practice website.

Steve Merchant, CEO, Virtual Vet Nurse, says that Sophie will help to ease theburden of an increase in pet ownership and the national shortage of vets.

“People turned to pets for companionship during the pandemic and rely on vetsfor credible answers about animal wellbeing and nutrition, yet clinics arefacing the added pressures of COVID-19 protocols and staffing shortages.Sophie allows busy practises to provide that vital education and engageclients, while freeing up vets to spend more time treating animals.”

Sophie’s avatar was developed by UneeQ and uses a self-learning conversationalbrain, developed by Ambit, to converse with a clinic’s customers.

“Pet owners often need a little extra empathy when seeking answers aroundtheir pet’s health and wellbeing. When they can’t get that directly from theirvet, Sophie is now available to chat – providing curated, expert advice,online and in real time. This is the beginning of what we can expect from anew era of web 3.0 experiences,” says Danny Tomsett, CEO and Founder, UneeQ.

Sophie has been supported by Royal Canin and Zoetis and will next enter the USand other international markets.

Tagged: Virtual Vet Nurse

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