"Digital first" pet care has arrived in London Colney, as a new high-tech veterinary practice opens in the village.

Joii Pet Care - operated by parent company Vet-AI - officially opened today (Tuesday, June 6) following a soft launch last week.

The Herts Advertiser visited the location and spoke with vets and staff.

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The "state of the art" location not only acts as a traditional vet, but also features cameras that tracks the way in which pets walk from the moment they walk into the practice.

The technological marvels don't stop there, as the likes of handheld ultrasound devices and modern blood testing machines are utilised throughout.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: 13 new jobs have been created.13 new jobs have been created. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Thirteen new jobs have been created by the opening in London Colney, a village which was chosen due to its high pet population.

The ethos of Joii Pet Care is focused around a smartphone application of the same name.

This app allows pet-owners to have a video consultation with a vet for the price of £28, which can be accessed 24/7.

If the pet's ailment cannot be solved by this call, a physical appointment is offered at the centre, and the £28 is refunded.

Pet owners will then only have to pay for the physical appointment.

The company believes that only 30 per cent of cases will require physical care.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: An x-ray machine at the practice.An x-ray machine at the practice. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Three consultation rooms are present at the location, which has no reception.

Instead, all appointments are coordinated via the app.

The app also allows owners to keep track of specific instructions given by vets in regard to the care of a pet.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Blood testing machines at the practice.Blood testing machines at the practice. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Dr Robert Dawson RCVS, vet and co-founder of Joii Pet Care, said: “We’re really excited to be opening our initial ‘Digital First’ practice.

"Our ambition is to offer more options for affordable, convenient veterinary care to pet owners and I’m really pleased to welcome new staff members to our brilliant team to help us deliver the next step of our journey.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: The interior of the veterinary practice.The interior of the veterinary practice. (Image: Pearce Bates)

“We plan to open multiple practices in commuter areas of the UK which will serve high population density areas. London Colney is the first part of that wider expansion plan as we look to bring Joii Pet Care to more pet owners.

"We can support the local area with a vet practice as there are lots of pets, not enough vets. And with our technology, we can see more pets from home as well as in practice.

                                                                                            

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"We know that customers access services very differently now, and vet care is no different.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Cameras track the gate and condition of pets as they walk into the practice.Cameras track the gate and condition of pets as they walk into the practice. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"There has been a real shift for the convenience of online options, which works brilliantly when there is an opportunity to visit in-person for an experience based on personal preferences and requirements.

"Joii Pet Care has been and continues to be a lifeline to thousands of pet parents across the UK, offering veterinary care at a fraction of the price without any compromise on quality of care.”