Meet the team behind Juno Veterinary’s Toronto-owned clinics

If you’ve ever wished for a vet who’s close to home, near your office or just a few blocks from your partner’s place, you’re in luck. Juno Veterinary, known for its comfortable in-clinic care and convenient 24/7 virtual app, has officially launched their fifth location across Toronto.

Toronto pet owners can book in at any Juno clinic, with appointments available seven days a week, in Summerhill, Leaside, Bloor West, King West or Leslieville. Combined with anytime app access to virtual care, this puts vet care within easy reach no matter where city dwellers find themselves. And when “Toronto is an hour away from Toronto,” more choice is welcome news.

Care anytime, anywhere

Torontonians are well known for their love of pets, with everything from dog-friendly offices and breweries to puppy yoga and cat cafés. With an already high pet population that saw huge increases during the pandemic, there’s a constant demand for flexible and convenient veterinary care.

Juno Veterinary is perfectly designed for the needs of city pet parents. Founded by three long-time Toronto residents and friends (including Juno’s first DVM, or doctor of veterinary medicine), Juno is the result of a long-talked-about dream to offer quality pet care in a supportive environment for both vets and pet parents. The focus has been on establishing and growing neighbourhood connections; each Juno clinic is staffed with local residents, and the doors are always open for pets and people to say hello and grab a treat.

Members can visit any Juno clinic, each operated by industry-leading DVMs and care teams, many of whom live in the neighbourhood themselves. Juno offers 24/7 access to virtual care (even from the cottage), same- and next-day urgent appointments, and the option to book at any location—because health issues don’t always happen at home. Since Juno members aren’t limited to a single clinic, they can schedule appointments to suit their availability and whereabouts on any given day.

Even when it makes sense for members to venture beyond their home clinic, some pets have their favourites; West End resident Dr. Zach Jones, for instance, is well known among the local humans and animals, and is so beloved at Juno’s Bloor West location that members are willing to wait for annual wellness checks (though King West’s recent opening may draw some members over).

“I give my patients and their people my best, every single time,” says Jones. “I hold myself to extremely high standards, and it’s great to know that every one of my Juno colleagues does the same. For urgent issues, it’s reassuring to know that the pets under my care will receive the same level of care and compassion at any Juno location.”

Juno strives to accommodate real-life schedules, offering evening and weekend in-clinic appointments, with its 24/7 virtual care team covering everything in between. Members get unlimited access to virtual care for answers to common questions, appointment and surgery follow-ups, or guidance on a sick pet at 2 a.m. With the help of photos and videos, the virtual care team can either recommend an in-person visit or give instructions for care at home.

For members who travel to the cottage or spend time—gasp—outside of the GTA, it’s a relief to know that support is still available. The virtual care team can do everything from locating nearby emergency veterinary hospitals to offering guidance on safe, legal overseas travel with pets. While Juno stands out for many reasons, it was ultimately this virtual offering that convinced Dr. Helen Longrigg, lead veterinarian at the King West clinic, to join the team.

“Virtual care is a major component of the future of vet care. Not only does it offer peace of mind for anxious pet parents, it’s key to greater appointment availability,” she says. “When minor issues are managed at home, more patients can get in-clinic care when it’s needed.”

Empowering vets and pet owners through technology and virtual care

For Juno members, their pet’s health-care experience is centered on the Juno app, which stores all pet information, from appointment schedules and prescriptions to medical histories and care notes. Every time there’s new information, it’s updated across the system for continuous, comprehensive care—no matter which vet is seen.

Once you’ve had your pet’s first wellness exam, you can check in with the virtual care team as often as you like, free of charge. The app offers members a high level of transparency, control over their pet’s health, and a reassuring familiarity at every point in the experience.

Summerhill lead veterinarian Dr. Bianca Ferlisi says real-time updates have a huge impact on the quality of care she’s able to provide.

“Before I see my patients, I have an up-to-date history, can view current medications, have notes about their preferences or sensitivities, and can get an appointment synopsis if they’ve used our online chat,” she says. “I can dive straight into the issue at hand and make the most of the appointment, even if a pet’s new to me.”

An experience that always feels like home

From Bloor West to King West, Leslieville to Leaside, Summerhill to wherever Juno sets its sights next, members can expect the same warm, professional experience every time they walk through Juno’s doors. All five clinics are specifically designed to reduce vet, pet and pet parent stress with soft, pet-friendly furnishings, complimentary treats and even fancy human beverages. Thoughtful features like cat-only exam rooms and a private exit for end-of-life visits take comfort to the next level.

As a bonus, Juno ensures transparent pricing. Before every treatment or procedure, members review their pet’s treatment options and estimates.

It’s only natural that Juno’s commitment to well-being includes its staff. Juno’s vets, technicians, animal care attendants and front-of-house member experience coordinators have cozy spaces to recuperate between appointments, dedicated admin time and more. Mental health is prioritized, so every team member has the time and energy to focus on members and their pets. For Dr. Laura Merola, lead veterinarian at Juno Leaside, the caring culture has been a game changer.

“Burnout is a serious issue for veterinarians. When we’re overbooked and shorthanded, we can’t care for ourselves properly, let alone our patients,” she says. “I was drawn to Juno because of their personalized and thoughtful approach; they’re taking proactive steps to de-stress the vet care experience for everyone involved, helping to provide thoughtful care across the board.”

Toronto Life readers, join Juno for free. Use promo code TORONTOLIFEFREE to experience the Juno difference, including 24/7 virtual care. All Juno clinics are accepting new patients, including our Leslieville location, opening soon. Book your pet’s appointment now by visiting www.junovet.com.