Dutch (company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Veterinary telehealth |
| Founded | 2021 |
| Founder | Joe Spector |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Joe Spector (Founder) |
| Products | Video-based veterinary consultations, prescriptions, at-home diagnostic kits, subscription service plans |
Dutch is a U.S.-based veterinary telehealth enterprise headquartered in Oakland, California. Established in 2021 by Joe Spector, the company specializes in offering video-based consultations and, when permitted by state legislation, provides prescriptions for common ailments affecting dogs and cats.
History
In February 2021, Joe Spector—who previously co-founded the human telemedicine platform Hims & Hers—initiated Dutch. Motivated by difficulties encountered in obtaining veterinary care during the COVID-19 pandemic and personal experiences involving his brother’s dog, Dutch commenced its services in July 2021 across eight states and achieved nationwide availability by early 2022.
The startup secured $5 million in seed capital from investors including Forerunner Ventures, Bling Capital, Trust Ventures, and Jimmy Fallon. This was followed by a $20 million Series A funding round in February 2022, led by Forerunner Ventures alongside Eclipse Ventures.
Amid economic fluctuations in 2022, Dutch strategically curtailed its marketing expenditures, shifting focus toward search engine optimization efforts. By 2025, the company broadened its promotional activities through connected TV advertising campaigns aimed at boosting brand recognition.
Operations
Dutch delivers video consultations targeting non-urgent health issues such as allergies, anxiety disorders, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. These evaluations rely on pet owner reports, medical histories, and visual assessments. Prescription issuance is available in 34 states compliant with specific veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) laws. Additionally, Dutch provides at-home diagnostic kits to facilitate further testing. For emergency situations or cases necessitating physical examination, imaging, or surgical intervention, pets are directed to brick-and-mortar clinics like Petco’s Vetco Clinics. Prescription fulfillment is supported through partnerships with pharmacies such as PetMeds. The company also offers subscription-based service plans. All veterinarians engaged by Dutch hold licenses in the respective states of the pet owners to ensure adherence to VCPR requirements.
Regulatory Challenges
The scope of Dutch’s offerings depends on state regulations: while video consultations are accessible throughout the United States, prescription services are restricted to 34 states where legal frameworks permit them. As of April 2025, Dutch employed licensed veterinarians across all 50 states but maintained prescribing authority only in those 34 jurisdictions. According to Dutch’s 2025 ‘State of Online Veterinary Care’ report, approximately 38% of the U.S. population (around 129 million individuals) reside in areas classified as ‘veterinary deserts.’ The report forecasts that virtual veterinary visits will constitute about 20% of all veterinary care by 2030. Legislative reforms in states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi have facilitated Dutch’s expansion of prescription services within those markets.