By Pepper Parr
April 1st, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The next chapter in pet healthcare has arrived. To be located at 561 Brant Street in Burlington, they are set to open their doors on April 11th.
Novel, an interesting name for a veterinary medicine and surgical services, is rooted in improving access to veterinary care for all.
Emma and Brendon are from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, the number one veterinary school in Canada.
Local owners and co-founders Brendon Laing and Emma Harris have dedicated their entire careers to veterinary medicine. Brendon is a veterinarian and an active contributor to the industry, having just wrapped up his presidency with the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. Emma is a PhD Candidate whose research is dedicated to understanding the socioeconomic and demographic influences on access to veterinary care.
Both Emma and Brendon are from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, the number one veterinary school in Canada.
Novel offers a no-exam-fee model. “The walk-in fee creates a ‘wait-and-see’ approach to healthcare. If a medical issue exists, I want to help as soon as I can” says Brendon. “But as a pet owner, if I know I’m going to incur a fee of over $100 right away, I hesitate; I pause.
So we got rid of the exam fee in the name of eliminating barriers to care”, says Emma. Members sign up to Novel and pay $20/month for a single pet or $24/month for multiple pets and receive unlimited examinations, access to a 24/7 support line, and between 10-40% off all medications, products (including food), services and diagnostics.
Novel is priced, on average, up to 40% less expensive than traditional clinics, according to a self-funded research study.
As a second-generation veterinarian, Brendon has witnessed first-hand how the industry has evolved: “The veterinary industry has reached a tipping point. We need to completely reconsider how we deliver quality care at a more affordable price point, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with Novel”.
Novel is hosting an opening celebration on April 11th from 5-8pm at 561 Brant Street. Meet the team, tour the hospital and enjoy food, drinks and professional pet photography.
