Our Mission

Why We Exist

Co-Founders Brendon Laing and Emma Harris have dedicated their entire careers to veterinary medicine. Brendon is a veterinarian and an active community contributor, and Emma is a PhD Candidate whose research focuses on understanding the socioeconomic and demographic influences on access to veterinary care. 

Our Mission

Why We Exist

Co-Founders Brendon Laing and Emma Harris have dedicated their entire careers to veterinary medicine. Brendon is a veterinarian and an active community contributor, and Emma is a PhD Candidate whose research focuses on understanding the socioeconomic and demographic influences on access to veterinary care. 

Emma & Brendon

Both Emma and Brendon are from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, the number one veterinary school in Canada!

Together, their mission is to eliminate the barriers to care. They want to deliver quality care at a more affordable price point, and that's exactly what they have done with Novel.

What Is Novel’s Team-Based Approach?

At Novel, care doesn’t rest on just one person — it’s a collaborative effort. Our veterinarians, technicians, assistants and support team work together to ensure every pet receives thoughtful, thorough, and personalized care.

Instead of rushed appointments or siloed communication, our team approach means:

Shared expertise

Clear communication

Seamless coordination

More time focused on your pet

Every case is reviewed collaboratively when needed, so you’re not just getting one opinion — you’re getting a team behind you.

  1. Warm Welcome

From the moment you walk in, our client care team greets you and ensures we have all updated information about your pet’s history, concerns, and goals for the visit.

  1. Technician-Led Intake

One of our registered veterinary technicians will:

Review your pet’s medical history

Collect vitals (weight, temperature, heart rate, etc.)

Discuss your concerns in detail

Flag any trends or changes

  1. Collaborative Medical Exam

Your RVT performs a comprehensive physical exam and reviews findings with you in real time. If additional insight is needed, our internal team collaborates to discuss diagnostics, treatment options or next steps with the Veterinarian.

You’re part of the conversation, we prioritize transparency and clarity so you feel confident in decisions.

  1. Diagnostics & Treatment Plan

If diagnostics (bloodwork, imaging, screening tests) are recommended, our team explains:

Why they’re needed

What they show

What happens next

You receive a clear plan... no surprises, no pressure.

  1. Seamless Follow-Up

After your visit:

Our team coordinates lab results

We communicate next steps promptly

We ensure medication, rechecks, or referrals are clearly outlined

Because we work as a unit, nothing falls through the cracks.

Why It Matters

A team-based model means:

More eyes on your pet’s health

Strong internal communication

Better continuity of care

A smoother, more supportive experience for you

At Novel, care goes beyond the checkup it’s a coordinated, compassionate effort designed around your pet’s long-term wellbeing.