Petdirect has appointed Dr Olja Jovovich as its first Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) to support growing demand for prescription pet medications in New Zealand.
Dr Jovovich’s appointment follows the launch of Petdirect Pharmacy in June 2024 and marks a step forward for the company as it expands its prescription pharmacy services, with a focus on veterinary standards and regulatory compliance.
Dr Jovovich said that at-home access to prescription pet medications is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s fast becoming a baseline expectation.
“My role is to help grow this service responsibly, making sure we lead with veterinary standards and the trust of our customers.”
Petdirect Pharmacy offers 24/7 online access to prescription-only pet medications, including an Autodeliver feature to support long-term treatment plans. The company says it offers savings of up to 50% compared to leading veterinary groups.
“Whether it’s long-term medication or preventive treatments, our mission is to ensure more pets nationwide have access to the care they need,” said Dr Jovovich.
Dave Anderson, CEO of Petdirect, said the appointment was key to the company’s continued growth.
“Olja’s appointment is a pivotal moment for our business. She brings deep expertise and leadership as we scale Petdirect Pharmacy to meet rising demand. We launched the pharmacy to remove barriers to essential pet care, and now we’re reinforcing it with world-class veterinary leadership.”
With over 20 years of experience in clinical governance, veterinary education and companion animal care, Dr Jovovich most recently served as Regional Clinical Director at Animates Vetcare and CPD Manager at Practical CPD.
“I’m thrilled to join a company that’s leading the way in shaping the future of pet health and wellness in New Zealand,” she said. “Petdirect’s focus on innovation, trusted advice and proactive care aligns strongly with my values as a veterinarian.”
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