Our story

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Led by a Vet.

A vet, his mum, and three very opinionated pets.

Ask A Vet was founded by Dr. Duncan Houston, with business brains from his mum Margaret and daily chaos courtesy of Gary the cat, Bridie the golden, and little Kiko. Together, they’re on a mission to make pet care smarter, kinder, and fluffier.

Read Dr. Duncan’s letter Meet the pet team

Meet The Founder

About Me, Dr. Duncan Houston

Vet, designer, pet parent

Hello! I’m Dr. Duncan, an emergency care veterinarian, pet product designer, founder of Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz, and a proud pet parent.

In emergency veterinary practice, you quickly learn what truly matters for an animal’s comfort, safety, wellbeing, and quality of life. You also learn that caring for pets means supporting the people who love them.

Daily Vet Tips, Pet Health Advice & Behind The ScenesFollow @drduncanthevet →

Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Veterinarian and founder of ASK A VET

Dr Duncan and a patient above Sydney Harbour

A decade across animal health

I’ve spent over a decade working across animal health, nutrition, behavior, and product development. That experience ultimately led me to build Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz, brands and services rooted in veterinary expertise and designed to genuinely improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Why Ask A Vet exists

Ask A Vet was created to provide trusted guidance, education, and support, helping pet parents make informed decisions and feel more confident in caring for the animals they love.

Where the idea began

The idea began during one of the hardest chapters of my life. After major surgery, I was bedridden for nearly eight months. I could not practice, but I could think. I could design. During that time, the vision for a smarter, more connected approach to animal care began to take shape. One where pet parents and veterinary professionals work together through better tools, earlier insights, trusted education, and more accessible support.

One goal, every brand

That same thinking shaped Woopf and Purrz. Whether through education, wellness, enrichment, or everyday comfort, everything we create is guided by one goal, helping pets live happier, healthier lives.

Cheers,

Dr. Duncan

Veterinarian founded

“Technology should make animal care clearer, more connected and easier to act on.”

Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Veterinarian and founder of ASK A VET

Editorial Guidelines Vet Verified process

The pet team

Gary, Bridie & Kiko

our CsO

Gary — Chief Snacking Officer

Stoic, floofy, and unbothered by your schedule, Gary specializes in strategic loafing and slow blinks of emotional support. Whether he’s supervising from a sunbeam or offering purr therapy during stressful meetings, Gary brings calm, class, and just the right amount of cattitude. His motto? “Look cute. Do less. Be essential.”

Eating snacks isn't just a career — it's an addiction!

Giving cuddles isn't just a career — I don't stop when I get home!

our CCO

Bridie — Chief Cuddling Officer

With a heart as big as her tail wags, Bridie leads the team in emotional support and spontaneous snuggles. Whether you’re stressed, sad, or just sitting still too long—she’s there, ready to lean, nuzzle, and make everything better. Her motto? “There’s no problem a cuddle can’t fix.”

our CDO

Kiko — Chief Destruction Officer

Young, fearless, and powered by chaos, Kiko brings boundless energy and a passion for… creative demolition. Whether it’s testing product durability (read: chewing everything) or rearranging the office one zoomie at a time, she ensures nothing stays too neat for too long. Her motto? “If I fits, I chaos.”

I'm annoying — my name was supposed to be Karen

From the clinic floor

Daily Vet Tips, Pet Health Advice & Behind The Scenes

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A note of thanks

Thank You to Everyone Who’s Helped Us Get To This Point

From the bottom of my heart (and from Gary, Bridie, and Kiko too!)

Building Ask A Vet has been one of the toughest and most rewarding journeys of my life — and I haven’t done it alone.

There are too many people to name, but if you offered advice, tested features, supported me, or believed in the vision — thank you.

This is more than a business. It’s a community of animal lovers and problem-solvers. I’m deeply grateful to have you on this journey.

Cheers,

Dr. Duncan

Tips, Tricks & Tails

From cozy naps to playful paws — explore expert advice, fun stories, and everything in between!

Read the Blog

One veterinarian. Three animal-care brands.

Explore the connected brands founded by Dr Duncan Houston, bringing together veterinary guidance, smarter pet care and practical products for dogs and cats.