within the Russian education system, 51 universities offer animal-related programs. However, these programs predominantly focus on agricultural livestock. In contrast, pets are classified as non-productive animals under GOST R 56928–2016, meaning they are not raised for such agricultural outputs. In other words, they are not used in producing meat, milk, wool, and other animal products.

As per the data from the city’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, there are 500,000 animals registered in Moscow that have been vaccinated against rabies. “From a statistical standpoint, these 500,000 pet owners represent our target audience. Additionally, it is estimated that around 170,000 Muscovites require some form of domestic pet care service. This need arises from various situations like vacations, business trips, or the necessity for veterinary nursing care post-surgery or during rehabilitation periods. Our analysis suggests that to cater to an audience of 170,000, we need a workforce of 33,000 specialists. In Moscow, six universities are offering animal-related courses, each producing about 1,500 graduates annually. However, the annual output of 9,000 qualified specialists falls short of meeting the demand for these domestic services required by a significant segment of the population,” Olga Klimova explains.

METHODS USED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM

To tackle the challenge of staff shortages, the company is actively engaged in three key areas: career orientation, pre-vocational education, and vocational training for specialists in animal care. UVIVO collaborates with several esteemed institutions, including the Russian Biotechnological University, RUDN University’s Veterinary Faculty, Russian State Agrarian University — Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy’s Cynology Faculty, Skryabin Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology’s Cynology Faculty, Moscow State University of Food Production’s Veterinary Faculty, Upper Volga State Agrarian Biotechnology University, Don State Agrarian University, Vyatka State Agricultural Technology University, Kursk State Agricultural Academy named after I. I. Ivanov, among others.

“What is the cornerstone of our partnerships? We integrate additional programs and activities focused on non-productive animals into the universities’ curricula. I personally deliver lectures to students at local institutions and online classes are held for the Universities in the provinces,” Olga Klimova explains.

In addition to higher learning institutions, UVIVO is expanding its efforts to develop pre-vocational and vocational education programs at secondary vocational education institutions.

“We visit schools and libraries, spending 3–4 hours talking to the students about the ecosystem, different types of pets, and animal-related professions available in the job market. These engaging sessions often conclude with a survey to identify students interested in pursuing a career working with non-productive animals. Those showing interest are then offered pre-vocational training,” Olga Klimova elaborates.

This pre-vocational training aims to guide students in choosing a career path, introduce them to the pet service market, and understand consumer behavior. Upon completion, the participants receive a certificate and a personal reference. These documents can be invaluable during college or university admissions, providing the selection committee with insights into the candidate’s potential academic performance, motivation, and specialization preferences. Thus, they become a crucial part of the students’ portfolio, supplementing the Unified State Exam (USE) score required for admission to educational institutions.

UVIVO’s vocational guidance activities, including lectures and sessions, also focus on supporting children from large and low-income families, children in challenging life situations, and orphans. Additionally, the company collaborates with various organizations, such as the “I am free” animal assistance charity fund, to which it donates a portion of its profits. UVIVO also contributes to Assets, helping to streamline business processes for pet shelters, and supports services like TeddyFood for homeless dogs and cats, the Foundation for the Protection of Urban Animals in Moscow, and the Russian Federation of Sled Sports. These collaborations highlight UVIVO’s commitment to both animal welfare and community support.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS

• UVIVO is a member of the International Anti-Counterfeit Association, leading its Pet Care Committee.

• The company has earned the distinction of being a counterfeit and falsification-free platform. This is ensured by thorough verification of the company’s suppliers.

• UVIVO was a participant in the 90 days challenge incubator at Impact Hub Moscow in 2020.

• Since 2013, UVIVO’s CEO, Olga Klimova, has been serving as an expert member of the Arbitration Court of Moscow and the Expert Commission with the Government of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for the pet care industry. She is actively involved in the formulation of federal laws and professional industry standards.

FUNDS RAISED IN 2022

All the development was funded by own resources.

WHAT WAS DONE LAST YEAR

• Formalized agreements with 17 universities in Moscow and other regions, and initiated agreements with 7 secondary vocational education (SVE) institutions in the Moscow area.

• Organized 10 engagement sessions with target audiences (children, teenagers, students) and conducted interviews with first- and second-year SVE and university students.

DIRECT RESULTS FOR 2022

Successfully trained 14 animal care specialists to provide services to Moscow’s population. The trainees, all graduates of the Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, received the certificates.

Conducted career orientation classes and lectures for about 1,000 individuals.

SOCIAL EFFECTS ACHIEVED IN 2022

Olga Klimova highlights that the primary social impact achieved in 2022 has been the improvement of the financial well-being of their target audiences, namely children, teenagers, and students engaged with the project.

“In the 16 years that we have been in business, we have observed the growth and success of our participants. For starters, they are doing exceptionally well in terms of their financial status. Their earnings start at 600 rubles per hour, reflecting the high quality and premium nature of our services. Our clients are not just paying well; they often leave tips and gifts, too. Beyond financial gains, these guys also advance in their careers. Several of our alumni are chief veterinarians at clinics, or have started their own