Tech & Tails - The Pawsitive Shift by Pet Watch: Monja Madan
Today, we sit down with Ms. Monja Madan, founder of Pet Watch, to learn more about her journey and the innovative platform she has built. Pet Watch is a comprehensive app designed to make Pet care effortless and trustworthy for owners in the UAE, connecting them with reliable pet sitters and offering features like pet profiles, vaccination records, and GPS tracking… Monja’s first-hand experiences as a pet parent and animal passion have shaped every aspect of the platform. In this interview, she shares her story, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of pet care.
TFS: Monja, it is wonderful to have you with us today. We have been looking forward to this conversation to learn about Pet Watch and the story behind it with our readers. There is something special about hearing how personal experiences can lead to something that resonates with so many others.
Monja Madan: Thank you so much for having me! It is always a pleasure to pour my heart out. Pet Watch is always a pleasure to reflect on my experiences, and I am thrilled to share how it has grown into a community for pet parents. I hope this conversation gives readers a deeper insight into the ‘why’ behind what we do and inspires them to see the possibilities for making life easier—and happier—for their pets and themselves.
TFS: Let us talk about the beginning. What inspired you to create Pet Watch, and how did your experiences as a pet parent shape its vision?
Monja Madan: The journey to creating Pet Watch started with my challenges as a pet parent. I vividly remember the countless nights spent worrying about finding someone trustworthy to care for my beloved dogs Tito and Cat Toto while I traveled. The mix of anxiety and guilt was overwhelming, and I realized I was not alone.
Many pet parents here in the UAE face the same struggles—searching for reliable, compassionate carers for their furry family members. So, I wanted to create something that would change this. Pet Watch is not just another app; it reflects my experiences and passion for making life easier for pet parents. Every feature, from GPS tracking to customizable care profiles to the ability to book reliable pet sitters, comes from a place of empathy and the desire to build a safer, happier world for pets and their humans.
TFS: Let us dive into the pet care scene here in the UAE. What gaps did you notice, and how does Pet Watch aim to fill them?
Monja Madan: Well, when I started looking into the pet care market here, one thing became clear: it was all a bit fragmented. There were many options, but many lacked those critical features that make a real difference. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the lack of trust and transparency that pet parents need, especially when leaving their pets in someone else’s care. So, when we came up with the idea for Pet Watch, we did not just jump in unquestioningly. We surveyed to understand the size of the market, the struggles of pet parents, and how available and reliable pet sitters were. While pet ownership was rising, there was no solution combining trust, technology, and empathy to give people peace of mind.
I have always been passionate about changing that, and with Pet Watch, we set out to create a platform that genuinely supports pet parents and ensures pets are treated with love and care. We wanted to bring trust to the forefront, so we put much effort into vetting our pet sitters, providing real-time tracking, and ensuring everything is centered around the community. It is not just about connecting sitters with owners; it is about building a place where everyone feels at home, and the pets feel spoilt!
TFS: Starting something new always comes with its fair share of challenges, right? What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced when developing and launching the app, and how did you overcome them?
Monja Madan: Oh, absolutely; challenges are practically a given in any start-up, and we had our share! One of the most challenging things for us was building trust, especially in a market where people could be skeptical about new services. Trust was everything, and I knew we had to nail it. So, we focused on ensuring our sitters went through a rigorous vetting process, and we also added in-app features that would bring transparency—things like real-time updates and communication between pet owners and sitters.
Then, of course, there was the balancing act between what our users wanted and what we could deliver from a tech perspective. That was tricky sometimes, but we got through it by listening to our community. Their feedback was invaluable and shaped much of what we did with the app. It was their input that helped us refine the features and make sure we were meeting their needs. That is what made all the difference.
TFS: When it comes to building trust, especially in a service like this, it is not always easy. What lessons have you learned about earning the trust of pet owners and sitters?
Monja Madan: Trust is everything, and I have realized that being transparent and focusing on education is crucial. We implemented mandatory training programs and an extensive verification process for our pet sitters. It was important that sitters felt confident in their role and, more importantly, that pet owners could trust them. On the pet owner side, we provided detailed profiles of our sitters—things like reviews and real-time updates while their pets are being looked after.
We emphasized getting pet owners and sitters to complete and verify their profiles thoroughly. We wanted proper photos, IDs, vaccination records—everything. It is about ensuring everyone feels comfortable with who they interact with, who is coming into their homes, and who is looking after their furry family members. Most of all, I have found it necessary to listen to our community, understand their needs and concerns, and act on them. That is the foundation of the trust we have managed to build.
TFS: With safety being such a big concern for pet owners, how do you ensure the sitters on Pet Watch are reliable and trustworthy?
Monja Madan: I completely understand the concern—safety and reliability are our top priorities. That’s why we’ve put together a multi-step vetting process. It includes background checks, identity verification, and mandatory training for all sitters. These steps are essential in creating a safe environment for pet owners to feel secure.
But it doesn’t stop there. We also closely monitor sitter performance by collecting user ratings and reviews. If anything ever comes up, we can address that quickly. And if there are any issues or concerns, our customer support team is always there to respond promptly. It’s all about giving our users peace of mind, knowing their pets are safe.
TFS: With so many pet care apps in the market, what makes Pet Watch stand out from the rest in the UAE?
Monja Madan: I don’t think there’s anything like Pet Watch. It’s not just another app; it reflects my experiences as a pet parent—the worries, the challenges, and the desire to make life easier for others in the same position. Every feature has come from a place of empathy, designed to support pet parents and create a community where pets and their families thrive.
Take things like customizable care checklists, vaccination reminders, or GPS tracking—they were all created with a fundamental understanding of what pet owners genuinely need. But beyond the features, the extra steps we’ve taken, like mandatory training for sitters and our community-first approach, set us apart. Pet Watch isn’t just about makingconnections; we’re about raising the standard of pet care in the UAE.
TFS: Could you tell us more about your pet sitters’ training programs? How do they ensure a high level of care?
Monja Madan: I’m proud of the training programs we’ve put in place. They’re designed to teach basic pet care and cover essential areas like safety, animal behavior, and emergency response. We ensure our sitters are ready for any situation, whether managing a nervous pet or handling a medical emergency. Before being listed on the app, they must complete the training and verification process.
It’s not just about making sure they’re qualified; it’s about giving pet parents the confidence that their pets are in capable hands. The training helps build that trust and, ultimately, enhances the quality of care our sitters provide. It’s a win-win situation for both pet owners and sitters.
TFS: With so many features on the app, how do you ensure it stays user-friendly for everyone, from pet owners to sitters?
Monja Madan: Keeping things simple has always been my priority. I wanted to create an app that’s easy to navigate, with intuitive features for everyone—whether you’re a tech expert or not. I’ve ensured the design is straightforward so pet owners and sitters can find precisely what they need without confusion.
We’re always listening to feedback from our users, too. They help us fine-tune the app and ensure it continues to meet their needs without feeling overwhelming. It’s all about making sure it works effortlessly for everyone.
TFS: It’s clear that community is at the heart of Pet Watch. How do you engage with pet parents and sitters outside the app to keep that sense of belonging?
Monja Madan: Community is everything! It’s about creating value and building a space where everyone feels connected. Beyond the app, we’re not just about digital interactions—we’re hosting workshops and meet-ups and getting involved in industry events. I’ve been amazed by how engaging with local pet businesses and being active on social media has helped build such a supportive, meaningful community. It’s like the online connections spilling over into real life, which is what it’s all about!
TFS: I love that! It seems like you’re focused on education. Do you see Pet Watch becoming a go-to platform for pet care education in the UAE?
Monja Madan: Oh! I’m a huge believer in the power of education. We’re already partnering with experts like veterinarians and animal behaviorists to offer workshops, Q&A sessions, and many online resources. The idea is to empower pet parents and sitters, giving them the tools to be responsible and well-informed. We want to help shape the future of pet care in the UAE and set a new, higher standard for it.
TFS: That’s inspiring. Speaking of making an impact, how has Pet Watch influenced the lives of pet sitters in the UAE, especially those seeking flexible work opportunities?
Monja Madan: This is one of my favorite parts of Pet Watch. We’ve allowed people who love animals to turn that passion into a career. The response from sitters has been incredible! Seeing them earn extra income doing something they love while forming genuine connections with the pets and families they look after is so rewarding. It’s not just about making money; it’s about making a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
TFS: That’s so heart-warming. Let’s talk growth. What strategies have helped you grow the Pet Watch user base, and do you plan to expand beyond the UAE?
Monja Madan: Our growth has been driven by trust and genuine connections. We’ve focused on educating and empowering pet parents through workshops, partnered with like-minded local businesses, and maintained an active presence on social media to foster that sense of community. Word of mouth has been huge for us, too. People love the app and tell their friends—those referrals have been a key driver for growth. We’re looking to expand beyond the UAE, bringing Pet Watch to even more pet-loving families in the region.
TFS: Looking ahead, where do you see Pet Watch in the next five years, especially with all the advances in pet care technology?
Monja Madan: Oh, I get so excited about the possibilities for Pet Watch! Honestly, I believe the growth potential is endless. But beyond just growing, I want to see Pet Watch set the bar for pet care standards here in the UAE and eventually expand throughout the region. Our primary focus is ensuring we become a trusted leader in pet care innovation.
I’d love to take things even further by incorporating advanced technologies. Picture this: AI that gives personalized care recommendations and even IoT for real-time health monitoring, thanks to wearable devices. Imagine getting notifications about your Pet’s hydration levels or stress patterns—how cool would that be? That’s the future I envision for Pet Watch.
I see us growing regionally and partnering up with veterinarians, trainers, and wellness experts to create a one-stop solution that evolves alongside the needs of the pet parent community. The goal is for Pet Watch to be there for every Pet in every way.
TFS: With the competition in the pet care market heating up, how do you plan to stay ahead and maintain Pet Watch’s unique position?
Monja Madan: For me, it’s all about staying ahead by being innovative and impactful. By listening to our users and staying in tune with their evolving needs, we’ll continue to integrate cutting-edge technologies. It’s not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about creating real, meaningful impact. Our focus on trust, education, and empathy ensures that Pet Watch stays more than just a service—it’s a partner that pet parents can count on for the long haul.
TFS: As we near the end of our conversation, I’m curious—how has running Pet Watch changed your perspective on pet care, especially as a pet owner? And what’s your favorite feature of the app?
Monja Madan: Running Pet Watch has thoroughly deepened my appreciation for the bond between pets and their families. It’s truly a special relationship, and I often think every little act of care has a ripple effect, making the world a kinder place for our furry friends. My favorite feature is real-time tracking. There’s something so reassuring about seeing exactly where your Pet is and knowing they’re safe. It reflects everything Pet Watch is about—providing peace of mind, creating connections, and, most importantly, showing love for the pets we all care about.
TFS: Monja, this has been such a refreshing chat. Not every day you hear someone so passionate about making the world a better place for pets and their families. Thank you for sharing this today—Pet Watch is clearly onto something special!