Dr. Maria Al Mouallem still remembers the long summers spent in the mountains as a child. For most, they were simply peaceful escapes, but for Maria, they were moments of purpose. She would find stray cats and dogs, injured, sick, or abandoned, and nurse them back to health. It was during those tender years, surrounded by animals, that Maria discovered her calling.
That love and empathy didn’t fade with time. When she turned 16 and had to choose a major, veterinary medicine wasn’t just a career path, it was her only option. Her life had always revolved around animals, from rescuing strays to accompanying her dog to the vet. The decision felt natural, but what followed was anything but ordinary.
A Vision Born From Pain and a Dog Named Fluffy
During her final year of university, Maria Al Mouallem adopted Fluffy, a rescue dog with deep trauma and anxiety. Taking her to the vet was heartbreaking. Fluffy would tremble, hide, and panic every time. Maria, with the knowledge she was gaining as a student, started treating her at home.
But when Fluffy became seriously ill, there was no choice but to act. Maria transformed her own space into a makeshift clinic, giving Fluffy the medical care she needed right at home. That experience sparked a radical idea. What if veterinary care didn’t have to happen in a clinic What if it came to the pet instead
And just like that, Vetlivery was born, the first mobile veterinary clinic in the Middle East.
Creating Vetlivery No Blueprint No Shortcuts Just Grit
Building Vetlivery wasn’t easy. Seven years ago, mobile clinics were unheard of in the region. Maria Al Mouallem had no role models to follow, no guidebooks, and no ready made vans to purchase. Every detail had to be figured out from scratch, from the equipment to the layout, even how to legally and logistically run such a service.
People were skeptical at first. Many vets doubted that quality care could be provided outside a traditional clinic, and pet owners weren’t sure what to expect. But Maria stayed true to her mission. She wasn’t just offering convenience she was introducing a new kind of veterinary care rooted in empathy and designed entirely around the animal’s comfort. The turning point came when people saw the fully equipped van. That’s when the trust started to build—because it wasn’t just an idea anymore, it was real, reliable, and right at their doorstep.
Vetlivery challenged the norm. It showed the region that veterinary excellence wasn’t tied to a clinic. It could happen in the living room, in the garden, in a space where the pet felt safe.
Changing the Face of Veterinary Care in the Middle East
Today, Vetlivery is more than just a mobile clinic, it’s a movement. Maria Al Mouallem is actively working on expanding the service across the UAE and developing a digital platform that connects pet owners with home visit veterinarians. Her goal is bold, to make mobile veterinary care the gold standard, not the exception.
She’s not satisfied with home visits being seen as secondary or less professional. Maria wants to redefine the experience, turning it into a luxurious, high standard service that matches or even exceeds clinic care. For her, it’s not just about accessibility, it’s about raising the bar across the entire industry.
Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy Through Innovation
Maria’s story is one of resilience and belief in the unseen. When she began Vetlivery, there were no success stories to follow, only doubts and rejection. But she trusted her instincts, stayed patient, and put the animals first. Her journey is proof that true innovation often means going against the grain, doing things differently even when no one else sees the vision.
Every challenge, from equipping the first mobile van to convincing skeptics, shaped her into a leader who refuses to settle. She’s not just treating animals, she’s transforming how an entire region sees and experiences veterinary care.
A Message to the Next Generation of Dreamers
If Maria could speak to her younger self, the message would be clear. Trust your vision, even if no one understands it yet. She wants others to know that the road won’t always be smooth, there will be doubt, fear, and moments of feeling alone. But every bump in the road is part of the growth.
You’re not just building a career, you’re creating change she says. And her story proves exactly that.
What’s Next for Maria Al Mouallem and Vetlivery
Maria is currently focused on scaling Vetlivery and launching her digital platform across the UAE. The platform will allow pet owners to book trusted highly trained vets for home visits, further simplifying access to quality care.
Beyond expansion, Maria wants to influence the global veterinary landscape. She dreams of creating a legacy rooted in empathy, excellence, and innovation, where animals are treated with dignity, and care is personalized to their emotional and medical needs.
In her own words, she wants to be remembered as the pioneer who opened a new path, raised industry standards, and changed how pet care is delivered, not just in the Middle East but around the world.
Her story isn’t just about animals, it’s about courage, purpose, and leading with heart. Whether you’re a pet lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone chasing an unconventional dream, Maria Al Mouallem’s journey is a masterclass in passion driven impact.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read More: Curated Playlist Dubai Returns This October with a Family Twist
