Milo: pet care at the touch of a button

Pets are an integral part of people’s lives. They serve as adventurous companions, emotional support, and full-fledged members of the family in their own right. Roughly 15 million dogs and cats live alongside their owners across Spain; they are fed, cared for, and taken to the vet religiously. In this way, pets are no longer viewed merely as items inside a home; indeed, Law 17/2021, of 15 December – which amended the Civil Code, the Mortgage Act, and the Civil Procedure Act regarding the legal status of animals – defines them as sentient beings rather than “things”, as they had been classified until then. The humanisation of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, is a reality, but also a commercial opportunity waiting to be seized. Milo was born out of this emerging market space, but also from the affection its founder holds for animals, especially dogs.

In 2025, Ferran Listerri decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge, bringing together his two greatest passions: technology and animals. Milo is an insurance company that enables pet owners to take out premier cover for household animals through an entirely digital platform. Although originally designed exclusively for dogs, the firm will launch a dedicated line for cats within days. Through this model, Milo aims to keep domestic pets protected seamlessly and automatically, eliminating the need to pay exorbitant sums each time an animal requires veterinary care. “We have entered an era where we no longer wait for animals to become critically ill before visiting the vet,” the founder tells The New Barcelona Post. Under Milo policies, dog and cat vaccinations are included, 24-hour remote assistance is provided, and policyholders receive full reimbursement for their veterinary visits.

The app’s mechanics are straightforward: once users select the policy best suited to their pet and needs, they simply complete registration. From that moment on, all veterinary visits are paid upfront, but as soon as the invoice is issued, the customer need only upload it to the Milo platform. “Once there, we guide you and help you get your money reimbursed,” the founder points out. The trust and agility of these procedures have already enabled Milo to reach around 10,000 customers and approximately four million euros in premiums, establishing itself as Spain’s fastest-growing insurtech in just twelve months.

Ferran Listerri (founder): “Milo already counts 10,000 customers and around four million euros in premiums”

One of the primary benefits of Milo’s cover is its flexibility. Once a bespoke package is secured for a pet, owners are under no obligation to switch clinics. “At Milo we don’t force you to change practices. You can go to your usual vet or whichever professional you prefer. You pick the clinic and we handle the reimbursement,” they confirm. Moreover, while acknowledging that technology has been a cornerstone in building the venture, Listerri stresses that they do not operate simply as an impersonal call centre. For the Catalan firm, direct, human engagement with policyholders remains paramount, above all “being honest with them and helping wherever possible,” says the founder. For this reason, the company plans to integrate technology further in its next phase without compromising on personal service: “We will introduce a conversational agent, but there will always be a human on hand to speak to,” the founder notes, acknowledging that digital tools have propelled them forward and remain central to the business: “Without AI, we wouldn’t have built the company so quickly,” explains Listerri, adding that “it would also have been vastly more expensive.”

A dedicated space for animal welfare

Milo seeks to be far more than an insurer, aiming to leverage market momentum to amplify the voices of organisations fighting for animal rights. In 2025, around 285,000 dogs and cats entered animal rescue shelters across Spain, according to the Él Nunca Lo Haría study by the Affinity Foundation. It is evident that despite growing affection for companion animals and treating them as family members, high rates of abandonment persist. Milo has a social media community of roughly 100,000 followers. The firm harnesses this social reach to celebrate rescue organisations nationwide that battle daily for animal welfare. “We make monthly contributions to them, but we also help broadcast their message,” says Listerri. In parallel, they have launched an initiative dubbed Stars of the Week, which spotlights dogs in shelters: “We want to encourage adopting dogs and cats over buying them,” the founder concedes.

Backed by a 35-strong workforce and a nationwide presence across Spain, Milo is keeping international expansion firmly on its near horizon. The start-up’s name was chosen in search of a distinct, punchy, and international brand identity, as Listerri remains set on crossing borders. While unable to disclose exact details, the founder reveals that there are two “Southern European” markets earmarked to launch their international expansion.