We recently connected with Afifah Rahim-leong and have shared our conversation below.
Afifah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.
“Like many kids, I was asked what I would like to be when I grew up,” recalls Dr. Afifah Rahim-Leong, now a veterinarian in Colorado. “For 16 years, I did not know what the answer was. However, there was a tiny voice in my head that constantly whispered, ‘I want to make a difference.’”
That whisper turned into a calling after rescuing a Rottweiler named Kiya, abandoned on the side of the road in her native Singapore.
“Kiya was my epiphany. She made me realize that caring for and improving animal health and welfare is what provides me the greatest adrenaline rush and sense of gratification. I want to make a difference, one animal at a time,” she says.
Dr. Rahim’s journey to veterinary medicine began at Iowa State University (ISU), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Her time at ISU was marked by extensive hands-on experience and leadership, including research, volunteering, and global studies in Denmark, Poland, Germany, and Thailand. Surrounded by inspiring peers, she was motivated to excel, earning 10 prestigious awards by the time she graduated.
She carried that same determination to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, where her exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence earned her four notable awards, underscoring her dedication to advancing the veterinary profession. As President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA) and student body, she worked to enhance policies and campus experiences, preparing for a career focused on creating meaningful change in the institutions and communities she is in. Iowa State and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine was pivotal in empowering Dr.Rahim to walk down paths less taken and to create creative sustainable solutions for the greater good.
Now as a veterinarian in Colorado, Dr. Rahim continues her unwavering passion to bridge gaps in the industry and community with her groundbreaking venture, *The Mobile Pawlyclinic*. This innovative initiative represents her first step in reimagining veterinary care by addressing the unique needs of pet communities.
‘Pawly’ is a thoughtful twist on ‘Poly’, symbolizing our commitment to offering a multitude of innovative, personalized solutions to meet the specific challenges faced by pet parents in different communities,” Dr. Rahim explains. “Our mission is simple yet powerful: to make veterinary care more accessible and convenient, and to empower pet parents with the knowledge to prevent illness and promote healthier, happier lives for their pets.”
What sets *The Mobile Pawlyclinic* apart is its ability to forge meaningful connections with pet parents.
The clinic has become a beacon of hope for individuals navigating extraordinary challenges and facing unique challenges, including non-ambulatory individuals, seniors, those recovering from surgery or battling cancer, as well as families managing behaviorally challenging pets or caring for multiple animals, offering compassionate care tailored to their needs. By delivering expert care directly to their doorsteps, the clinic eliminates barriers and offers crucial support precisely when and where it is needed most.
“At the heart of our mission is the understanding that caring for pets is caring for people,” Dr. Rahim shares. “Each time we help prevent or treat a pet’s ailment, we’re also helping the person who loves them. It’s this deep connection between human and animal well-being that drives everything we do—because as much as we love healing pets, we’re just as passionate about uplifting the people who cherish them.”
With compassion, innovation, and an unwavering drive to make a difference, Dr. Rahim is redefining what it means to care for animals—and the people who love them.
Afifah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Revolutionizing Veterinary Care—Compassion at Your Doorstep
Dr. Afifah Rahim’-Leong’s passion for veterinary medicine was ignited through her work in animal rescue, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact that compassionate care can have on animals in need. From an early age, she understood that becoming a veterinarian was the key to helping more animals, but she also recognized that her individual efforts could only go so far. Driven by a greater purpose, Dr. Rahim committed herself to creating sustainable, transformative systems—innovative solutions designed to support not only the pets she cares for but also the veterinary community, with a legacy and initiatives that she hopes would extend far beyond her own lifetime.
In 2024, that vision came to life with the founding of *The Mobile Pawlyclinic*. A full-service mobile veterinary practice, we are on a mission to revolutionize how veterinary care is delivered, ensuring that high-quality, compassionate care is not only accessible but also convenient for pets and their families. Our goal is to break down the barriers that often make veterinary visits stressful or difficult, bringing expert, personalized care directly to your doorstep.
Whether providing primary care, urgent care, palliative care, or end-of-life support, *The Mobile Pawlyclinic* offers a comprehensive range of services—all in the comfort of your home. We understand that veterinary visits can be a source of anxiety for both pets and their families. That’s why we’ve designed our practice to bring the clinic experience to you, alleviating the stress of travel and allowing your pet to receive care in a familiar, comfortable environment.
At *The Mobile Pawlyclinic*, we believe that every pet and every pet parent deserves care that is tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. No two pets are alike, and their health requirements reflect that. We create customized treatment plans that fit not just your pet’s needs, but also your family’s lifestyle, offering a range of care options to empower you to make informed decisions that are best for your family.
We treat every pet as if they were our own, because we understand that pets are family. Your pet deserves nothing less than compassionate, high-quality care. Our consultations, lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, ensure that we have the time and space to truly understand both your pet’s needs and yours. At the heart of our practice is the belief that informed, confident pet parents are the key to their pets’ well-being. We’re here not just to treat but to educate, ensuring that you feel equipped and supported as the primary caregiver for your beloved companion.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Without hesitation, I would choose to become a veterinarian again, with all my heart and soul. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing I’ve made a difference in the life of a living being who cannot speak for themselves. It’s a responsibility I carry with deep reverence—one that allows me to advocate for those who cannot advocate for their own well-being, ensuring they receive the care they deserve to live a long, healthy life.
Yet, veterinary medicine is so much more than just healing; it’s about building profound, trusting relationships with the families who love them. My purpose goes beyond treating illness—I’m here to educate, to guide, and to empower pet parents to provide the best care possible for their cherished companions. Watching the bond between a pet and their family grow stronger, knowing I played a part in that connection, fills me with a sense of purpose that words can hardly capture. There have been moments of struggle and uncertainty along the way, but the joy, the gratitude, and the deep fulfillment I feel from this work far outweigh any challenge. This is the path I was meant to walk, and I wouldn’t change a single step of it for the world.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
We are profoundly grateful and humbled by the incredible growth we’ve experienced through word-of-mouth—there truly is no greater compliment than the trust and warmth shared by those who refer us to their loved ones. Referrals aren’t just a strategy for us; they’re a reflection of the deep bonds we’ve built with our clients and the care they feel in their hearts. Pet parents are naturally protective of their companions, and when they choose to recommend us to family, friends, or fellow pet parents, it is because they trust us with something deeply precious. A positive referral isn’t just a validation of our work—it’s an affirmation of the compassionate relationships we’ve cultivated and the care we’ve provided.Pet parents come to us with an open heart, already confident in the experience they’re about to have, and that trust means the world to us. Word-of-mouth growth is a beautiful, organic process that not only allows The Mobile Pawlyclinic to thrive, but also strengthens the sense of community we cherish so deeply. To know that our pet parents are so passionate about sharing their experience with others is a gift beyond measure, and it’s one we hold close as we continue to grow and serve with love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepawlyclinic.com
- Instagram: The Pawlyclinic
- Facebook: The Pawlyclinic
- Linkedin: The Pawlyclinic
- Yelp: The Mobile Pawlyclinic
Image Credits
Vie Photos