It began in a modest space within the grounds of the Tbilisi Zoo, where a young veterinarian, driven by a deep love for animals, set out to build something more than just a clinic. What started as a small practice has, over the years, grown into one of Georgia’s most trusted veterinary institutions.
Aibo was built on a simple yet powerful foundation: love and care for four-legged friends. Turning that belief into reality, however, required far more than passion. It meant continuous professional development, constant learning, investment in advanced technologies and the introduction of equipment that had not yet existed in Georgia at the time.
Today, with more than two decades of experience, tens of thousands of successful procedures and a strong team of highly qualified specialists, Aibo stands as a benchmark for quality veterinary care in the country. Its reputation among pet owners and the wider market continues to grow – most recently recognized when the clinic was named a Golden Brand winner in the category of “Veterinary Clinic.”
In this interview, Aleksandre Kanashvili, founder and chief veterinarian of Aibo Veterinary Clinic, reflects on the journey, challenges and the values that continue to drive Aibo forward.
Q. First of all, congratulations on winning the Golden Brand award. What does this recognition mean for Aibo?
A. This award is another important confirmation that we are developing in the right direction. To be honest, we neither expected nor even knew that such a survey was being conducted, which made the recognition even more pleasant. I would like to thank the organizers, as well as everyone who participated in the voting and supported us. Such recognition is a strong motivation not only for our clinic but also for the continued development of the veterinary field in Georgia in a more consistent and high-quality way.
Q. How do you recall the early days when the clinic operated in a small space at the Tbilisi Zoo back in 2002?
A. We remember that period very warmly and positively, as Aibo’s first steps began there. To this day, we maintain a special and close relationship with the Tbilisi Zoo and those years are associated with many good memories. It was in that small space that the journey began, one that eventually shaped Aibo into what it is today.
Q. What was your main goal and vision when you first started?
A. From the very beginning, Aibo was built on a core value: love and care for our four-legged friends. That was our foundation. However, turning that love into real action required continuous professional development, deepening knowledge, strengthening our technical base and introducing equipment that did not yet exist in Georgia at the time. Our goal was to create a place where compassion and professionalism would work together.
Q. How has the clinic evolved over these 22 years and what were the most important milestones?
A. We have always believed that development should not happen through sudden leaps but through steady, consistent progress guided by both short-term and long-term planning. One of the most important strategic pillars of our growth has always been our team. Finding the right people, retaining them and supporting their development is our top priority. Today, Aibo brings together some of the strongest veterinary professionals in the country, which we consider our greatest achievement.
Q. The devastating 2015 flood in Tbilisi’s Vere River valley, which also affected the Zoo area, completely destroyed your clinic. What was it like to start over and what changed afterward?
A. Initially, it was a very difficult period. However, over time, this challenge also became an opportunity. That event gave us the momentum to reshape Aibo into what it is today – with new branding, a new location, modern planning, upgraded technical infrastructure and a renewed vision. In many ways, it gave us the strength and experience to rebuild everything from scratch in a stronger form.
Q. With 35,000 successful operations and more than 180,000 lives saved, what do these achievements mean to you?
A. These are certainly significant numbers, but for us, each individual case matters more than statistics. Every saved patient, every successful operation and every story carries far more emotional value. These daily results are the true motivation for the Aibo team.
Q. What types of cases are most common in your practice today?
A. In recent years, preventive care and vaccination have become more widespread, which has reduced infectious diseases. Today, we more often encounter intoxications caused by improper nutrition and complications from ingesting foreign objects, which can sometimes become very serious. That is why, three years ago, Aibo introduced veterinary endoscopy in Georgia for the first time. Allergies and eye-related conditions are also quite common.
Q. How important is a strong professional team in veterinary medicine and how do you develop your specialists?
A. A strong professional team is fundamental in veterinary medicine. Our development is built on our team, which is why we place great emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth. Throughout the year, we send our team members abroad to clinics, training centers and workshops to improve their qualifications. At the same time, we invite international specialists to Georgia to share knowledge and experience. Aibo is also open to young professionals – students complete internships with us, gain practical experience and, after successful evaluation, often become part of our team.
Q. How has the culture of animal care changed in Georgia in recent years?
A. There has been a very positive trend in this direction, which makes us especially happy. In recent years, attitudes toward animals, particularly pets, have clearly improved. People have become more responsible and more attentive to their pets’ health.
Q. What advice would you give to pet owners for better protecting their animals’ health?
A. The most important advice is still prevention: regular vaccinations, parasite control, proper nutrition and timely check-ups. Many problems can be avoided with these simple but essential steps. And of course, our signature recommendation remains unchanged – pets should always receive care, warmth and love.
Q. What personally motivates you to continue working in this field?
A. My biggest motivation is my family and my children. At the same time, it is incredibly rewarding when people recognize me on the street, share their stories and express gratitude. That feeling is truly special. The warmth and appreciation we receive from pet owners give us great strength and are one of the main reasons we remain so dedicated to our work.
Q. What are Aibo’s plans for the future?
A. Our main goal is to maintain the values and quality we have today while continuing to grow. We plan to further strengthen our technical base, train new professionals and introduce new services. It is important for us that Aibo continues to evolve and help even more patients and their families.
