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Overview

Paw & Care is available as a web application and native iOS app. This guide covers installation, configuration, and initial setup for both platforms.
Paw & Care is a SaaS platform — no complex server setup required. Simply access the web app or download the iOS app to get started.

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Web Application

The web application provides full practice management capabilities, advanced reporting, and administrative controls.

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System Requirements

Browser Support

  • Chrome 100+
  • Safari 15+
  • Firefox 100+
  • Edge 100+

Screen Resolution

  • Minimum: 1280px width
  • Recommended: 1920px (Full HD)
  • Responsive on tablets and mobile
Internet Connection Required: The web app requires a stable internet connection for AI features (Whisper transcription, GPT-4 SOAP generation, Retell AI voice calls). Offline mode is available on iOS only.

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Access the Web App

1

Navigate to Paw & Care

Open your browser and go to:
https://app.pawandcare.com
Bookmark this URL for quick access. You can also install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) by clicking “Install” in your browser’s address bar.
2

Create Your Account

Click “Sign Up” and provide:
  • Email address: Your practice email
  • Password: Minimum 12 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, and numbers
  • Practice name: e.g., “Paw & Care Veterinary Clinic”
  • Phone number: For account recovery
Passwords are hashed with bcrypt (cost factor: 12) and all data is encrypted with AES-256 at rest.
3

Verify Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification email from [email protected].Click the verification link to activate your account (link expires in 24 hours).
4

Complete Practice Setup

After logging in, complete your practice profile:
  • Practice Address: Clinic location
  • Business Hours: Operating schedule
  • Veterinarian Details: Lead veterinarian name and license number
  • Specialties: Services offered (wellness, emergency, dental, surgery)
5

Configure User Roles

Add team members and assign roles:
RolePermissions
Practice ManagerFull access to all features, billing, user management
VeterinarianClinical features, SOAP notes, patient records (no billing edits)
TechnicianPatient vitals, appointment notes (view-only medical records)
Front DeskAppointments, client management, call monitoring (no medical access)
Best practice: Start with 2 Practice Managers to ensure administrative access continuity.

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Web App Architecture

Paw & Care is built with modern web technologies for performance and reliability: 
// Technology Stack
{
  "frontend": {
    "framework": "React 19 + TypeScript",
    "buildTool": "Vite 7.2",
    "styling": "Tailwind CSS 3.4",
    "components": "Radix UI + shadcn/ui",
    "charts": "Recharts 2.15"
  },
  "backend": {
    "database": "Supabase (PostgreSQL)",
    "auth": "Supabase Auth (JWT)",
    "storage": "Supabase Storage (S3-compatible)",
    "realtime": "Supabase Realtime (WebSockets)"
  },
  "ai": {
    "voiceAssistant": "Retell AI SDK 2.0",
    "transcription": "OpenAI Whisper",
    "soapGeneration": "OpenAI GPT-4 Turbo",
    "insights": "OpenAI GPT-4"
  }
}

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Environment Configuration (Self-Hosted)

For Development/Self-Hosted Only: Production users should use the hosted web app at app.pawandcare.com.
If you’re running Paw & Care locally for development:
1

Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/pawandcare/vetassist-ai.git
cd vetassist-ai
2

Install Dependencies

npm install
This installs:
  • React and React DOM
  • TypeScript compiler
  • Vite development server
  • Supabase client library
  • OpenAI SDK
  • Retell AI SDK
  • UI components (Radix UI, shadcn)
3

Configure Environment Variables

Create a .env file in the project root:
# Supabase Configuration
VITE_SUPABASE_URL=https://your-project.supabase.co
VITE_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY=your-anon-key

# API Configuration
VITE_API_URL=http://localhost:3000

# OpenAI API (for SOAP generation)
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...

# Retell AI (for voice assistant)
RETELL_API_KEY=your-retell-key
Get Supabase credentials:
  1. Create a project at supabase.com
  2. Go to Settings → API
  3. Copy Project URL and anon/public key
4

Set Up Database Schema

Import the database schema to your Supabase project:
-- Core tables
CREATE TABLE pet_owners (
  id UUID PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT gen_random_uuid(),
  first_name TEXT NOT NULL,
  last_name TEXT NOT NULL,
  email TEXT,
  phone TEXT,
  address TEXT,
  created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT NOW()
);

CREATE TABLE pets (
  id UUID PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT gen_random_uuid(),
  owner_id UUID REFERENCES pet_owners(id),
  name TEXT NOT NULL,
  species TEXT NOT NULL,
  breed TEXT,
  age INTEGER,
  weight DECIMAL,
  sex TEXT,
  color TEXT,
  microchip_id TEXT,
  status TEXT DEFAULT 'active',
  created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT NOW()
);

CREATE TABLE medical_records (
  id UUID PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT gen_random_uuid(),
  pet_id UUID REFERENCES pets(id),
  pet_name TEXT,
  owner_name TEXT,
  vet_name TEXT,
  template_name TEXT,
  record_date DATE,
  status TEXT DEFAULT 'draft',
  soap_subjective TEXT,
  soap_objective TEXT,
  soap_assessment TEXT,
  soap_plan TEXT,
  notes TEXT,
  created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT NOW()
);

CREATE TABLE audit_log (
  id UUID PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT gen_random_uuid(),
  user_name TEXT,
  action TEXT,
  resource TEXT,
  resource_id TEXT,
  details TEXT,
  timestamp TIMESTAMP DEFAULT NOW()
);
5

Start Development Servers

Run both frontend and backend servers:
# Terminal 1: Frontend
npm run dev

# Terminal 2: Backend (API server for AI features)
npm run dev:server
Or run both concurrently:
npm run dev:all
The app will be available at:
  • Frontend: http://localhost:5173
  • Backend: http://localhost:3000

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iOS Mobile App

The native iOS app provides on-the-go clinical documentation with offline support, haptic feedback, and biometric authentication.

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System Requirements

iOS Version

  • Minimum: iOS 15.0
  • Recommended: iOS 17.0+

Devices

  • iPhone: 12 and newer
  • iPad: Air, Pro (optimized)

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Download from App Store

1

Search for Paw & Care

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.Search for “Paw & Care VetAssist AI”.
2

Download and Install

Tap “Get” to download (app size: ~50 MB).Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID password.
3

Launch the App

Tap the Paw & Care icon on your home screen.You’ll see a splash screen with the Paw & Care logo (2-second duration).
4

Sign In or Create Account

  • Existing users: Sign in with your email and password
  • New users: Tap “Create Account” and follow the signup flow
Enable biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID) for quick future logins.
5

Grant Permissions

The app will request:
  • Microphone: For voice dictation (required for SOAP generation)
  • Camera: For patient photos (optional)
  • Notifications: For appointment reminders and emergency alerts (recommended)
  • Calendar: To sync appointments with Apple Calendar (optional)
You can adjust these permissions later in Settings → Privacy.
6

Enable Offline Mode

On first launch, the app downloads essential data for offline access:
  • Patient records (up to 100 MB cached)
  • Recent SOAP notes
  • Appointment schedule
Changes made offline are queued and synced when internet is restored.

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iOS App Configuration

The iOS app is built with Capacitor 8.1 to provide native functionality: 
// capacitor.config.ts
{
  appId: 'com.pawandcare.vetassist',
  appName: 'Paw & Care',
  webDir: 'dist',
  server: {
    androidScheme: 'https'
  },
  plugins: {
    SplashScreen: {
      launchShowDuration: 2000,
      backgroundColor: '#ffffff',
      showSpinner: false
    },
    StatusBar: {
      style: 'LIGHT',
      backgroundColor: '#ffffff'
    },
    Keyboard: {
      resize: 'body',
      resizeOnFullScreen: true
    }
  }
}

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Mobile-Specific Features

Offline Mode

Full read access to cached records. Writes are queued and sync when online.

Haptic Feedback

Tactile responses for critical actions (save, delete, emergency alerts).

Face ID / Touch ID

Biometric authentication for secure, password-less login.

Background Recording

Voice dictation continues even when app is minimized.

Camera Integration

Capture pet photos directly in-app with native camera access.

Push Notifications

Real-time alerts for appointments, emergencies, and call transfers.

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Building for iOS (Developers)

For Developers Only: End users should download from the App Store.
1

Install Xcode

Download Xcode 15+ from the Mac App Store.
2

Build the App

npm run build:ios
This compiles the React app and syncs assets to the iOS project.
3

Open in Xcode

npm run open:ios
This opens the iOS project in Xcode.
4

Configure Signing

In Xcode:
  1. Select the project in the navigator
  2. Go to Signing & Capabilities
  3. Select your Team (Apple Developer account)
  4. Xcode will automatically create a provisioning profile
5

Run on Simulator or Device

  • Simulator: Select a device (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro) and press ▶️
  • Physical device: Connect via USB and select from device list

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Initial Configuration

After installation, complete these setup tasks to optimize your Paw & Care experience.

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1. Practice Profile

1

Add Practice Details

Navigate to Settings → Practice Profile:
  • Practice Name: e.g., “Sunny Hills Veterinary Clinic”
  • Address: Full street address (for Google Maps integration)
  • Phone: Main clinic number
  • Website: Practice website URL
  • Logo: Upload a square logo (512x512 px recommended)
2

Set Business Hours

Define your operating schedule:
  • Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed (or custom hours)
These hours determine:
  • When Luna (AI assistant) books appointments
  • After-hours emergency routing
  • Staff scheduling
3

Configure Emergency Contacts

Set up emergency escalation:
  • On-call veterinarian: Mobile number for Luna to call/text
  • Backup contact: Secondary veterinarian
  • Emergency clinic referral: Partner clinic for after-hours emergencies

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2. AI Voice Assistant (Luna)

1

Activate Luna

Navigate to Voice Call → Configuration.Toggle “Enable AI Assistant” to activate Luna.
2

Connect Your Phone Number

Integrate Luna with your clinic’s phone system:
3

Configure Emergency Keywords

Add practice-specific emergency triggers:
  • “Bleeding”
  • “Seizure”
  • “Poisoning”
  • “Hit by car”
  • “Difficulty breathing”
  • “Bloat” (for large breed dogs)
When detected, Luna:
  1. Immediately notifies on-call vet (< 5 seconds)
  2. Offers to transfer call
  3. Logs the emergency with high priority
4

Test Call Scenarios

Use the Voice Simulator to test:
  • Routine appointment booking
  • Emergency triage
  • After-hours handling
Review transcripts for accuracy.

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3. User Management

1

Invite Team Members

Navigate to Settings → Users → Invite User.Enter:
  • Email: Team member’s email
  • Role: Veterinarian, Technician, Front Desk, or Practice Manager
  • Permissions: Customize access levels
They’ll receive an invitation email with signup link.
2

Set Up Role Permissions

Customize what each role can access:
FeatureVetManagerTechFront Desk
View Records✓✓✓✗
Edit Records✓✓✗✗
Finalize Records✓✓✗✗
BillingView✓ViewSend Invoice
User Management✗✓✗✗
AI Configuration✗✓✗✗

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4. Template Setup

1

Review Built-In Templates

Paw & Care includes pre-configured templates:
  • Standard SOAP (default)
  • Specialist SOAP
  • Dental SOAP (Canine)
  • Dental SOAP (Feline)
  • Surgery Report
  • Radiograph Report
  • Tech Appointment Note
  • Callback Note
2

Create Custom Templates

Navigate to Templates → Create Template:
  1. Name: e.g., “Orthopedic Exam”
  2. Sections: Add custom sections beyond standard SOAP
  3. Fields: Define field types (text, number, date, checkbox)
  4. Detail Level: Concise or Detailed
  5. Default: Set as default for specific appointment types
3

Share Templates Across Practice

Enable “Shared Template” to make it available to all users.Only Practice Managers can edit shared templates.

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5. Billing Configuration

1

Set Up Fee Schedule

Navigate to Billing → Fee Schedule.Add common services with pricing:
  • Office Visit: $65
  • Blood Work Panel: $120
  • Dental Cleaning: $250
  • Radiograph: $180
  • Surgery: $500+
The AI will reference this schedule when generating billing items.
2

Configure Tax Settings

Set your local sales tax rate (if applicable).Tax is automatically calculated on invoices.
3

Connect Payment Processor (Optional)

Integrate with:
  • Square: For in-person and online payments
  • Stripe: For online invoicing
Navigate to Settings → Integrations to connect.

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Performance Optimization

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Browser Performance

Clear browser cache regularly if you notice slowdowns. The app caches assets for faster loading.
  • Expected load time: < 2 seconds for dashboard on broadband
  • Search response: < 1 second for 10,000 patient records
  • SOAP generation: 20-30 seconds (depends on OpenAI API)

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Mobile App Performance

  • App launch: < 2 seconds (cold start)
  • Offline sync: < 5 seconds for 100 records
  • Battery usage: < 5% per hour of active use
  • Storage: < 200 MB installed size, up to 100 MB cached data

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Security Best Practices

Protect Patient Data: Veterinary records may contain sensitive information. Follow these security guidelines.
1

Use Strong Passwords

Require team members to use:
  • Minimum 12 characters
  • Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols
  • No dictionary words or personal info
Enable password change every 90 days in Settings.
2

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Navigate to Settings → Security → 2FA.Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) for added security.
3

Review Audit Logs

Practice Managers should review Audit Logs weekly:
  • Who accessed which records
  • When records were modified
  • Any unusual activity (e.g., after-hours access)
4

Configure Session Timeout

Set automatic logout after 30 minutes of inactivity.This prevents unauthorized access on shared devices.
5

Restrict Device Access

On iOS, enable Face ID / Touch ID to prevent unauthorized app access if device is lost or stolen.

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Data Backup & Recovery

Paw & Care automatically backs up your data to prevent loss.

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Automatic Backups

  • Full backup: Every 24 hours
  • Incremental backup: Every 6 hours
  • Transaction logs: Every 30 minutes
  • Retention: 30 days standard, 7 years for medical records
  • Geographic redundancy: 3 different regions

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Manual Export

Export your data for external backup:
1

Navigate to Settings → Data Export

Click “Export All Data”.
2

Select Data Types

Choose what to export:
  • ✓ Patient records
  • ✓ Medical records
  • ✓ Appointments
  • ✓ Billing invoices
  • ✓ Audit logs
3

Choose Format

  • CSV: For spreadsheets
  • JSON: For developer use
  • PDF: For archival
4

Download Archive

The export generates a ZIP file containing all selected data.Store securely with encryption.

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Next Steps

Quickstart Guide

Create your first patient record and SOAP note in 10 minutes.

Mobile App Guide

Learn iOS-specific features like offline mode and haptic feedback.

API Documentation

Integrate Paw & Care with your existing systems via REST API.

Best Practices

Optimize your workflow with proven veterinary documentation strategies.

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Troubleshooting

Check:
  • Internet connection is active
  • Browser is supported (Chrome 100+, Safari 15+, etc.)
  • No VPN/firewall blocking app.pawandcare.com
  • Clear browser cache and cookies
Still not working?: Try incognito/private mode to rule out extensions.
Solutions:
  1. Force quit the app (swipe up from app switcher)
  2. Restart your iPhone/iPad
  3. Update to latest iOS version
  4. Reinstall the app (deletes cached data)
If issue persists, email logs to [email protected].
Verify:
  • VITE_SUPABASE_URL is correct in .env
  • VITE_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY matches your Supabase project
  • Supabase project is active (not paused)
  • Database tables are created (run schema SQL)
Test connection:
import { supabase, isSupabaseConfigured } from './lib/supabase';
console.log('Configured:', isSupabaseConfigured);
Common causes:
  • Backend server not running (npm run dev:server)
  • OPENAI_API_KEY missing or invalid in .env
  • VITE_API_URL incorrect (should be http://localhost:3000)
  • Rate limit exceeded on OpenAI API
Fallback: Use the Type tab to enter notes manually.

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Getting Help

Email Support

[email protected]

Live Chat

Available Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST

Documentation

Browse the complete docs

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