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My placement experience at BIOME9: A journey into the future of pet health

Over the last three months, I had the great opportunity to complete a placement with BIOME9, a biotechnology-driven company using microbiome science to improve the health of pets. What I expected to be a rather technical internship quickly became something far richer: an immersion into the inner workings of a fast-growing, science-led business, and a chance to explore how innovation, teamwork, and data can meaningfully transform veterinary care.

December 16, 2025 • 3 min read

Ignacio Teran

PhD Student

My placement experience at BIOME9: A journey into the future of pet health

Entering the world of UK biotech

One of the most rewarding aspects of this placement was the chance to experience how a biotechnology company operates. From my first week, I was welcomed into the team and given a front-row seat to the company culture. A highlight of this was participating in the Pooch & Mutt (parent company of BIOME9) Away Day, where I gained insight into the group’s business model and strategic vision. It was fascinating to see how BIOME9 fits into this wider ecosystem: the data-driven scientific arm that complements Pooch & Mutt’s mission of improving dog wellbeing through nutrition and innovation.Beyond the professional side, the day allowed me to meet the people behind the scenes in a relaxed environment, and it was inspiring to see how collaboration and shared enthusiasm drive both companies forward. The sense of growth and momentum was contagious.

Representing BIOME9 at veterinary events

I also had the chance to represent the company at major industry events, including the BVNA Congress and the London Vet Show. Standing on the exhibition floor, sharing the company’s mission with veterinary nurses, vets, and practice managers, was a very enriching experience. I learned firsthand the logistics behind preparing for and running a successful stand. More importantly, I learned how to approach potential customers in a genuine and helpful way, understanding their clinical challenges and explaining how BIOME9’s microbiome analysis can be a powerful tool for seeing what traditional tests often miss.

These conversations were eye-opening. I heard stories from professionals dealing with complicated gastrointestinal cases, chronic skin conditions, or dogs who simply didn’t seem right. Many had exhausted standard diagnostics and treatments and discovering that the microbiome could offer new clarity was often a moment of relief for them. Being able to present BIOME9’s service as part of the solution was extremely rewarding. Another valuable experience was attending MaID Connect, an event that brings together entrepreneurs and researchers working on various aspects of microbiome science. The diverse projects, innovative ideas, and collaborative atmosphere highlighted how fast this field is evolving. This reinforced my conviction that microbiome research will be essential in the next generation of veterinary diagnostics.

Growing my bioinformatics skills

The scientific component of my placement was equally enriching. I had the opportunity to work with BIOME9’s datasets consisting of more than 1,500 processed microbiome samples from clients across the UK. Handling such a large volume of data pushed my bioinformatics abilities further. Through this analysis, I was able to uncover fascinating trends in canine gut microbiome composition. For instance, I observed distinct differences between neutered and intact dogs, shedding light on how a seemingly routine procedure can influence microbial diversity and composition. I also explored how factors like where dogs sleep, whether they live in urban versus suburban environments, and how much exercise they get each day can meaningfully shape their gut ecosystems. These insights illustrate just how interconnected behaviour, lifestyle, and biology truly are. They also highlight why microbiome testing is becoming an essential part of proactive, personalised canine healthcare. Being able to contribute to this growing body of knowledge felt incredibly meaningful.

A placement that shaped my future

My time with BIOME9 was more than a work placement, it was a chance to develop professionally, scientifically, and personally. I learned how a biotechnology company operates, how scientific insights are translated into commercial products and services, and how to communicate complex ideas to a diverse audience. I gained confidence representing a brand in large-scale industry settings and expanded my technical skillset through real-world data analysis.

Most importantly, I came away inspired by the people working behind BIOME9 and Pooch & Mutt. Their passion for improving animal health, combined with a forward-thinking approach to science and business, made this experience truly remarkable.

Frequently asked questions

The microbiome is the name given to the collection of microbes, mostly bacteria, but also fungi and protozoa, that exist within your dog’s gut. It is a diverse and complex microbial community which can directly affect health and wellbeing. We know that 90% of a human’s body cells are microbes, with only 10% being human cells – it’s just that human cells are markedly larger than the microbes. It’s similar for our four-legged friends. Testing the microbiome gives us an idea of exactly which bacteria are present in your dog’s gut and this can help indicate existing or future health problems.
A healthy diversity within the microbiome has been found to be an accurate indicator of overall health and wellbeing. If your dog appears healthy, but has an imbalance in their microbiome, then this could be an indicator of a potential future health issue. If your dog has any existing health complaints, then improving the health of their microbiome can help to improve immune system health and overall wellbeing, as well as improving disease symptoms.
Testing and treatment have the potential to help with a whole range of different health complaints. The immune system is very closely associated with the gut, so any imbalance in the microbiome can influence immune system health, overall vitality and wellbeing. Our supplement recommendations are also tailored to your individual dog, with specific ranges designed to help with gastrointestinal inflammation, joint problems, allergies and skin complaints, to name a few.
All you need to do is order a kit online and fill in our questionnaire about your dog and their general health. We will then send the kit out to you by post. You then just need to collect a sample and return it to us, again by post. Once the test is performed, we will email the results directly to you.
You do not need to get your vet’s permission to test, or talk to them about performing the test beforehand. We do recommend that you pass on a copy of your test results to your regular vets, as it may help them in understanding your pet’s current health, and any future complaints they may have.