Across from Trader Joe’s on Columbus Avenue and West 92nd Street, Small Door Veterinary might, at first glance, resemble any other boutique business catering to the discerning Upper West Sider. Its clean, modern lines and inviting interiors could just as easily house a café or an upscale bookstore. But beneath the polished surface lies a space thoughtfully designed not just for its human patrons, but with the comfort and well-being of their four-legged companions in mind—complete with conveniences like 24/7 telehealth to ensure care is always within reach. This thoughtful approach begins with the smallest details, creating a stress-free environment for pets at every turn.
For dogs and cats, a trip to the vet can often feel like entering enemy territory—unfamiliar smells, cold floors, the muffled anxiety of strangers. Small Door aims to change that. Every element of its design, from the traction-friendly flooring to the cleverly sectioned waiting room, is a quiet act of consideration for the comfort and well-being of pets. The thoughtful separation with private nooks offers dogs and cats a chance to decompress away from the intimidating proximity of other animals.
Even the scheduling model reflects this ethos. Unlike most veterinary practices, Small Door avoids double-booking appointments, reducing the likelihood of long waits and overcrowding. “For pets that we know are really nervous, we won’t have them wait in the front area at all. We’ll put them directly into a room,” said Dr. Jamie Richardson, Small Door’s Chief Medical Officer. “That’s what our front desk is trained to do when we spot any signs of fear, anxiety, or stress.”
The care extends to pet parents, too. Small Door’s waiting area, complete with an espresso bar and complimentary sparkling water, offers a reprieve from the typical chaos of veterinary offices. Here, humans can relax while their pets are cared for in an environment designed to minimize stress at every turn.
But Small Door’s commitment to modernizing veterinary care goes beyond its physical space. The practice is deeply rooted in evidence-based medicine. Its veterinarians meet regularly to stay aligned on the latest research and best practices, ensuring that every patient receives what Dr. Richardson describes as “gold-standard medical care.”
This rigor is matched by an equally strong emphasis on personalized care. At Small Door, veterinary medicine isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “Let’s face it, veterinary care is expensive, and I think people deserve to know why we’re making those recommendations and come to an agreement on the right approach for you,” said Dr. Richardson. “‘Explaining the ‘why’ is a really important aspect of medicine, whether it’s human or veterinary, and I think that’s something our teams are really good at.”
The result is a system that values transparency and collaboration. Extra time is built into each appointment to ensure pet parents leave not just with a diagnosis, but with a clear understanding of the treatment plan and how it aligns with their pet’s needs.
For residents of the Upper West Side, where dogs outnumber strollers on certain streets, this thoughtful approach is particularly welcome. The urban environment, with its dog parks, daycares, and bustling sidewalks, presents unique challenges to pet health.
“Dogs living here in close contact are at a higher risk for contagious illness,” said Dr. Richardson. “We have a lot of dogs that go to doggy daycare, grooming facilities, walk around the parks, and socialize at dog parks. When you have pets that are co-mingling like that, it’s a faster way to spread contagious diseases, so you should be really up to date on your pet’s preventative care.”
Preventative care is a cornerstone of Small Door’s philosophy. Regular check-ups not only keep vaccinations and preventative treatments current but also allow pets to build positive associations with vet visits. “We have a lot of members that stop by on their regular walks so that their dogs get a treat. We encourage that because it really does make it a much more pleasant environment,” said Dr. Richardson. “They’ll come in for their treat, say hi to everyone, and then they’ll go. Our teams love it because they love seeing their regulars. And it’s just nice to have pets that actually don’t mind coming to the vet.”
In a city where time is precious and stress often runs high, Small Door is redefining veterinary care with a blend of modern convenience and compassionate expertise. From their thoughtfully designed space to 24/7 telehealth support, they’re making it easier than ever to prioritize your pet’s health and well-being.
As a special offer to West Side Rag readers, Small Door is offering $100 off the first year of membership (for new members only). To learn more about Small Door, membership benefits, or to book an appointment without a membership, click HERE.
