Pets and the City: Unique Stories from a NYC House-Call Vet with Dr. Amy Attas

In this episode of “Living Ageless and Bold,” we are joined by Dr. Amy Attas, the founder of City Pets, a unique veterinary practice in New York City where she makes house calls. Dr. Amy shares incredible stories from her decades-long career and the journey that led her to become a beloved house-call vet in one of the busiest cities in the world.

A Lifelong Passion for Animals

Dr. Amy Attas always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. While other kids played with dolls, Amy played with stuffed animals, often using hypodermic syringes from her pediatrician to pretend-treat her “patients.” Her passion never wavered, and despite a challenging journey, she remained committed to her goal.

Dr. Amy’s journey was not without obstacles. Veterinary medicine was a male-dominated field when she began her career. At Cornell University, where she was interviewed for veterinary school, the names of top graduates were all women, though only one or two women were admitted per class. This competitive environment made her more determined to succeed. Despite being wait-listed and initially not accepted into any veterinary school, Dr. Amy’s perseverance paid off. She was eventually accepted to the University of Pennsylvania, her first choice, where she earned both a master’s degree and a veterinary degree.

Overcoming Early Career Challenges

After graduating, Dr. Amy worked at the Animal Medical Center in New York, an eight-story hospital with numerous specialties. She later joined a small animal practice on Park Avenue, where she encountered wealthy clients who could afford the best care for their pets. This experience was rewarding, but her journey took an unexpected turn when her boss fired her on her fourth anniversary at the practice. Despite the shock, this push led her to create something new.

The next day, a client called Dr. Amy, unaware of her firing, and asked for a house call. This request sparked the idea for City Pets, a house-call veterinary practice. With the support of her now-husband Steve, Dr. Amy decided to embrace this new business model. She advertised in local papers, attended pet events, and began visiting homes, slowly building her practice from scratch.

Building a Unique Veterinary Practice

Starting City Pets wasn’t easy. Dr. Amy faced logistical challenges, such as navigating New York City without a personal driver. Initially relying on public transportation and taxis, she soon realized the need for a driver to improve efficiency. Despite financial concerns, hiring a driver proved to be a game-changer, allowing her to see more clients and carry necessary equipment.

Over the years, City Pets grew, and Dr. Amy’s unique approach to veterinary care became a staple in the city. Today, she has a team of 11 people working with her, providing personal and comprehensive care to pets in the comfort of their homes. Her practice caters to a diverse clientele, from the rich and famous to everyday pet owners and elderly individuals who rely on organizations to help keep their pets at home.

Unforgettable Experiences and Lessons Learned

Working in people’s homes has given Dr. Amy a unique perspective on pet care. She’s encountered a wide range of personalities and situations, from the humorous to the heartwarming. One memorable client, known as “naked man,” would answer the door in his underwear, much to Dr. Amy’s initial shock. Over time, she learned to navigate such quirks, ensuring the best care for the pets while managing their eccentric owners.

Her experiences have also highlighted the importance of safety in pet care. For instance, she regularly educates clients about household dangers like lilies, which are highly toxic to cats. By sharing these insights, Dr. Amy hopes to prevent accidents and promote better pet care practices.

Navigating the Rich and Famous

Dr. Amy’s clientele includes some high-profile and wealthy individuals, which has led to fascinating and sometimes surreal experiences. She recalls a time when she arrived at Billy Joel’s apartment to find him playing the piano. Rather than interrupt his private concert, she and her driver lingered outside the door for a few extra moments, savoring the impromptu performance. Another client, a billionaire art collector, allowed Dr. Amy to see priceless works of art that are typically hidden from public view. Each house call in these unique environments offers a glimpse into a world that few get to see, all while ensuring top-notch care for the pets.

Building a Team and Managing Challenges

Initially, Dr. Amy was the sole veterinarian, driver, and office assistant, juggling all responsibilities herself. Realizing this was unsustainable, she began building a team. Hiring the right people was crucial. Her first driver, despite an unorthodox hiring process that included getting his car towed on the first day, proved to be essential. Over time, she added a veterinary assistant and an office manager, allowing her to focus more on patient care.

One of the more amusing hiring stories involves her first driver, a young man who showed up in a suit with a Louis Vuitton briefcase. Despite this unconventional start, he became an integral part of her practice. However, he eventually had to leave, and Dr. Amy went through a series of drivers, each with their own quirks and stories.

Writing Her Book: Pets and the City

Dr. Amy’s new book, “Pets and the City,” captures many of these unique experiences. She initially struggled with the writing process, finding her first draft uninspiring. However, by focusing on thematic anecdotes and lessons learned, she created an engaging and informative book that offers both entertainment and practical advice.

The book is not just about Dr. Amy’s journey but also about the pets and people she has met along the way. It includes chapters on the dangers lurking in our homes, such as open windows and toxic plants, as well as heartwarming stories of the bonds between pets and their owners. Dr. Amy’s goal is to share her knowledge and experiences to help others provide the best care for their pets.

“Pets and the City” is available at your favorite bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kindle, and as an audiobook. Dr. Amy’s stories and advice make it a must-read for any pet lover.

The Human-Animal Bond

Throughout her career, Dr. Amy has witnessed the profound bond between pets and their owners. This bond is often the driving force behind her clients’ willingness to provide the best care for their pets, regardless of the cost or effort involved. This bond also motivates Dr. Amy to go above and beyond in her practice, ensuring that each pet receives personalized and compassionate care.

One of the most touching aspects of Dr. Amy’s work is her involvement with elderly pet owners. Through partnerships with organizations that help older individuals keep their pets at home, she provides veterinary care that might otherwise be inaccessible. These interactions highlight the deep emotional connections people have with their pets and the significant positive impact pets can have on their owners’ lives, particularly in providing companionship and emotional support.

Continuing the Journey

Despite the challenges, Dr. Amy’s passion for veterinary medicine remains strong. She continues to make house calls and manage her practice, driven by the love for her work and the joy it brings to her clients. Looking ahead, she sees herself continuing in this role, perhaps with a bit more leisure time, but always dedicated to her mission.

Even on vacation, Dr. Amy’s dedication to her profession shines through. While in Florida, she couldn’t help but approach a young lady whose dog was overheating on the beach. Dr. Amy gently advised her on how to keep the dog comfortable, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to animal welfare.

A Message to Aspiring Veterinarians

Dr. Amy’s story is particularly inspiring for young women and aspiring veterinarians. Her journey demonstrates that with passion, perseverance, and hard work, it is possible to overcome barriers and succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. She encourages young people to pursue their dreams, even when faced with setbacks, and to seek out mentors and opportunities that can help them along the way.

Her advice to aspiring veterinarians and young professionals is to remain committed to their goals and to continuously seek ways to improve and adapt. Whether it’s gaining diverse experiences, building strong relationships, or finding innovative solutions to problems, these efforts can significantly enhance one’s chances of success.

Additional Reflections and Lessons

Dr. Amy’s journey from a young girl with a passion for animals to a successful house-call veterinarian in New York City is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and dedication. Her story is not just about veterinary medicine but also about overcoming societal norms, building a business from scratch, and continuously learning and growing in her profession.

One of the key lessons from Dr. Amy’s experience is the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. When faced with the challenge of being fired, she didn’t give up; instead, she saw an opportunity to create a unique business model that suited her strengths and the needs of her clients. This adaptability has been crucial to her success and is a valuable lesson for anyone facing obstacles in their career.

Moreover, Dr. Amy’s emphasis on continuous learning and improvement is inspiring. Whether it’s learning how to run a business, navigating the logistics of a mobile practice, or writing a book, she has never shied away from stepping out of her comfort zone. This willingness to embrace new challenges and learn from them is a significant factor in her sustained success.

For those in the New York City area in need of a dedicated and compassionate veterinarian, Dr. Amy Attas and City Pets offer an exceptional level of care right at your doorstep. Be sure to check out her book, available at major retailers, and consider her services for your beloved pets.

Watch Dr. Amy’s full episode here: