Small Door Veterinary - Brookline ico

Small Door Veterinary - Brookline

Pet HospitalMassachusettsNorfolk CountyBrooklineNorth BrooklineHarvard Street

295 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446, USA

4.0

I have never written a review before, but after today’s amazing experience, I absolutely had to!! After 7 years of trying to find the right vet for Calvin, we finally found the perfect clinic—and I only wish I had brought him here sooner. Calvin is extremely nervous at the vet, but Dr. Waisburd and Olivia were so patient, gentle, and sweet with him that the whole visit felt completely different from anything we’ve experienced before. He was definitely anxious when we arrived, but you could see the shift the moment he realized he was in a safe space. It just goes to show how much our pets pick up on energy and attitude! They managed to give him three plus vaccines in under 30 minutes, and he was wagging his tail by the time we left… well, tried to leave. I actually had to carry him out because he didn’t want to go!!! Which obviously, has never happened before, I was so shocked!!! He got so many treats and so much love—worth every penny. I’m so grateful we found this place. I can't thank them enough. If your pet is anxious or you're looking for a truly caring vet team, I can’t recommend this place enough.

Mei Hashimoto
  • Overview
  • (617) 829-2909
  • www.smalldoorvet.com

Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Welcome to Small Door Veterinary - Brookline

Small Door Veterinary - Brookline, located at 295 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446, USA, represents a modern, innovative approach to pet healthcare within the "Pet Hospital" category. This clinic, which can be reached by phone at (617) 829-2909 or mobile at +1 617-829-2909, distinguishes itself with a membership-based model designed to offer a higher standard of care, convenience, and transparency for pet owners in the greater Boston area, including Brookline, North Brookline, Corey Hill, Central Village, Fenway, Longwood, Brookline Hills, Chestnut Hill, and Fisher Hill.

Small Door Veterinary aims to redefine the traditional veterinary experience by focusing on building strong relationships between pets, their owners, and the veterinary team. They leverage technology to enhance accessibility and communication, while also prioritizing a low-stress, fear-free environment for their animal patients. Their commitment extends beyond medical treatment to fostering a truly positive and supportive journey for both pets and their human companions.

Environment

The environment at Small Door Veterinary - Brookline is meticulously designed to minimize stress and maximize comfort for both pets and their owners. Reviews consistently describe the space as beautiful, clean, and modern. This deliberate design includes features aimed at reducing anxiety, such as potentially separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, non-slip floors for pet safety, and pheromone diffusers to create a calming atmosphere. The clinic actively encourages "fun visits" where pets can come in just for treats and leave without procedures, helping to build positive associations with the vet's office.

A key aspect of their environment is the "Fear Free" approach, as evidenced by staff members like Dr. Waisburd being Fear Free certified practitioners. This involves incorporating low-stress handling techniques, allowing pets to acclimate to the room before examinations, and taking the time to ensure the animal feels safe and comfortable. One customer vividly described their anxious dog's "shift the moment he realized he was in a safe space," and even noted he "didn’t want to go" when it was time to leave, a testament to the calming atmosphere and gentle handling. The low staff-to-patient ratio, a benefit of their membership model, also means that veterinary professionals have more dedicated time with each pet, which contributes significantly to a less rushed and more relaxed environment. The convenient location on Harvard Street, across from the iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre, and proximity to public transportation (Green Line C at Coolidge Corner, Bus 66) further adds to the accessibility for local users, despite parking potentially being challenging in the area.

Services

Small Door Veterinary - Brookline provides a comprehensive range of veterinary services, all delivered with a focus on high-quality medicine and a personalized touch. Their services include:

  • Wellness & Preventative Care: This forms the core of their practice, encompassing annual exams, vaccinations (including core and non-core vaccines), parasite prevention (heartworm, flea, and tick), and nutritional counseling. The emphasis is on proactive health management to prevent issues before they become serious.
  • Sick/Illness Exams: Their veterinarians are skilled in diagnosing and treating common ailments such as digestive issues, itching, lumps, and limping, ensuring prompt and accurate care for sick pets.
  • Dental Care: Comprehensive dental services are offered, including professional cleanings (scaling, polishing), full dental radiographs, and extractions when necessary, to maintain optimal oral health.
  • Diagnostic Testing & Radiology: The clinic is equipped with in-house laboratory capabilities for rapid diagnostic tests, such as blood work, and advanced radiology including digital X-rays, to aid in quick and accurate diagnoses.
  • 24/7 Telemedicine: A significant convenience feature, members have access to veterinary advice around the clock through their app, allowing for peace of mind and guidance on minor concerns or emergencies from home.
  • Surgery: While specific surgical procedures aren't exhaustively listed, as a modern "Pet Hospital," they typically offer routine surgical procedures like spays and neuters, and often address common soft tissue surgeries.
  • End-of-Life Care: Providing compassionate support and medical assistance during the difficult time of a pet's end-of-life journey.
  • Behavioral Consultations: Given their focus on low-stress environments, they likely offer guidance or referrals for behavioral concerns, assisting pet owners in understanding and managing their pets' conduct.
Features

Small Door Veterinary - Brookline stands out due to several innovative and client-focused features:

  • Membership Model: This is a cornerstone of their service. For an annual membership fee (e.g., $149-$169 per pet per year), members receive benefits such as a free annual exam, 24/7 telehealth access, and same or next-day appointments. This model aims to foster a proactive approach to pet health and ensure access when needed, avoiding long waits often found in other clinics. It also allows the clinic to maintain a lower staff-to-patient ratio, ensuring more individualized attention.
  • Exceptional Customer Service and Communication: Reviews consistently highlight the outstanding communication from the staff, including detailed explanations of treatment plans and cost breakdowns prior to any procedures. This transparency and proactive engagement make pet owners feel informed and respected. The staff is described as incredibly communicative, providing insight on various aspects of pet care.
  • Fear-Free & Patient-Centered Approach: The clinic's dedication to creating a low-stress environment is a recurring theme. The patience, gentleness, and sweetness shown by doctors and staff (e.g., Dr. Waisburd and Olivia) are highly praised, making even anxious pets feel safe and comfortable during visits, a rare and invaluable quality.
  • Technology-Enabled Convenience: Small Door leverages technology to simplify the pet care experience. This includes mobile booking and confirmation, digital invoices, easy access to medical records through their app, and the aforementioned 24/7 telemedicine service.
  • Transparent Pricing: A major point of appreciation from clients is the clear and upfront cost breakdown provided before any services are rendered. This eliminates financial surprises and allows owners to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.
  • Highly Trained and Compassionate Staff: The veterinary team, including Dr. Beth Waisburd, is noted for being highly knowledgeable, competent, and genuinely caring. The staff’s evident love for animals and their dedication to providing personalized attention resonate deeply with pet owners. They are salaried, which shifts incentives from volume to quality of care and client satisfaction.
  • Beautiful and Calming Space: The clinic's physical environment itself is a feature, designed with warm decoration and thoughtful layouts to minimize stress and frustration for both pets and their owners.
Promotional Information

Small Door Veterinary - Brookline's promotional strategies emphasize its unique value proposition, focusing on the benefits of its membership model and its commitment to a superior client and patient experience:

  • Membership Benefits: The core of their promotion revolves around the advantages of membership: guaranteed same or next-day appointments, included annual exam, and 24/7 telemedicine. This directly addresses common pain points for pet owners, such as long wait times and difficulty getting immediate care.
  • "Veterinary Care Reimagined": Small Door uses this tagline to convey its innovative approach, positioning itself as a modern, technology-forward solution to traditional veterinary challenges.
  • Client Testimonials: Authentic and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews are a powerful promotional tool. Stories of anxious pets becoming comfortable and wagging their tails, and owners feeling deeply supported and understood, effectively convey the clinic's compassionate and effective care.
  • Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Fees: Highlighting the clear cost breakdowns before services are rendered is a strong selling point for pet owners who value financial predictability.
  • Focus on Preventative Care: Promoting the value of regular wellness checkups and preventative medicine as a way to save on future, more expensive treatments.
  • Fear-Free and Low-Stress Environment: Emphasizing their approach to minimizing pet anxiety during visits is particularly appealing to owners of nervous pets.
  • Community Integration: As a new facility in Brookline, they would likely engage with the local community, perhaps through open houses or local events, to build brand awareness and demonstrate their commitment to the area.

In essence, Small Door Veterinary - Brookline presents itself as a forward-thinking "Pet Hospital" that combines a modern, membership-based model with exceptional, empathetic care. By focusing on convenience, transparency, and a truly pet-friendly environment, they aim to provide a consistently positive and high-quality veterinary experience that simplifies pet care for local owners.

Small Door Veterinary - Brookline Photos

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Small Door Veterinary - Brookline Location

295 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446, USA

Reviews

I have never written a review before, but after today’s amazing experience, I absolutely had to!! After 7 years of trying to find the right vet for Calvin, we finally found the perfect clinic—and I only wish I had brought him here sooner. Calvin is extremely nervous at the vet, but Dr. Waisburd and Olivia were so patient, gentle, and sweet with him that the whole visit felt completely different from anything we’ve experienced before. He was definitely anxious when we arrived, but you could see the shift the moment he realized he was in a safe space. It just goes to show how much our pets pick up on energy and attitude! They managed to give him three plus vaccines in under 30 minutes, and he was wagging his tail by the time we left… well, tried to leave. I actually had to carry him out because he didn’t want to go!!! Which obviously, has never happened before, I was so shocked!!! He got so many treats and so much love—worth every penny. I’m so grateful we found this place. I can't thank them enough. If your pet is anxious or you're looking for a truly caring vet team, I can’t recommend this place enough.

Apr 24, 2025 · Mei Hashimoto

I had an extremely positive experience at my first appointment with Small Door! Dr. Waisburd was absolutely amazing with my kitten. I was blown away by how communicative she was with me, providing insight on diet, vaccinations, socialization, and more. They provided a full cost breakdown before anything was done and, when I decided to hold off until I could get more of her past medical records, they were incredibly respectful. At no point did I feel pressured to spend more money or choose a certain option over another. Additionally, you could tell everyone who worked there was an animal lover. The front desk staff asked to see my kitten in the waiting room, the vet gave her tons of love, and the nurse kept commenting on how sweet and cute she was. Truthfully, this was infinitely better than most human doctor's appointments I've been to. The cherry on top, of course, is that the space is beautiful and conveniently located, but the care was the shining star.

Nov 13, 2024 · Simone Lord

Amazing experience at Small Door with Dr. Waisburd!! My dog is extremely fearful and I was so nervous to bring him to a new vet, but I’m SO happy I did! Dr. Waisburd is incredible with shy and fearful dogs and was able to complete his visit with no issue when previous vets were unable to without sedation. So grateful to have found Small Door and I highly recommend Dr. Waisburd, especially if you have a very anxious pup—thanks so much for taking such great care of my little Dasher! :)

Jan 21, 2025 · Chloe Pangonis

Small Door has been caring for our cat for several years now. We have been at the office for well care, sick care and dental surgery. The staff has always been kind and caring to our timid senior cat. We are reassured too that we and our cat will receive the best attention. We can highly recommend them to all pet parents.

Dec 01, 2024 · Dianne Amiot

We needed a lot of 'all-of-a-sudden' care for our 11-year-old American Bulldog/Bull Terrier ESA, both tumor and dental issues. I can't commend enough their care, empathy, in an amazingly welcoming facility, in Brookline. Our dog is doing super-duper well now, and when we take her to SD, she has zero anxiety. Very calm, serene setting with fantastic front office and support staff.

Nov 14, 2024 · Steve Steinberg

Pet Hospital