Small Door

About Small Door

Small Door is a veterinary care company operating on a membership-based model, aiming to address the shortcomings of the traditional veterinary experience. The company was founded in 2017 by Josh Guttman and Florent Peyre. The inspiration came from Guttman's frustrating year-long journey to diagnose his boxer's stomach ailment, which highlighted issues like inconsistent care, opaque billing, and poor communication. Guttman, with a background as a partner at Softbank Capital and executive roles at AOL and Outbrain, teamed up with Peyre, who previously co-founded and was the COO of Placemeter, a location analytics firm.

The company's business model is centered on an annual membership fee which grants pet owners access to a suite of services. This structure generates revenue through these recurring fees alongside payments for additional medical services not covered by the membership. Small Door targets urban pet owners who seek a higher standard of care and convenience, operating tech-enabled clinics in cities like New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. As a registered Public Benefit Corporation and a Certified B Corporation, the company emphasizes social responsibility, which includes a commitment to the well-being of its veterinary staff. This is reflected in their compensation model, which uses salaries instead of production-based pay, and offers benefits like student loan repayment assistance.

Small Door’s service is designed to provide a comprehensive and less stressful experience. The membership includes one annual exam, 24/7 telemedicine access via a mobile app, and guaranteed same- or next-day appointments. The app also allows members to book appointments and access their pet's medical records. The physical clinics are AAHA-accredited, a standard met by only about 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S., and are designed by animal behavior experts to be stress-free environments. They feature onsite labs, radiology, and surgical suites to offer a full range of services, from wellness exams and vaccinations to dental care and urgent care. Pricing is transparent, with costs for any services beyond the membership plan communicated upfront to avoid unexpected bills.