Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian

by Amy Attas, Adrienne Cornette (Narrator)

One of Washington Post ’s 5 “Feel-Good Books” of Summer 2024

New York City’s premier “house call veterinarian” takes you into the exclusive penthouses and four-star hotel rooms of the wealthiest New Yorkers and shows that, when it comes to their pets, they are just as neurotic as any of us.

When a pet is sick, people—even the rich and famous—are at their most authentic and vulnerable. They could have a Monet on the wall and an Oscar on the shelf, but if their cat gets a cold, all they want to talk about are snotty noses and sneezing fits. That’s when they call premier in-home veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas.

In Pets and the City, Dr. Amy shares all the funny, heartbreaking, and life-affirming experiences she’s faced throughout her thirty-year career treating the cats and dogs of New Yorkers from Park Avenue to the projects. Some of her stories are about celebs, like the time she saw a famous singer naked (no, her rash was not the same as her puppy’s). Others are about remarkable animals, like the skilled service dog who, after his exam was finished, left the room and returned with a checkbook in his mouth. Every tale in this rollicking, informative, and fun memoir affirms a key truth about animal, and human, Our pets love us because their hearts are pure; we love them because they’re freaking adorable. On some level, we know that by caring for them, we are the best version of ourselves. In Our pets make us better people.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Animals, Audiobook, Biography, Biography Memoir, Dogs

Audible Audio

First published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pets and the City by Amy Attas

Synopsis /

Hilarious, jaw-dropping, and heartfelt stories from New York City’s premier “house-call veterinarian” that take you into the exclusive penthouses and 4-star hotel rooms of the wealthiest New Yorkers and show that, when it comes to their pets, they are just as neurotic as any of us.

When a pet is sick, people—even the rich and famous—are at their most authentic and vulnerable. They could have a Monet on the wall and an Oscar on the shelf, but if their cat gets a cold, all they want to talk about are snotty noses and sneezing fits. That’s when they call premier in-home veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas.

In Pets and the City , Dr. Attas shares all the shocking, heartbreaking, and life-affirming experiences she’s faced throughout her 30-year career—like the time she saw a naked Cher (no, her rash was not the same as her puppy’s); when she met a skilled service dog who, after his exam was finished, left the room and returned with a cheque book in his mouth; and when she saved the life of a retired, agoraphobic Hollywood producer during a monthly treatment for his cat, Amos. In these moments Dr. Attas noticed key insights about animal, and human, nature—like how humans attach to one another through their love of animals, or how animals don’t have pride, ego, or vanity that their humans seem to value so much, sometimes to their detriment.

To Dr. Attas, she doesn’t just heal animals. She witnesses how they and their humans help and heal each other, and how the special bond between pet and owner might actually make us better people.


My Thoughts /

rounded up to 3.5 🌟

In Pets and the City, Veterinarian, Dr Amy Attas regales the reader with tales of what a 'day-in-the-life' of an house-call veterinarian might look like.

From the time she was 10 years old, Amy Attas wanted to be a veterinarian. As a young teen, she tried to act on that idea by “shadowing” a couple of New York veterinarians but she couldn’t stop fainting.

She eventually overcame that hiccup, and….

After completing a competitive internship at the Animal Medical Centre, Dr Amy Attas began her first veterinary job in Manhattan at a very high end park avenue hospital. The learning curve, both in terms of veterinary medicine and about how the world works was steep, but Amy excelled at both those areas. So it came as a complete surprise to her when she was let go - told her pack up all her belongings and leave the premises immediately.

Buoyed by the fact that a lot of her human clients still wanted her as their family vet, Dr Amy Attas founded 'City Pets' back in 1992 after realising her 'animal clients' might prefer in-home care. Establishing such a unique mobile practice in New York City was a risk, but it was a risk that paid dividends.

This was a fun, easy read – albeit if you don't mind the incessant name dropping of well known celebrities. But kudos to Amy Attas – she found a want in the market, she filled it, and she's reaping the rewards.

Whether it's in a penthouse or a sub-basement, Attas regales the reader with her tales about pets and their owners.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy always dreamed of being a veterinarian, and like most new vets she began working in a clinic. The owner/vet was very proprietary towards his prestigious clients, and Dr. Amy found herself out on her own. She began offering in-home vet services for pet owners in New York City. This worked well for many people, and her business grew; however, the positive word of mouth recommendations from a celebrity or other influential clients is what really boosted her business.

Dr. Amy shares stories about pets whose owners are celebrities and hoarders, young and old. Pets whose owners are loved family members and service dogs. Owners who will do anything to save their pet, and those whose selfishness sometimes leads their decisions. Her stories are fun and heartwarming, and of course occasionally sad. For me this wasn’t the type of book that was a page turner, but I did enjoy it a lot. 3-1/2 stars rounded to 4.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every animal lover will definitely want to read Pets and the City.

This memoir is written by Dr Amy, a vet in NYC who is a concierge vet (comes to the person’s home). The book starts out with her background, her desire to become a vet, and how she got to where she is today. There are funny moments, a few tough ones, and a lot of hard work.

The rest of the memoir is anecdotes about her clients, organized thematically by chapter. So many funny tales, but also heartwarming ones about animals helping people and people doing anything for their pets. And also some crazy stories, celebrity pets, and downright wild scenarios. I also learned quite a bit about vet care by reading this!!

I have five cats. I’ve had dogs. Pets are amazing companions. I just loved this book and the time I got to spend with Dr Amy.

5 stars!!!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book and provide an honest review. It was a pleasure. All opinions are my own.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I care for the animals that belong to people-and, by extension, I care for the people as well. I love both aspects of my work.
And whether I'm trimming a billionaire's cat's nails or chatting with the building's doorman about his dog's limp, I treat every client the same, because each one of them loves their pets wholeheartedly.”

If you love any or all of these things: animals, medicine, and gossip, you must pick this up immediately! Pets and the City is a memoir of Dr. Amy Attas, a veterinarian who makes house calls all over Manhattan. I was immediately hooked and could not put this down.

This memoir is told as a bunch of short stories. Each chapter clumps similar stories / themes together. I was immediately drawn into the writing style. Her voice as an author is very captivating. It reads like a good friend catching up with you over coffee. Because of all the smaller stories within, this book is a great choice to read here and there, not necessarily having to be read all at once. I’m a huge animal lover so I really enjoyed hearing about all the different animals she treated. As a nosy person, I also loved getting a look into her day to day life. I didn’t really feel like she was “name-dropping”. This is her life, these are the animals she treated, and these are their owners. The emphasis is really on their pets. I thought it was so fascinating.

While of course veterinarians do wellness check-ups, the nature of this profession is that they will be treating sick or dying pets a lot of the time. This certainly tugs at your heart strings. Exercise caution in that respect.

I’m so delighted to have read this. Highly recommend.

Content warnings: death of an animal, medical content, blood, vomit, animal cruelty

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great non-fiction read. Live the life of a real life Veterinarian who makes house calls in NYC.
Yo can get some great medical advice for your cats and dogs. Tylenol is a NO NO for dogs and cats. No lilies of any kind for cats and much more.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous book for all animal lovers full of heartwarming stories about people and their pets from a very special perspective of a vet with a 30 year practice of making house calls in Manhattan. And seeing pet/person relationships in action across all levels of society validates that pets help people as much as the obverse. Of course,the peek into celebrity pet township satisfies another reason to read this book. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny Theis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
There were so interesting stories in Dr. Amy Attas' Pets in the City. However, it was too preachy for my taste. Also, I realize part of the book was billed as getting to "see" the inside lives of the famous owners, but I quickly tired of the name dropping. I was here for the pets and who owned them didn't really matter.
Thank you for the opportunity to read Pets in the City.

[Aleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun & quick read about some of my favorite things - animals & wealthy New Yorkers! It was very entertaining to read about Dr. Amy's experience as an in-home vet to some of NYC's most successful people. She does a wonderful job of weaving together her life's journey in a very picturesque way and it was really fun reading about the people & pets she has met along the way!

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love animals so I very much loved listening to this! It’s niche NYC lore, about pets, and a vet who genuinely cares about her job.

Felt like a hot gos newspaper but ALSO a memoir of her life 🐕 🐈‍⬛

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, but also one of those name dropping books, which slightly turned me off.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a Veterinarian, however, I learned I would have to put animals down and that broke my heart and so I went into business instead.

Getting the insight into a day in the life, and the making of a vet (if you will) was cool, however, it just got to be a bit eh in some parts.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a pet owner and lover, this was a fascinating read. Dr. Amy Attas has encountered a myriad of issues with her various patients and it was interesting to read about each case and how they were handled. And occasionally, it wasn’t the pet that had to be handled but the owner, which she managed to do in a professional and courteous manner. There is quite a bit of namedropping but I enjoyed learning about the different stars’ pets and how she worked with the larger than life personalities.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Maddy Pokorny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved learning more about pets

[Lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enig boek! Een hoop dierenliefde meets SATC
Ik heb gesmuld van de verhalen over de rich & famous van New York

[Floor Kaagman · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time in 1980, there was a book. To be fair, there’s always a book. But the book in this particular case was All My Patients Are Under the Bed by Louis J. Camuti. I still have a copy – even if one or more cats have gnawed on it a bit.

Dr. Camuti, like Dr. Attas, the author of Pets and the City, was a house call veterinarian in Manhattan, in the decades before Dr. Attas finished her training. Dr. Camuti’s practice was just a bit different, however, even for his own time, as he was one of the first vets to specialize in cats.

Dr. Attas, taking up, or finding herself in, her own visiting vet service in Manhattan, takes on all comers, as the stories in her book joyously and sometimes heartbreakingly attest.

To paraphrase the classic Law and Order intro, so apropos because that series is also set in NYC, these are her stories – and the stories of the animals and their people that she has treated along her way.

Reality Rating B: The author does several things in this collection of cat tales and not-necessarily-shaggy dog stories. First she tells her own tale, her origin story, not just how and why she became a vet, but how she fell – or was pushed, she was definitely pushed – into opening her peripatetic Manhattan practice.

Second, she tells oodles of sometimes funny, sometimes sad, occasionally downright heartbreaking stories about the animals – and their people – that she treated along the way. Those stories, even when they absolutely break your heart as they did hers, are THE BEST part of the whole book.

Even if the dogs did outnumber the cats.

Howsomever, as the blurb implies that there will be stories of the rich and famous of Manhattan, the third thing is that there is more than a bit of name-dropping. Unfortunately that part of her story is already starting to seem a bit dated as some of her early famous clients – as ultra-famous as a few of them were back in their day – have since passed away in the decades since Dr. Attas’ career began.

And occasionally the author gets up on her soapbox about animal and/or pet-related causes that are near and dear to her heart. But as this book is squarely aimed at animal lovers of all types and stripes and spots, most readers will empathize with her convictions.

To make a not very long story even shorter, Pets and the City, as much as the title titillates with its resemblance to Sex and the City, isn’t really about the rich and famous, and doesn’t dish dirty secrets on some of the city’s more famous and/or infamous residents. So if that’s what you are here for, this probably isn’t the book for you.

Also if you’re really, really, seriously a cat lover, the dogs are definitely having their day in this book. Personally, I always want more cat stories but the dogs ARE adorable – even when something noxious is gushing out of one of their orifices.

Ultimately, Pets and the City is a collection of (true but the names have been changed to protect the guilty) stories about the pets whose people live and work in Manhattan. No matter how palatial – or how down at heel – the place where their person lives and/or work, it’s the pets and THEIR stories that always takes center stage.

Which is exactly how it should be.

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it to 50% and could not take another word from this vet. True animal stories are my most favorite genre but this book was filled with annoying attitude, judgement, wishy washy decisions, name dropping, ego and contradictory stories. Ugh. It was truly awful. I did not like this vet or her approach to people or animals. The one star was for her taking in Bumper. For the record, a person with 8 cats that gives them all excellent medical care is not a hoarder. It’s not an acceptable reason to get rid of your beloved animal because you are moving. A cat that solely resides in a basement to be a ratter is an awful life. You can take healthy animals to the ASPCA however they are not going to euthanize them. You were totally out of line confronting a client about not paying for medical care on a dog they gave away regardless of their promise. It’s none of your business. The name dropping ruined the storied. They would have been better just to say a “well known singer” or “wealthy actor”. Honestly I could go on and on and on but I had enough. If you want to read a great book about a compassionate, caring, down to earth, wonderful vet, read “The other family doctor” by Karen Fine.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who loves their pet will love this book. Lots of great stories about Dr. Amy's patients -- and their owners!

[Sara Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m biased cause I know Dr. Attas personally, but that aside as a pet and NYC lover 5/5 for me!

[Stacey E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! As a housecall pet groomer, I related so much to the experiences and relationships made by going to people's homes rather than seeing them in a work environment. You really bond with your clients and pets on a more personal level. I loved hearing Dr. Amy's stories and even found myself getting emotional for some. Not everyone is cut out for housecall, but for those who are, it's the best job in the world!
Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Group, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is not the best writer but her stories are wonderful

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Amy Attas is a New York-city based veterinarian with a high-end concierge practice style in which she almost exclusively makes house calls. As I'm sure the fees for this level of service are much higher than standard vet practices, she's attracted a celebrity and otherwise well-to-do clientele, as she narrates in her 2024 memoir Pets and City.

As a lifelong cat lover, I'm simultaneously attracted to books like these while also wary of reading them as stories of animals suffering are probably my only nonfiction trigger. There are plenty of upsetting stories in the book, as well as many hopeful ones, with, as expected, the human characters being the villains most often. Dr. Attas seems to particularly relish in celebrity namedrops, talking about times where she's done ridiculous favors in hopes of meeting a particularly celebrity pet owner, in a way that also implies that non-famous pet owners would never receive the same deference. I didn't come for the salacious gossip, and this attitude was a turn-off to me. I also have a theory that anytime a memoirist tells a particularly unflattering story about how they met and got together with their spouse/romantic partner (like in this book), even if they are still ostensibly together, there are definitely marital issues still at play.

My statistics:
Book 304 for 2025
Book 2230 cumulatively

[Courtney Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the author’s pathway to becoming a vet and the development of her business. As you’d expect, it’s full of wild and entertaining stories!
So many pets and owners are mentioned throughout the book that I didn’t feel blindsided by times when a pet died, and most of her stories had a hopeful bend and were still interesting. She goes above and beyond to heal, rehome, and help pets!!
But flagging a few chapters:
7: this was about accidents, so was educational but also a bit hard.
8 & 12: were more about people who didn’t necessarily treat their pets well so was tough.
16: thiiiis chapter is pretty much about dogs she put to sleep, although after long lives!

[Laura Lewakowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! What an interesting job for a devoted animal lover. It made me happy that she was as successful as she was (is?) starting from an idea and a spouse who supported her.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Dr. Amy Attas is a New York City veterinarian who makes house calls and, being an animal lover, I enjoyed reading about her visits. Often times to the rich and famous with many great tales of domesticated furry friends and animal welfare.

[Berber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leuk boek met waargebeurde verhalen. Niet heel bijzonder maar leuk om elke dag even wat in te lezen.

[Sharon W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boek leest heerlijk weg, leuke verhaallijnen, af en toe verbaas je je flink over hoe mensen met huisdieren omgaan

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot! Almost as much as all my patients are under the bed, though that one is hard to beat as I am a cat lover and love hearing all the cat stories in that. Great stories in this and still learned some stuff too!

[Claire D'Arcangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every minute of this book. Exactly what I needed after recently losing my furry friend. Thank you Dr. Attas for sharing these beautiful stories!

[Aditha Reddy]

This book felt like you were at happy hour with a friend of a friend who kept revealing the craziest stories over a slew of cocktails and appetizers. It was breezy and fun and I enjoyed it a lot, although I probably would've enjoyed it more if I was an Animal Person. I def rec to all the animal lovers in my life

[A.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messy. Inspiring. And so full of love. As a born and raised New Yorker who loves tea, this was fantastic!