Nestled on Radio Circle in Mount Kisco, Healing Paws Veterinary Center offers a warm, personalized alternative to the often rushed, impersonal atmosphere of corporate veterinary chains. Founded by longtime colleagues Dr. Lindsey Thomas and Dr. Valerie Carril, the practice is rooted in a powerful vision: to bring veterinary care back to its most humane, personal form—where pets and people alike are treated with respect, empathy, and time.
A Mission Built on Trust and Honesty
“We just wanted to practice good medicine and be honest,” said Dr. Thomas. “Everything else kind of fell into place.”
After more than a decade of working together at a previous clinic, the duo watched firsthand as the practice shifted from care-focused to profit-driven after a corporate buyout in 2020. Appointment times were slashed, patient loads surged, and the close relationships they had built with clients and pets started to erode.
“Client relationships have always been paramount to us,” added Dr. Carril. “It was heartbreaking to see that disappear.”
Determined to reclaim the heart of their profession, they decided to open their own practice—on their terms.
Two Years, One Dream
Launching Healing Paws wasn’t easy. The pair spent nearly two years navigating zoning hurdles, lobbying for a veterinary-friendly amendment, and balancing family life with the demands of starting a business.
But their efforts paid off in February 2025, when Healing Paws officially opened its doors. The clinic quickly became a community hub for Mount Kisco’s pet-loving residents, who hadn’t seen a new veterinary practice in town in over four decades.
“We’d walk around town and see so many people out with their pets,” Carril recalled. “It was clear this was the right place.”
A Labor of Love—Built by the Community
The creation of the Healing Paws clinic was as grassroots as it gets. Friends lent a hand building cabinets, a local architect volunteered design help, and the front desk was hand-crafted with love. Even the furniture assembly turned into Friday night family events—complete with pizza and kids running around.
“It was truly a labor of love,” said Thomas.
Their shared vision extended beyond aesthetics. Every part of Healing Paws was built with comfort and care in mind—from cozy, calming exam rooms to friendly front desk interactions that make both pets and humans feel at home.
Fully Female-Owned—and Proud of It
Healing Paws is fully female-owned and operated, a distinction both doctors wear with pride.
“The veterinary field is now predominantly female, but leadership hasn’t always reflected that,” said Carril.
As working mothers themselves, they’ve built a practice that supports not only pet health but also work-life balance for their team. That means a family-first environment, where staff don’t have to choose between a career in veterinary medicine and attending their child’s school play.
“We want our team to thrive—professionally and personally,” said Thomas.
Time, Transparency, and Total Care
What truly sets Healing Paws apart isn’t fancy technology or a radically different medical approach. It’s time and trust.
“We take the time to listen, to explain, to make sure pet parents feel informed and empowered,” said Carril.
The doctors make themselves accessible—calls to the clinic route directly to their own phones. Whether it’s helping a dog with anxiety ease into a visit or guiding an owner through a complex medication plan, Healing Paws emphasizes education and partnership.
“We’re not just treating patients—we’re building relationships,” Thomas added. “It’s a care team. We’re in this together.”
Looking Ahead with Heart
The Healing Paws team hopes to expand in the future, adding more doctors and broadening services. But their core commitment to compassion, transparency, and individualized care will remain the foundation.
“The growth will come,” Carril said. “But we’ll always be rooted in why we started—to care deeply, and to care well.”
For Mount Kisco pet owners, Healing Paws is more than a clinic. It’s a welcoming, family-first space that puts empathy at the forefront of every exam, every phone call, and every tail wag.
“We worked hard to build a space that feels more like home than a hospital,” Carril said with a smile. “Come by and see it for yourself.”
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