New veterinary clinic truly cares for pets and their owners
Story By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MODERN LOVE
Modern Animal is gearing up to introduce its “new kind of veterinary experience” to Playa Vista residents in early 2022.
Chief Executive Officer Steven Eidelman says he founded the company after spending years in the industry.
“A number of things stood out—critical problems,” says Eidelman, who founded the dog-tracking startup Whistle.
“The experience as a client was archaic. They had completely wacky technology, hospitality and the overall experience was less than desired.”
Modern Animal, he says, improves the experiences of the pet owner and veterinary professional through better designed clinics, technology and communication.
“The mission of the company is to really, truly create the best place for people to work,” Eidelman says. “We want our employees to have a more fulfilling career and to sustain their career and practice great medicine.”
Eidelman calls Modern Animal a “One Medical” model for the veterinarians, who are full time and receive equity in the company.
For a $100 annual membership fee, Modern Animal offers unlimited exams, 24/7 virtual care, in-app prescription requests and delivery. There is a charge for additional services.
Modern Animal has clinics in West Hollywood and Pasadena, with others to come in Studio City and Playa Vista. In July, Modern Animal announced $75.5 million in new funding over the past year — a $35.5 million Series A led by True Ventures and Addition and a $40 million Series B led by Founders Fund, which also led the company’s seed round in 2019.
According to Rover.com, pet ownership skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 49% of Americans added a pet to their family in the last year. This trend is especially true for millennials: a recent study shows that 76% of 20- to 38-year-olds have a pet. The demand has never been higher for veterinary care, Eidelman says. And the experience of working in a veterinary clinic has never been worse.
“Since we opened our doors just over a year ago, we have had the honor of taking care of thousands of pets from across Los Angeles at both our West Hollywood clinic and virtually,” Eidelman says.
“Our goal is to build a better, more sustainable career for veterinary professionals and a better, more human experience for pets and their owners by examining every nook and cranny of the industry and fixing any problem we can find.”
The Modern Animal staff is focused on their clients. Eidelman says many clinics are buzzing with ringing phones, faxing medical records, chit-chatty clients. At Modern Animal, cats and dogs are kept in separate areas.
“The idea is to create a really safe and comfortable environment for the animal,” Eidelman says. “But the only way we can get them great care is if we also take care of humans.”
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