Ben Madilynn
As this year’s Best of Awards season begins, W42ST is highlighting winners and finalists from past years’ contests — be sure to cast your vote before midnight on Friday, September 21 to sound off and make your voice heard at our formal awards ceremony on September 27 at the Intrepid Museum!
There’s no question that Hell’s Kitchen is a dog enthusiast’s paradise — whether you’re a regular at the Pier 84 dog run, were a regular at the erstwhile Astro’s Dog Run or just admire Hell’s Kitchen’s many prominent pups from afar, it’s clear that the neighborhood, despite its relative lack of green spaces, is an ideal place for pets to live (cats, while not as present on Hell’s Kitchen streets, seem to do pretty well here too.)
And in the same way that Hell’s Kitchen’s pet owners are uber-passionate about their furry friends, they are equally passionate about their preferred pet care businesses. For the past two years, Pure Paws Veterinary Care of Hell’s Kitchen (506 W42nd St bw 10/11th Ave) has come out as the top dog, with readers citing the veterinary practice led by Dr Stephanie Liff as kind, caring and skilled. “It’s woman-owned and everyone there truly loves and cares for your pet,” said reader Thomas White. “They never up-charge, and explain exactly why they recommend a certain procedure, medication or vaccination.” Reader Nancy Udelson added: “Dr Liff treats all her patients as if they were her own!” while Vicky Kuperman noted that “she’s saved our dog’s life not once but twice.” Dr Liff “will always text you back so fast!” said Juliet Plante, adding that she’s “the nicest!”
Another frequent finalist is neighborhood standby Tilly’s Walks, which also made the shortlist in 2021’s Best Service Provider contest. Owner Mirjana, who has served the neighborhood for over a decade, “is the only person I trust with my dog!” said reader Kendra van Horn. “She is super responsible, my dog loves her, and it’s a pleasure to have her in our lives.” Mirjana is “always professional, friendly, and [has a] genuine love for our pups!” added reader Tiffany Kim. while multiple readers declared, “With Tilly’s Walks, you know your pets are in good hands.”
But while Pure Paws and Tilly’s Walks have consistently battled for the top spot, there are several other pet care operations nipping at their heels. The Clinton Veterinary Center (419 W55th St bw 9/10th Ave) is a place that’s “always willing to squeeze you in when your pet is sick,” said reader Scott, adding that the practice is a “caring and straightforward vet that won’t overcharge you.” Reader Christian Voldstad says the team at Clinton Veterinary Center saved his cat, while reader Patty Zarnoski praised “Dr Fisch and Millie” as “caring and easy to deal with. I have brought all of my animals there for over 30 years.”
Coco &Toto, (730 11th Ave bw W51/52nd St) a pet daycare and groomers open in Hell’s Kitchen since 2003 has also made the shortlist two years in a row, with readers like Zach Aaronson praising the group’s grooming professionals as “top notch and are held to a very high standard of service but more importantly CARE for the dogs.” Readers described the staff at Coco & Toto —who are pet owners and understand the importance of “making sure that your pet is safe, happy, and has a wonderful time while he or she is in our care” — as kind and compassionate with their pets. Coco & Toto is “a real neighborhood gem,” said reader Kathleen Spinelli, who noted that their “prices are reasonable, staff is caring, it’s low-key and very HK!”
Could Coco & Toto take the cake? Or will another one of the neighborhood’s shortlisted businesses like Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group Hell’s Kitchen (453 W46th St bw 9/10th Ave) where reader Jeronimo Maranion said, “You can tell the entire staff are animal lovers and treat your pet like family while providing top-notch care” sneak in to win the prize? Could much-praised Bond Vet (631 10th Ave bw W44/45th St) hailed by reader Trevor as “a welcome addition to the neighborhood” who “give out free treats” earn best in show? Or will other Hell’s Kitchen pet care spots — like pet daycare, grooming and training service Throw Me a Bone (multiple locations), daycare pupculture (645 W57th St bw 11/12th Ave), daycare Biscuits and Bath (620 W42nd St bw 11/12th Ave), Spoiled Brats pet shop (340 W49th St bw 8/9th Ave), Happy Feet pet shop (754 10th Ave bw W51/52nd St) or the Central Park Pet Spa (827 10th Ave bw W54/55th St) sneak into the contest? Sit, stay, and cast your vote to determine Hell’s Kitchen’s Best Pet Care champion!
