Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?
I always check on any overnight patients to make sure they’re stable. I usually been keep an eye on them via webcam overnight, so I know they’re doing well, but that morning check is really important. And of course, we always start the day with a little staff humor to keep things light.
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
Before every appointment, I review their pet’s records and think ahead about potential diagnostics. I even like to refresh my memory on our human clients by checking little details so we can have a friendly, personalized chat.
If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?
I’d call it the “Cautiously Optimistic Award.” We run on a disciplined routine but stay flexible for those daily surprises and emergencies.
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
I’ve gotten better at choosing the right diagnostic tests to arrive at a quick diagnosis and treatment. We now do ultrasounds routinely, which makes exams more thorough.
What was your “I made it” moment?
In veterinary medicine, there isn’t one big “I made it” moment because each pet is a new challenge. It’s more about those daily moments of making a difference.
What’s your dream customer reaction?
I’d love to hear customers say, “You’re so nice and thorough, and I appreciate how upfront you are with your care and pricing.”
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
It would be “Roll With It” by Steve Winwood because we just roll with whatever comes our way.
What is something you wish more people knew about you?
I wish people knew that I think about their pets even when they’re not here, always making sure I’m their best advocate and giving them the best care.
What’s the funniest customer request you’ve ever received?
Someone once asked if I could pierce their dog’s ears, which definitely gave us all a laugh. Another classic, “Can I drop off my fecal sample so you can check me for parasites?”
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
It’s absolutely our wonderful clients. Many have been with me my entire career and they’re the heart of what we do.
What is your most popular service?
Our routine wellness visits’, dental cleanings, along with surgeries and acupuncture. We also do a lot of diagnostic ultrasounds.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
We provide regenerative medicine to rebuild/heal pathology in joints/kidney disease. We use cancer immunotherapy vaccines, which use a pet’s own immune system to kill/cure cancer, without the side effects of chemotherapy.
What’s the unsung hero of your business?
The unsung hero of our business is definitely Millie, our little Himalayan-Persian office cat. She greets everyone who walks in, often rolling over to show her belly and just quietly putting people at ease
What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is not to discard traditional, time-tested medicine for modern advances. There’s real value in integrating both natural, Eastern approaches and the latest cutting-edge Western medicine. The best care happens when you blend both worlds, and that’s what I strive to do with every patient.
Address: 268 US-202, Somers, NY 10589
Phone number: (914) 248-6220
Website: progressive-vet.com
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
