About Me

My name is Matt Miller, and I have been practicing as a small animal general practitioner in NYC for the past five years. My interest in veterinary medicine began when I was a teenager working in an animal shelter in my home state of Kentucky. From administering medication to the sick, crusty kittens with upper respiratory infections, to changing fluid bags for puppies battling parvovirus, there was always something beautiful (nearly magical) about taking away suffering with medical knowledge and expertise.

From my time working with these animals, and in the course of my education, I developed a deep interest in animal behavior: the way dogs and cats experience fear, stress, and anxiety; or the way systemic problems like allergies or undiagnosed chronic pain contribute to behavior changes.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and helping my wife with her life-saving work at Muddy Paws Rescue.

Education

At Vanderbilt University, I studied biology and philosophy, graduating with honors on completion of a senior thesis on animal ethics (2015). I became a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) after graduating magna cum laude from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Currently, I am pursuing a certification in pain management (CVPP) through the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management. I am currently Fear Free Certified and Senior Dog Certified.

My Philosophy

I believe the veterinary profession is in crisis. In an age of corporate takeover and consolidation, pets and their caretakers are increasingly seen as revenue centers. The results are numerous and unfortunate: overbooked clinics, overworked staff, overpriced services, and boilerplate treatments.

I founded Nearfield Veterinary to offer pet parents not just another option, but a different type of option. We believe that:

  • Pet parents should be educated and empowered. You are a partner in your pet’s health!

  • Pet parents deserve a range of options, from recommended to realistic, allowing you to care for your pet sustainably.

  • Animals deserve more time in appointments, to allow for gentle handling, thorough physical exams, and adequate discussion so that you understand your pet’s conditions and the best strategies to manage them.

  • The social and emotional well-being of animals is just as important as their physical well-being

In practice, I am interested in understanding the interconnectedness of an animal’s medical conditions. By managing health through a comprehensive, proactive approach, rather than treating symptoms as isolated problems, we can achieve not just a longer lifespan for your pet, but a longer healthspan—ensuring the good days far outnumber the bad for as long as possible.

Our workers are paid a living wage as thanks for their compassion and expertise. To protect our clients and ensure accessibility of care, N-95 masks will be worn by our staff on request.