Key Takeaways
- New Yorkers often treat their pets with extra care and attention, making them a priority in their lives.
- Lewis Berman, a renowned veterinarian, catered to the needs of these pampered pets, including those of famous clients such as Jacqueline Onassis and Henry Kissinger.
- Berman’s practice, Park East Animal Hospital, was a go-to destination for pet owners on the Upper East Side, offering 24-hour care and attention to even the most minor issues.
- Berman’s passion for veterinary medicine started at a young age, and he went on to study at Cornell and serve in the air force before opening his own practice.
- Throughout his career, Berman treated a wide range of pets, from dogs and cats to more exotic animals, and was known for his empathy, bedside manner, and sense of humor.
Introduction to Lewis Berman
New Yorkers have a reputation for being devoted to their pets, often treating them like beloved family members. This dedication to animal care created a thriving business for veterinarians like Lewis Berman, who became the go-to vet for many of New York’s elite. Berman’s practice, which he opened in 1961, was available 24 hours a day, catering to the needs of pets and their owners who demanded only the best care. With his calm and authoritative demeanor, Berman was well-suited to handle the demands of his high-maintenance clients, who were willing to pay top dollar for the best care possible.
Berman’s Celebrity Clientele
Berman’s client list read like a Who’s Who of New York’s rich and famous. He treated pets belonging to luminaries such as Henry Fonda, Lauren Bacall, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Onassis, among others. His practice became a staple of the Upper East Side, with bodyguards often waiting outside while their famous owners tended to their pets inside. Berman’s ability to connect with his clients and their pets earned him a reputation as one of the best veterinarians in the city. He was known for his empathy and bedside manner, which put even the most anxious pet owners at ease.
Berman’s Background and Education
Lewis Howard Berman was born in the Bronx in 1935 to a family of modest means. His father, Samuel, was a wool merchant, and his mother, Lena, was a housewife who loved animals. Berman’s interest in veterinary medicine started at a young age, and he was inspired to become a vet after taking his sick dog, Smoky, to an animal hospital and seeing the magic of veterinary care firsthand. Berman went on to study veterinary medicine at Cornell, where the focus was on large animals. However, he eventually decided to specialize in smaller creatures, such as dogs and cats, due to his physical limitations and personal interest.
Berman’s Career and Practice
After serving in the air force, where he achieved the rank of captain, Berman landed a job at a veterinary practice in New York under Dr. Irving Zimmerman. He eventually opened his own practice, Park East Animal Hospital, which quickly became a go-to destination for pet owners on the Upper East Side. Berman’s first celebrity client was Cole Porter, whom he treated through the service entrance of Porter’s apartment building. Over the years, Berman’s client list grew to include many of New York’s most famous residents, all of whom appreciated his expertise and compassionate care.
Berman’s Legacy and Personal Life
Berman sold his practice in 2012 and retired four years later. He is survived by his three wives and two daughters, Michelle and Meredith. Throughout his career, Berman was known for his dedication to his clients and their pets, as well as his sense of humor and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Despite the challenges of being a vet, including the inevitable loss of beloved pets, Berman remained passionate about his work and committed to providing the best possible care to those in need. Lewis Berman, veterinarian, was born on January 7, 1935, and died on December 16, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, expertise, and dedication to the care of animals.