Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic

For over three decades, pet owners across Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa communities have entrusted the well-being of their beloved dogs and cats to **Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic**. Established in 1988, this full-service veterinary clinic has built a reputation not just as an animal hospital, but as a compassionate, close-knit family dedicated to the lifelong health of companion animals. The practice, under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Thatcher, DVM, prioritizes a personalized approach, ensuring every patient receives thoughtful, unhurried care.

At the core of the clinic's philosophy is an unwavering dedication to quality over quantity. The team believes in taking the time necessary to get to know both the two-legged and four-legged members of their client base, a commitment that fosters strong, lasting relationships and helps reduce pet anxiety. This welcoming environment, combined with an emphasis on **preventative pet health care**, gives local pet owners a crucial sense of security and confidence in managing their pets' health journey. One long-time client noted, "Their emphasis on preventative care is a constant reassurance, showing their dedication to keeping my pets healthy and happy." This dedication to patient comfort and client education is what makes the clinic a cornerstone of veterinary care in central Iowa.

Location and Accessibility in Des Moines, Iowa

Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic is conveniently situated to serve Des Moines and neighboring areas, having been at the same location for over 35 years. The physical address is:

• 6301 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322, USA

Located on the busy Hickman Road corridor, the clinic is easy to find and access. The facility has been designed to be fully accommodating to all visitors, prioritizing accessibility features to ensure a stress-free experience from the moment clients arrive.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

While the clinic is equipped to handle comprehensive care, including in/outpatient services, it operates primarily by **appointments recommended**. This scheduling practice allows Dr. Thatcher and the staff to dedicate ample time to each pet, fulfilling their promise of ensuring that owners have the opportunity to get all their questions answered without feeling rushed.

Comprehensive Veterinary Services Offered

As a full-service veterinary clinic and animal hospital, Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic provides a complete suite of services necessary to maintain the optimal health of dogs and cats through all life stages. Their offerings cover everything from routine wellness to complex surgical and dental procedures.

The services provided include:

• **Preventative Pet Health Care:** Routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and comprehensive disease tests to catch issues early.
• **Advanced Diagnostics:** Full Medical examinations utilizing an **In-House Laboratory** for fast and accurate Lab Testing and Lab Work, including Fecal Examinations and other necessary disease tests.
• **Veterinary Dental Care:** Comprehensive Pet Dental Care is a strong focus, including teeth cleaning, Dental Cleaning, and addressing Dental Disease, as well as Dentistry Surgery.
• **Pet Surgery:** A wide range of surgical services, including routine procedures like Spaying and Neutering, as well as complex soft tissue surgery, managed with a safe and thorough Surgery Process.
• **Behavioral and Nutritional Counseling:** Expert advice on Behavioral And Nutritional needs, helping pets maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
• **Essential Care:** Micro Chipping for identification, and compassionate care services such as Hospice to support senior pets and their families.
• **In/Outpatient Services:** Providing flexibility and convenience for various levels of medical need.

The integration of an in-house lab and comprehensive surgical capabilities means the clinic is equipped to offer consistent, high-standard care directly under the supervision of Dr. Thatcher and the experienced technical staff.

Standout Features and Highlights

The exceptional loyalty of the Des Moines client base is driven by the clinic’s distinct commitment to personalized, compassionate care. The team goes above and beyond to make the experience comfortable and informative for both pets and their owners.

Key highlights and unique features of Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic include:

• **Veterinarian-Led Longevity:** Dr. Thatcher, a 1980 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, founded the clinic in 1988 and has been serving the Des Moines community ever since. This long-standing dedication provides invaluable stability and experience.
• **Emphasis on Client Education:** Dr. Thatcher is consistently praised for taking the time to "educate me on every stage of my pet's life." This focus on knowledge empowers pet owners to be proactive participants in their animal's care.
• **Exceptional Bedside Manner:** The staff, including named team members like Liz and Asher, are commended as "friendly and compassionate," with one reviewer highlighting that they treat every pet "as their own." The team actively works to reduce pet anxiety through patience and gentle handling.
• **Positive Environment:** The clinic is noted for its "cleanliness and organization," which contributes to an overall positive and relaxing experience for clients. Thoughtful touches, such as providing non-slip mats on exam tables for senior cats, show a dedication to pet comfort.
• **Highly Responsive Follow-Up:** Clients are impressed by the follow-up care, with one reviewer noting the team "follows up in ways that I wish my human doctor's staff did!" demonstrating a professional commitment to patient recovery and well-being.
• **Affordable and Accessible Care:** Despite the high level of service and care provided, the clinic is recognized for being "incredibly affordable" and making it "not hard to get an appointment," proving that high quality does not have to mean prohibitive prices.

Contact Information for the Des Moines Clinic

To schedule an appointment or to speak with the knowledgeable staff about your pet’s needs, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 6301 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322, USA
• Phone: (515) 270-2900
• Mobile Phone/Text: +1 515-270-2900

The clinic encourages pet owners to call ahead for an appointment to ensure the team can dedicate the necessary time and attention to their visit.

What Makes Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic Worth Choosing

For pet owners in the Des Moines area, choosing Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic means opting for a practice built on decades of experience, stability, and genuine connection. Under the expert and patient leadership of Dr. Thatcher, the clinic stands out by offering comprehensive, full-service veterinary care—from routine preventative check-ups and nutritional guidance to complex surgery and advanced dental care—all delivered in a comfortable, clean, and compassionate environment.

The core reason clients stay and enthusiastically recommend this clinic is the feeling of being "welcomed and heard." The staff's commitment to personalized education, their exceptional bedside manners, and their highly responsive follow-up care solidify their role as a crucial and reliable partner in maintaining your pet's long-term health and safety. For a reliable, caring, and experienced animal hospital in central Iowa, Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic remains a premier choice.

Hickman Road Veterinary Clinic

6301 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322, USA