VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge

Introduction / Overview

For pet owners throughout Maryland, particularly those residing in and around Columbia, ensuring the highest quality of veterinary care for their beloved companions is a top priority. VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge stands as a beacon of excellence in the local pet healthcare landscape. This practice is not just another animal clinic; it's a dedicated team of professionals who, as countless testimonials affirm, genuinely "CARE and love our pets as much as we do." As part of the respected VCA Animal Hospitals network, this facility combines the resources of a large, well-established organization with the personalized, hometown feel that pet owners cherish. They are committed to providing comprehensive veterinary services, ranging from essential preventative care and routine check-ups to advanced diagnostics, complex surgical procedures, and even specialized treatments like chiropractic care. Their philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of the human-animal bond, striving to deliver compassionate and progressive medical care that supports pets through every stage of their lives. For Maryland families seeking a veterinary partner they can truly rely on, knowing their furry, scaled, or feathered family members are in expert and loving hands, VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge consistently delivers.

Location and Accessibility

VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge is conveniently located at 10788 Hickory Ridge Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, USA. This prime location in Columbia, Maryland, offers excellent accessibility for residents throughout Howard County and beyond. Situated on Hickory Ridge Road, the hospital is easy to locate and reach from various parts of the community, which is particularly beneficial during urgent veterinary needs. The surrounding area provides straightforward navigation, and the facility typically offers ample parking, easing the arrival and departure process for pet owners. The strategic placement of VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge underscores its commitment to being a readily available and convenient resource for the local Maryland pet-owning population, ensuring that quality veterinary care is never far away when your cherished companion needs it.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive Wellness and Preventative Care: Including routine physical examinations, tailored vaccination programs, parasite prevention and control, and nutritional counseling for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and rats.
• Advanced Diagnostic Services: Utilizing state-of-the-art tools such as digital X-rays, ultrasound, EKG, endoscopy, and a comprehensive in-house laboratory for rapid and accurate diagnoses.
• Internal Medicine: Diagnosis and management of complex conditions affecting internal organ systems, including gastrointestinal, cardiac, respiratory, endocrine, and urinary issues.
• Surgical Services: A wide range of surgical procedures, including routine spay/neuter operations, soft tissue surgeries (e.g., mass removal, foreign body removal), and laser surgery, all performed with advanced anesthesia and monitoring.
• Dental Care: Comprehensive dental services, including professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, and extractions, to maintain optimal oral health.
• Alternative Medicine: Including chiropractic care (with a listed Dr. Jennifer Henrickson, MM, DC, a certified veterinary chiropractor) and cold laser therapy for pain management and healing.
• Specialized Orthopedic and Reproductive Services: Including PennHip Evaluations and OFA X-rays for hip and elbow dysplasia screening, as well as various reproductive services.
• Pain Management: Comprehensive assessment and management of pain using various modalities, ensuring comfort for pets recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.
• Behavioral Counseling: Guidance and support for common behavioral issues, helping pet owners understand and manage their pets' challenging behaviors.
• ZooMED Animal Care: A notable service indicating care for a broader range of exotic animals beyond standard companion pets.
• New Kitten and Puppy Packages: Structured plans designed to provide essential preventative care during a pet's crucial early developmental stages.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Staff Compassion and Care: This is consistently highlighted in customer reviews. Clients state that "From the staff who answer the phone to the techs and the vets they CARE and love our pets as much as we do." The team is described as "friendly and helpful."
• Highly Knowledgeable and Experienced Veterinarians: Dr. Kelso is specifically praised as "very experienced, knowledgeable, listens to all my questions and concerns, and is a wonderful combination of expertise and warmth." Another vet, Dr. Moldenhauer, was "reassuring and took good care of my dog" during an emergency.
• Patient-Centered Approach and Communication: The clinic fosters an environment where pet owners feel heard and involved. As a retired physician noted, Dr. Kelso "is patient and allows me to ask questions of the treatment plan so that we can come to something that we are both comfortable with." They provide "choices on treatment plan."
• Strong Follow-Up and Accessibility: The practice is noted for "terrific" follow-up and the ability to "squeeze you in when urgently needed." They even "help" on "off hours," demonstrating a profound commitment to patient needs.
• Specialized Expertise for Active/Sporting Dogs: Dr. Kelso's personal experience as a "competitive handler herself" means she "understands the demands" of pets competing in various dog sports, making her an ideal choice for such animals.
• AAHA Accreditation: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews for this specific location, VCA hospitals often pursue and achieve American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation, which signifies adherence to over 900 rigorous standards of veterinary excellence in patient care, diagnostics, facility, and more. This commitment to high standards is a hallmark of quality care.
• Comprehensive Services for Diverse Pets: The clinic caters to a wide range of animals including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and rats, with advanced services like cold laser therapy, EKG, endoscopy, and reproductive services.
• Family-Oriented Care: The practice treats pets like family, reflected in comments like, "They make you and your pet feel like family!" and long-term relationships with clients who bring "2 family dogs and several service dogs in training."

Contact Information

Address: 10788 Hickory Ridge Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, USA

Phone: (410) 730-2122

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners living in Columbia, Maryland, and the broader surrounding areas, VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for their beloved animal companions' healthcare needs. Its convenient location on Hickory Ridge Road ensures practical accessibility, which is crucial during both routine visits and unexpected pet emergencies. What truly makes this veterinary practice shine, and deeply resonates with local families, is its profound commitment to compassionate, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. As echoed by numerous heartfelt testimonials, the entire team, from the front desk staff to the technicians and veterinarians, genuinely "CARE and love our pets as much as we do," fostering an environment where pets and their owners feel like family. The expertise of veterinarians like Dr. Kelso, who is praised for her knowledge, warmth, and willingness to patiently answer questions and collaborate on treatment plans, builds immense trust. Furthermore, the clinic's dedication to excellent follow-up, flexibility in scheduling urgent appointments, and even providing assistance during "off hours" demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to their patients' well-being. With a wide array of services, including routine wellness, advanced diagnostics, various surgeries, and even specialized care like chiropractic treatments and understanding of dog sports demands, VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge can meet nearly any veterinary need. The fact that families bring multiple pets, including sensitive service dogs in training, to this practice over many years speaks volumes about the consistent high quality and reliability of their care. For Maryland residents seeking a veterinary partner that combines advanced medical capabilities with genuine empathy and a truly collaborative approach to pet health, VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge is an indispensable and highly cherished community asset.

VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge

10788 Hickory Ridge Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, USA