FAQs at Hilliard Veterinary Hospital
At Hilliard Veterinary Hospital, we want every visit—and every interaction—to feel as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the questions we hear most often from the pet owners we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions at OurHilliard Veterinary Practice
Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call at (614) 876-5125 or email us at email@hilliardvet.com—we’re always happy to help.
Is Hilliard Veterinary Hospital accepting new clients?
Yes! We warmly welcome new clients and their pets. We’d love to become your veterinary home in Hilliard. You can schedule your first visit by calling us at (614) 876-5125 or submitting a request online.
What pets do you see?
We provide care for dogs and cats. If you have questions about whether we can see your specific pet, feel free to give us a call.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book a visit by calling us at (614) 876-5125 or submitting an appointment request through our website. A member of our team will follow up promptly to confirm your appointment details.
How far in advance do I need to schedule?
It depends on the type of visit. Routine wellness exams can often be scheduled within a few days to a week. Surgical procedures and dental cleanings typically require a bit more lead time. For urgent concerns, please call us directly and we’ll do our best to accommodate your pet as quickly as possible.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We recommend scheduling an appointment whenever possible so we can dedicate the appropriate time to your pet. If you have an urgent concern and can’t wait for a scheduled visit, please call us and we’ll do our best to find a solution.
What should I bring to my pet’s first appointment?
For new clients, it’s helpful to bring any previous veterinary records, vaccination history, and a list of current medications or supplements. Completing our new client form before your visit is also a great way to help us prepare. You can access the form on our website.
What is your drop-off appointment policy?
Drop-off appointments are available for pets that need to be examined outside of a standard scheduled slot. We typically ask that you drop your pet off in the morning, and our veterinarians will see them between scheduled appointments or at their designated time. We’ll contact you with updates and let you know when your pet is ready to go home.
Do I need to keep my pet on a leash or in a carrier?
Yes. For the safety and comfort of all visitors, we ask that dogs arrive on a leash and cats arrive in a secure carrier. This helps us maintain a calm, safe environment for every pet in our hospital.
Does my pet need to be on year-round heartworm prevention?
Yes. We follow the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society and advise year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs. Even indoor dogs are at risk, as heartworm is transmitted through mosquito bites. We offer in-house heartworm testing and carry a current selection of parasite prevention options.
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
For most healthy adult dogs and cats, we recommend an annual wellness exam. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets typically benefit from more frequent visits—every six months—to account for their more rapidly changing health needs.
At what age is my pet considered senior?
Cats are generally considered senior around age 10 to 11. Small and medium dogs typically reach senior status around age 7 to 8, while large and giant breeds may be considered senior as early as age 5 to 6. Senior pets benefit from twice-yearly wellness exams and more frequent diagnostic monitoring.
How do I know if my pet is at a healthy weight?
Weight and body condition are assessed at every wellness visit. If you have concerns between visits, give us a call—our team is happy to offer nutritional guidance on healthy weight ranges and dietary adjustments for your specific pet.
Can I request a specific veterinarian?
You’re always welcome to express a preference, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request based on scheduling availability.
What services does Hilliard Veterinary Hospital offer?
We are a full-service companion animal hospital offering a comprehensive range of services for dogs and cats, including wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, laboratory testing, digital X-rays, nutritional counseling, microchipping, spays and neuters, soft tissue surgery, senior pet care, and end-of-life services including euthanasia, cremation, and grief counseling. Visit our services page for a full overview.
Do you offer emergency care?
We are available to help with urgent concerns during our regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting one of the emergency care providers listed in our website footer, including COVE (Central Ohio Veterinary Emergency) in Clintonville.
Do you offer dental care for pets?
Yes. Dental care is an area of particular focus at Hilliard Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Djelmis has pursued advanced training in veterinary dentistry, and our hospital is equipped with the specialized tools to perform thorough, safe dental cleanings and oral evaluations for dogs and cats.
How much does a veterinary visit cost?
Veterinary costs vary depending on the type of visit, the services performed, and your pet’s individual needs. We’re happy to provide general pricing information over the phone—just give us a call at (614) 876-5125. We believe in transparent communication about costs and will always discuss fees with you before proceeding with any services.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept CareCredit, cash, personal checks, and major credit cards. Visit our payment options page for more details.
Do you offer payment plans?
We accept CareCredit as a financing option, which can help make veterinary care more manageable. Please speak with our team about your options when scheduling or at the time of your visit.
Why does veterinary care cost what it does?
Providing high-quality veterinary care requires significant investment in trained staff, advanced equipment, medications, and facility upkeep—all in service of your pet’s health and safety. We are committed to delivering excellent care at a fair price and to being transparent with you about costs every step of the way.
Do you have an on-site pharmacy?
Yes. Our in-house pharmacy is stocked with a wide range of veterinary medications, so in most cases you can leave your appointment with your pet’s prescriptions already filled.
Can I get my pet’s prescription refilled without an appointment?
In many cases, yes—depending on the medication and when your pet was last seen. Please call us or email us to request a refill and our team will let you know if an updated exam is needed first.
Do you offer mail delivery for prescriptions?
Yes. We can mail prescription refills directly to your home. Contact our team to arrange delivery.
Can you provide a certificate of vaccination for travel or boarding?
Yes. Our team can provide documentation of your pet’s vaccination history. Please give us a call ahead of time so we can have the appropriate records prepared for you.
What should I do if I think my pet has eaten something toxic?
Call us immediately at (614) 876-5125 during business hours. If it’s after hours, contact an emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Time is critical in potential poisoning cases, so please don’t wait to seek guidance.