One of the most important parts of being a responsible pet owner is making sure that the animal is properly cared for, and a big part of that is keeping up to date on all of the vaccinations that are required for the pet to live a happy, healthy life. There are many options available to pet owners, even just in our surrounding communities. One of the gems in this industry has been right in the heart of North Highlands for more than 30 years. Every single member of the staff is a pet owner and lover! That is just one of the facts that make a difference in the kind of care that is provided at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital.
VCA Highlands Animal Hospital offers several services that make it unique in its practice of veterinary medicine. For example, just behind their main building is a Cancer Treatment Center that houses a device called the linear accelerator used in radiation therapy. Dr. Steve Crow is the resident oncologist and specializes in radiation therapy as well.
VCA Animal Hospital is equipped with a special area that enables an innovative treatment of hyper-thyroidism in cats. Very few animal hospitals in our area offer this treatment known as I131 that enables the cat to be given an injection of radioactive iodine that targets the thyroid tumor. During this procedure the cat is required to be quarantined for three days, but successful treatment with the I131 enables the cat to live the remainder of its life without the need for daily thyroid medication. If you’ve ever owned a cat or know anyone who has, you’re aware that giving them a pill even once is like trying to run a three-ring circus by yourself!
Dr Steve Crow is a Board Certified Veterinary Oncologist and offers radiation therapy services as well. VCA Highlands Animal Hospital is also known for their cardiology services. Dr. John Reed, Board Certified Cardiologist, not only spends three days a week seeing specialty cases in cardiology, he also does the I131 treatments mentioned above. Dr. John Reed went into private practice here in North Highlands in 1980 when the hospital was part of the Sacramento Animal Medical Group. Dr. Reed enjoys the fact that he still gets to see his favorite clients of just about 30 years and their pets. Dr. Reed has also been called upon by the Sacramento Zoo to assist in the care of the animals, like the time there was a donkey in need of an ultrasound.
Dr. Bill Faust is the Medical Director and specializes in general medicine along with Dr. Kris Andersen. I’ve personally seen Dr. Andersen in action, and his love for his patients and their “parents” is obvious, as it is with all of the folks that work at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital. All of the medical staff that work at the hospital are either Registered Veterinary Technicians, or in the process of becoming so. They all take their work very seriously and see it as a career rather than just a job. They pride themselves with providing the very best care for both the pet and the owner. The primary goals of the entire staff of VCA Highlands Animal Hospital are education and prevention. Educating clients on ways to prevent problems promotes happier, healthier animals and families.
VCA Highlands Animal Hospital is very community-minded. They do their part to educate pet owners to help prevent unwanted/neglected pets. Whenever a pet is adopted from the SPCA, the owner is able to bring the animal to VCA Highlands Animal Hospital for their first vet visits free of charge. This is made possible by a special partnership that VCA [Highlands] Animal Hospitals has with the Sacramento SPCA. VCA Highlands Animal Hospital is a big sponsor of the SPCA's annual "Doggie Dash" fudraiser, as well as the "Woof Walk."
The staff of VCA Highlands Animal hospital becomes like an extension of the family as they recognize the owner and pet by sight after just the first visit. It is their business to get to know the family and the pet, making sure each visit is as comfortable as possible for all concerned. In the event that the services are needed, VCA Highlands Animal Hospital is fully equipped with a private crematorium. Unlike other hospitals, this advantage allows for the staff to personally use the utmost care with the animal and the owner. The pets never leave the facility this way.
VCA Highlands Animal Hospital also offers boarding, baths and nail trimming. They are also able to provide referrals for pet sitting needs. The staff at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital wants everyone to know that prevention is the best medicine. Staying current with vaccinations and making sure your pet is spayed or neutered are the best ways to make sure your pets live long, contented lives. A good tip to keep in mind is that routine dental exams are as important as any other service a vet can provide. Your pet’s oral health has a direct effect on their physical well-being.
If you find that your pet is in need of any of the specialized services offered by VCA Highlands Animal Hospital, you’ve just gotten a new four-footed family member or are just looking to make a change in your veterinary care, call them at 916-332-2845. You can also check them out on the web at www.vcahighlandsca.com. Their web site has a wealth of information about the hospital and each member of the staff. VCA Highlands Animal Hospital is located at 3451 Elkhorn Blvd., North Highlands, CA 95660.