VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge

Our Story

At VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge, we've helped pets live long, healthy and happy lives since 1974. We work hard to deliver the best medical care for your pets, and the best experience for you, the pet owner.

Located in Columbia and also serving communities like Ellicott City, Laurel, Elkridge, Clarksville, Hanover, Catonsville and Baltimore, our staff's thorough knowledge of the latest procedures and medicines ensures that our patients receive the best in preventive and healing care.

Hometown Care at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge
Welcome!

We are a full-service animal hospital serving Columbia and the surrounding Howard County area with the best of veterinary care since 1974.

At VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge we look forward to welcoming you and your dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, and hamster to our practice! Our mission is to provide the best, most progressive and compassionate veterinary care to our patients in addition to an amazing client experience.  We pledge to give all our patients the highest-quality medical and surgical care, treating each pet as if it were our own. We are your partners in pet care, and we want to provide support and information to help you give your pet the best possible care at home, including proper nutrition, early disease detection, dental health, exercise and plenty of TLC.

At every visit you will be served by experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate members of our staff. Our veterinarians, veterinary technicians and client service representatives are trained to the highest standards. Their knowledge of the latest veterinary medicines and procedures ensures that all our patients continue to receive the best in medical care.

Please feel free to visit our hospital, meet our friendly veterinarians and staff and take a tour of our hospital!

Local Medical Issues


Canine Flu Alert!

Many of our clients have asked about the threat of canine influenza to their dogs. Canine flu is a highly contagious respiratory virus with nearly all dogs that are exposed becoming infected within a few days after exposure. This disease is highly contagious, so dogs that are around other dogs (boarding, grooming, dog shows, dog parks, contact with neighbors' dogs) are at increased risk.
About 80% of exposed dogs will go on to develop signs. Typical symptoms resemble those of kennel cough: a persistent cough (often accompanied by a nasal discharge). Some dogs go on to develop pneumonia and can become critically ill.
A new vaccine is available that can help reduce this risk. Please schedule an appointment today with one of our VCA veterinarians to discuss this emerging threat to your dog.
Accreditations & Affiliations
American Animal Hospital Association

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) sets the standard for quality veterinary care for companion animals. As an accredited hospital, we voluntarily uphold the Association's high standards in 18 different areas and are routinely evaluated on over 900 different standards of veterinary care. Not all animal hospitals are accredited, and we are proud to be amongst only 12-15% of veterinary hospitals that hold this honor.
American Association of Feline Practitioners

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) represents practitioners in the veterinary community who are passionate about the care of cats and supports its members in improving the health and welfare of feline patients. With a reputation as a leader in the field of feline medicine, the AAFP helps veterinary practices establish a feline-friendly environment that reduces stress for cats during veterinary visits.

Cat Friendly Practice - Silver logo
Cat Friendly Practice

The Cat Friendly Practice® program is a leading movement to make veterinary care less stressful for cats and their caregivers. This global initiative is designed to elevate care for cats by assisting practices in developing calming, cat-friendly environments and reducing stress for felines before, during, and after their veterinary visit.

In Our Community

We harness the scale and strength of our global network while acknowledging each individual's contribution. We work locally to improve the lives of all who interact with our brand.


Explore more below.

  • American Animal Hospital Association

    VCA Columbia Animal Hospital @ Hickory Ridge is AAHA Accredited to best serve you and your pet.

    Visit American Animal Hospital Association

  • Camp Bow Wow

    Day Camp and Boarding with Live Camper Cams!

    Visit Camp Bow Wow

  • Day One Dog Training

    Visit Day One Dog Training

  • Fidos for Freedom

    Fidos for Freedom Mission:

    Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people in the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan community by providing specially trained hearing dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.  Fidos also educates the public about individuals with disabilities and about the benefits of assistance dogs and therapy dogs and the work that these specially trained dogs do for individuals with disabilities, children with reading difficulties, and patients in health care facilities.

    Visit Fidos for Freedom

  • Pets on Wheels

    Visit Pets on Wheels

  • Raising k9

    Start your puppy out on the right paw!  Training ranges from puppy pre-school to in-home private training from Elisa Kamens, Certified Trainer.

    Visit Raising k9

  • Veterinary Referral Associates

    Veterinary Referral Associates are open 24 hours a day for your specialty and emergency needs.

    Visit Veterinary Referral Associates
  • Doctor Jean Thompson

    Maryland Animal Chiropractic, LLC

    Keeping Your Pet Aligned From Head to Tail

    Dr. Jean Thompson founded Maryland Animal Chiropractic, LLC (MAC) in 2009 due to her passion for all animals and the demand for serving animal patients suffering from neck and back pain, arthritis, sprains and other ailments.

    Visit Dr. Jean Thompson
  • BARCS

    BARCS

    Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. We are an open admission shelter, granting refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door.

    BARCS
  • MDSPCA

    Maryland SPCA

    The Maryland SPCA’s mission is to improve the lives of pets and people in the community.

    Maryland SPCA