Finding a vet in central Ohio isn't exactly hard. You can't throw a tennis ball in Hilliard without hitting a clinic. But honestly, Healthy Pets of Rome Hilliard has carved out a specific kind of reputation over the last couple of decades that’s worth looking at if you're tired of the "corporate" feel of modern medicine.
It’s located right there at 2194 Hilliard Rome Rd. Most locals know it as the place that’s been around forever—part of a family-run legacy starting back in 1952. That’s a long time to keep pets alive and kicking.
The Real Deal on the Doctors
You’ve probably met a vet who talks to you like you’re a child or, worse, like you’re just a walking wallet. The vibe here is different. Dr. Michael Kelleher has been there since 1997. Think about that. He’s seen generations of dogs go from puppies to seniors. That kind of institutional memory is basically impossible to find in those big-box emergency clinics where the staff rotates every six months.
Then you have people like Dr. Jennifer Kulp. She did a high-intensity internship in Denver—dealing with the heavy stuff like oncology and neurology—but she came back to Columbus in 2015. It’s that mix of "big city" specialized training and "small town" familiarity that makes the healthy pets of Rome Hilliard team actually effective. They aren't just guessing; they’ve seen the rare stuff before.
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Other names you’ll see on the door include Dr. Mitch Whalen, who’s Fear Free Certified (a big deal if your cat turns into a demon the second it sees a carrier), and Dr. Ted Cebular, who just joined recently with a focus on ultrasound and nutrition.
What Actually Happens Inside?
It’s a full-service hospital. That sounds like marketing speak, but it basically means they do everything from the boring stuff like rabies shots to the scary stuff like soft tissue surgery.
- Digital Dental X-Rays: Most people ignore their dog’s breath. Don't. If they have a "stinky mouth," it’s probably an infection. They use digital imaging to see what's happening under the gum line where you can't see.
- The "Furry Pocket Pet" Factor: Not everyone has a Golden Retriever. If you have a guinea pig or a rabbit, you know how hard it is to find a vet who won't just shrug at you. Several doctors here specifically trained for these "exotics."
- Diagnostics on Site: They have endoscopy and ultrasound. This matters because when your dog eats a sock at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, you don't want to wait three days for a referral to a specialist across town.
The Schedule (Because Life is Chaotic)
Honestly, one of the best things about this location is the hours. They are open until 8:00 PM most weeknights.
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If you work a 9-to-5 in downtown Columbus and have to fight traffic on I-70, you know the stress of trying to make a 4:30 PM vet appointment. You can actually get your cat seen at 7:00 PM here. They even have Sunday hours from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which is mostly for boarding pick-ups but shows they get how the real world works.
Why Do People Keep Coming Back?
There was a post on the Columbus subreddit a while back where someone was looking for a vet for an older dog. A user mentioned how Dr. Pickin at this location handled their senior dog's final year with a level of compassion that you just can't fake.
That’s the thing about healthy pets of Rome Hilliard. They manage to balance the high-tech stuff—like laser therapy and internal medicine—with the "human" side of things. It’s not just about the science; it’s about the fact that you’re probably stressed out of your mind when your pet is sick.
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Money, Insurance, and the "Hidden" Costs
Let's be real: the vet is expensive. Anyone telling you otherwise is lying.
The clinic is known to be on the "spendier" side compared to a rural vet in the middle of a cornfield, but you're paying for the tech and the late hours. They do accept CareCredit and Scratchpay, which are life-savers if an emergency surgery pops up. They also work with most pet insurances. If you’re smart, you’ll get the insurance before the pet gets sick, because no one covers pre-existing conditions.
Keeping Your Pet "Healthy" at Home
While having a great vet is key, the team at Rome Hilliard is big on preventative care. You don't want to see them only when things are going wrong.
- Weight Management: It’s the boring truth, but keeping your dog lean adds years to their life. Dr. Cebular is the guy to talk to about nutrition here.
- Parasite Prevention: Ohio is flea and tick central. The "wait and see" approach usually leads to Lyme disease or heartworm.
- The "Off" Test: You know your pet better than any doctor. If they are "sorta" sluggish or "kinda" not eating, that’s usually the first sign of a big problem.
Actionable Next Steps for Pet Owners
If you're looking to switch or just moved to the Hilliard area, don't wait for an emergency to find out if you like a vet.
- Book a Wellness Exam: Call 614-876-0455 to schedule a basic check-up. It lets you feel out the staff and get your pet's records into their system.
- Fill Out the Online Form: They have a "New Client" form on their website. Do this before you show up so you aren't stuck juggling a leash and a clipboard in a busy lobby.
- Check Your Records: Make sure you have your pet's previous vaccination history ready to email to romehilliard@healthypetsofohio.com. This prevents them from double-vaccinating or missing a crucial booster.
- Download PetDesk: The clinic uses this app for appointments and reminders. It's way easier than playing phone tag with the front desk.
Being a pet owner in Hilliard means having options, but the longevity and tech at this specific clinic make it a standout for anyone who treats their dog like a human member of the family.