What to Expect

New to Hillside Small Animal Hospital? Welcome! To give you a clear picture of the care you and your pet will receive from our team, we invite you to read through this guide to our hospital.

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What to Expect

When you are looking for a veterinary hospital, you should be able to count on superior care and excellent service. We at Hillside Small Animal Hospital in Batavia, OH, have assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals to bring you the best possible healthcare for your pet. We have a state-of-the-art veterinary facility, which is clean, comfortable, and efficient. Call 513-735-0888 to schedule an appointment, and we will find a time that is convenient for you.

We recommend bringing your pet in once a year for a check-up. This should include a full physical exam, including a thorough dental exam to determine if dental cleaning is needed. Dr. Timothy Fouts or Dr. Emily Hopping will check the health of your pet, ensuring your pet receives thorough, attentive care from nose to tail.

Bring in any medical history you have of your pet when you come to our vet clinic. It’s best to keep a journal of your pet’s health throughout his or her life, including behavioral shifts. If you have something like this, share it with our team. If not, let us know everything that you think will be important. Dr. Fouts will work with whatever information you are able to provide.

Tips for Preparing Your Pet for Their First Visit at Hillside

We appreciate that you want to provide the best quality healthcare for your pet. Thank you for entrusting our hospital to help you achieve this in the most caring and compassionate manner.

For cats and small dogs that travel in carriers, please consider the following tips to help make your pet’s visit to our hospital a pleasant and Fear Free experience:

  1. Place padding in the carrier. Nicely folded towels or pet beds are suitable.
  2. Bring the carrier into the house 2–3 days before the appointment and place it in an area your pet frequents. Leave the door open so your pet can explore and become comfortable with the carrier. Placing treats or food nearby or inside the carrier can help create a positive association.
  3. Periodically spray the carrier with a pet-specific pheromone. These pheromones are odorless to people but clinically proven to be calming for pets. For dogs, use Adaptil; for cats, use Feliway. These products are available at our hospital if you wish to purchase them in advance.
  4. During transport, cover the top of the carrier with a towel, leaving one or two sides open so your pet can look outward if desired.
  5. Carry the carrier to the car while supporting its base for smoother transport. Using only the handle or carrying strap can cause the carrier to swing, creating an uncomfortable ride for your pet.
  6. Consider the angle of your car seat and whether propping up one side of the carrier is necessary to keep it level.

And, for pets of all sizes:

  1. Where medically appropriate, do not allow your pet access to food for 10–12 hours prior to travel. This can reduce car sickness and make treats upon arrival even more enjoyable.
  2. Ensure adequate, gentle airflow to keep your pet’s environment in the car at a comfortable temperature.
  3. Upon arrival at our hospital, we will make every effort to see you on time and provide a calm, welcoming environment for you and your pet.
  4. If you feel your pet may need additional support—such as natural calming supplements or prescription calming medications for travel—please contact us in advance. Your pet’s comfort and well-being are important to us.

There are additional strategies that can help make your pet’s travel a more positive experience. We are happy to discuss these with you if you need further assistance.