North Royalton Animal Hospital caters to pets and their parents with more doctors and more appointment times

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The expanded team of doctors at North Royalton Animal Hospital includes L-R: Dr. Emily Roach, Dr. Adam Hechko, Dr. Annie Garrett, Dr. Michael Henson and Dr. Katie Liutkus. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Laura Briedis

When Dr. Adam Hechko opened North Royalton Animal Hospital in 2006, there were just three employees, including himself and his mom, who was the receptionist. Fast-forward just over a decade and now there are 60-plus employees, including three new veterinarians.

Even with a large staff and facility, individualized customer service has made the business flourish. And staying true to its roots, the North Royalton Animal Hospital individualizes care for each pet.

“We have added more doctors to make it more convenient for our patients and their families, and to offer more available appointment times,” says Dr. Hechko, noting they are currently accepting new patients. “These doctors all have impeccable medical skills and a high level of compassion.”

Joining Dr. Hechko and Dr. Emily Roach on staff are Drs. Annie Garrett, Katie Liutkus and Michael Henson.

Dr. Adam Hechko with Maddy, who is a social butterfly and loves to greet everyone when they arrive at daycare.

Dr. Garrett worked at North Royalton Animal Hospital’s kennel when she was in high school. After earning her doctorate at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and working in the Columbus area, she has returned back home. Dr. Garrett has advanced surgical skills and is experienced in preventative care.

A hometown girl born and raised in North Royalton, Dr. Liutkus graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and worked in Virginia at an animal mobile practice before returning to Cleveland. Well versed in veterinary medicine, she has a specific interest in geriatric care and feline medicine.

Hobbs is one of the newest furry daycare friends and is quickly becoming popular among his peers.

Dr. Henson completed his veterinary training at the University of Pennsylvania and is excited to be back in Northeast Ohio. His areas of interest include internal medicine, surgery and cardiology.

“Our three new doctors share our philosophy of creating lasting relationships and friendships with our clients,” comments Dr. Hechko. “When we are able to develop these relationships, it results in better care.”

An AAHA-accredited animal hospital, every detail of the 17,000-square-foot facility is designed to comfort and soothe the animals—and their caregivers. From the oversized dog bed next to the fireplace to the expansive fish aquarium bridging the dog’s den and cat’s corner waiting rooms to the heartfelt brick memorial garden, the love for animals is evident.

Yogi Bear has been coming to daycare since he was just 5 months old and is loved by dog friends and human friends alike.

A feline-friendly practice, there are two exam rooms dedicated to cats, which have calming music and feline aromatherapy to keep your kitty relaxed.

The hospital’s caring, nurturing environment is complemented by the state-of-the-art equipment it uses for internal medicine and advanced surgery, including digital radiology, ultrasound, in-house laboratory and laser therapy.

And to offer a continuum of care, there is an adjoining Paws at Play Resort & Daycare that offers overnight boarding, doggie daycare and grooming.

“We are able to uniquely meet the medical, physical and social needs of pets,” says Dr. Hechko.

North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws at Play Resort & Daycare are located at 9027 Ridge Road in North Royalton. Call 440-237-7691 for an appointment or visit NorthRoyaltonAnimalHospital.com for more information.