North Royalton Animal Hospital has reinvented the vet visit while still remaining a partner in your pet’s care

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Dr. Adam Hechko’s North Royalton Animal Hospital offers contact-free check-in, where you can put your pets in a secured, fenced-in holding area outside and then a staff member will bring them in. And while the veterinarians are examining the pet, they can use FaceTime, texts or emails to communicate with pet owners to show families their findings and discuss plans. (Photogrpahy: Benjamin Marglit)

By Laura Briedis

Our pets help us cope better and ease our anxiety with every affectionate lick and wag of the tail,” says Dr. Adam Hechko, owner of North Royalton Animal Hospital. “During the stay-at-home period, pets became even better companions since we were not able to socialize with our friends and family, but they always remained by our side.”

Locally owned and operated since 1957, North Royalton Animal Hospital has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing quality medical care in a safe, clean, respectful and compassionate environment.

“We pride ourselves on being able to continue having that personal touch with our patients and families,” says Dr. Hechko. “Even though at times that may not be in-person, we are finding new ways to share our knowledge and communicate with pet owners to make sure they are comfortable with the care their pets are receiving.”

The hospital offers contact-free check-in, where people can put their pets in a secured, fenced-in holding area outside and then a staff member will bring them in. And while the veterinarians are examining the pet, they can use FaceTime, texts or emails to communicate with pet owners to show families their findings and discuss plans—remaining partners in their pet’s care.

The Paws at Play Resort & Daycare at North Royalton Animal Hospital is the only cage-free facility in the area that is supervised by a veterinarian. It provides a place where your dog can exercise and socialize—safely.

While the hospital remained open during the pandemic, the adjoining daycare, boarding and grooming facilities closed for several months before re-opening in May.

The Paws at Play Resort & Daycare is the only cage-free facility in the area that is supervised by a veterinarian. It provides a place where your dog can exercise and socialize.

“Currently, there is no evidence that pets can transfer Covid-19 to each other or to people,” says Dr. Hechko. “As always, we evaluate all our dogs on a daily basis to make sure they are healthy and that we create a safe, fun and interactive environment.”

If your pets are spending less time in social settings, Dr. Hechko recommends you spend more time playing with them at home or going for a walk with them to mentally and physically stimulate them because they also feel like they are being quarantined.

“A walk is a great way to maintain social distance and get out,” he says. “During a walk, dogs come across so many different scents and sounds that intrigue them, thus stimulating them. The same is true with having playtime at a doggie daycare. It is a great way for them to get exercise and needed stimulation, while having fun in a safe environment.”

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