Dr. Jennifer Hillegas

Dr. Jennifer Hillegas is a distinguished veterinarian practicing at VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst, located at 3921 Main St, Amherst, NY 14226, USA. As part of the extensive VCA Animal Hospitals network, this facility falls under the "Pet Hospital" category, offering a wide array of veterinary services and goods to the local community in Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, and Tonawanda. Dr. Hillegas herself is consistently lauded by clients for her exceptional blend of knowledge, genuine interest in pet welfare, and compassionate approach, making her a highly sought-after veterinarian in the region. The hospital can be reached at (716) 832-2800 or +1 716-832-2800.

The environment at VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst is designed to provide a welcoming and professional setting for pets and their owners. As part of the VCA family, the hospital adheres to high standards of facility maintenance and patient care. While specific interior design details are not widely advertised, a typical VCA hospital features well-maintained examination rooms, a dedicated surgical suite with sterile conditions, areas for advanced diagnostic imaging, an in-house laboratory for quick test results, and comfortable waiting areas. The reviews consistently praise the "all persons involved" from "secretaries up to the top," indicating a friendly and supportive atmosphere throughout the hospital, which is crucial for reducing stress for both pets and their owners during veterinary visits. The facility is designed to accommodate various animals, primarily dogs and cats, ensuring they receive care in an environment suited to their needs. Furthermore, the hospital is committed to creating a "Fear Free" and "Low Stress Handling" environment, meaning they employ techniques to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress for pets during their visits, making the experience more positive for all.

VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst, with Dr. Jennifer Hillegas as a key practitioner, offers a comprehensive suite of veterinary services to address virtually every aspect of pet health. These services include:

• Advanced Care and Diagnostics: The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to provide thorough and accurate assessments. This includes digital radiology for detailed imaging of internal structures, echocardiography for heart health evaluations, and specialized orthopedic imaging like OFA X-rays and PennHip evaluations for hip and elbow dysplasia screening. They also offer cardiology services for heart conditions and ophthalmology for eye-related issues. Their in-house laboratory allows for rapid analysis of blood, urine, and fecal samples, aiding in quick diagnosis and treatment. They also offer dermatology services for skin and coat issues.
• General and Internal Medicine: They manage a wide range of medical conditions, from common illnesses to complex internal diseases. This includes thorough examinations, preventative care, and management of chronic conditions.
• Preventative and Wellness Care: A cornerstone of their practice, focusing on keeping pets healthy and preventing disease. This includes routine wellness exams, tailored vaccination programs (including for puppies and kittens), parasite control (deworming), and microchipping for identification and safety. They also offer adult and senior wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of pets at different life stages.
• Pet Counseling: Understanding that pet ownership involves more than just medical care, they offer behavior counseling to address various behavioral issues and nutritional counseling to ensure pets receive appropriate diets for their specific needs, age, and health conditions.
• Dental Care: Comprehensive dental services are provided, recognizing the importance of oral health for overall well-being. This includes professional dental cleaning, dental X-rays, extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease. Video otoscopy is also available for detailed ear examinations.
• Routine and Soft Tissue Surgery: The hospital performs a variety of surgical procedures, from routine spays and neuters to more complex soft tissue surgeries (including urogenital, reproductive, upper airway, mass removal, and ophthalmic). Their focus is on patient safety, pain management, and employing current surgical practices to ensure the best possible outcomes. They have an in-office surgical suite.
• Cold Laser Therapy: Utilizing advanced technology, they offer Cold Laser Therapy (often referred to as Class IV laser therapy or MLS Laser Therapy) for pain management, reducing inflammation, and accelerating the healing process for various conditions, including arthritis, wounds, and post-surgical recovery.
• Emergency Care: While not a 24/7 emergency-only hospital, they do provide emergency care during their operating hours for urgent medical situations. They are a full-service animal hospital that welcomes dogs and cats for emergency treatment cases. For after-hours emergencies, they can provide referrals to dedicated 24/7 emergency veterinary facilities.
• Hospice Care: Offering compassionate end-of-life care for pets facing terminal illnesses or age-related decline, focusing on pain management and comfort, and providing support to pet owners during this difficult time.

The distinguishing features of VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst, particularly highlighted by the glowing reviews of Dr. Jennifer Hillegas, revolve around the quality of its veterinary professionals and its commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care. Dr. Hillegas herself is described as "knowledgeable, interesting in her explanations, interested in what you think, and always seems up to speed on recent research studies." This speaks to a practice that values continuous learning and client education. Her ability to be "ALL of those and more" – a good technician, researcher, and someone with a knack for warming to animals – is a testament to the holistic approach taken by the hospital. The sentiment that she "will meet you where you are, as a pet owner," and her genuine, intelligent communication style are invaluable features that foster trust and provide immense comfort to clients. The fact that a client travels 16 miles specifically for her care, and that she even made a house call for a beloved Doberman, speaks volumes about her dedication and the exceptional bond she forms with her patients and their families.

Furthermore, the hospital's accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) signifies adherence to the highest standards of veterinary excellence, encompassing areas like facility, equipment, patient care, and continuing education (they are routinely evaluated on over 900 different standards). Being "Cat Friendly" certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) also indicates a commitment to creating a less stressful environment specifically for feline patients, addressing their unique needs. The in-house capabilities for diagnostics like digital radiology and an in-house laboratory ensure faster results and more efficient treatment planning. Their varied hours, including evening appointments on Wednesdays until 8 pm and Saturday hours, cater to busy pet owners, making quality veterinary care accessible. The hospital is also a Low Stress Handling™ certified practice, continually working to reduce fear and anxiety in their patients.

In terms of promotional information, VCA Blue Cross Animal Hospital of Amherst, as part of the VCA network, actively promotes a "FREE First Exam" for new clients, which is a significant introductory offer encouraging initial visits. This offer applies to the wellness exam fee for one pet per household and is designed to introduce new pet owners to their high-quality care. They also offer online appointment booking and prescription refills, enhancing convenience for pet owners. The VCA MyVCA app and online portal allow clients to manage their pet's healthcare, track vaccine status, and access live chat support, demonstrating a commitment to modern client engagement and support. VCA hospitals generally accept various payment options, including pet insurance and third-party financing solutions like CareCredit and Scratchpay, which are often promoted as ways to help manage veterinary costs. While not explicitly stated as promotions for this specific location, these are standard offerings across VCA hospitals to make care more affordable and accessible. The powerful testimonials from clients, such as the one detailing Dr. Hillegas's compassionate care for a Doberman from puppyhood to "the rainbow" and her willingness to make house calls, serve as the most compelling promotion, showcasing the profound impact the veterinary team has on their clients' lives. The consistent praise for the entire staff, from receptionists to veterinarians, emphasizes a unified, client-focused approach to pet care. They actively invite potential new clients to contact them with any questions, demonstrating their welcoming and supportive nature.