24/7 Excellence in Pet Care
Based in Plymouth Meeting, PA, Hickory Veterinary & Specialty Hospital offer around the clock emergency and critical care alongside primary care and advanced specialty medicine. With a dedicated team that recognises the challenge pet owners face when their animal needs emergency care, Hickory has built a veterinary ecosystem that makes access to specialist people and products available 24/7.
Leading the Pack
A family-owned practice for over 75 years, Hickory was founded by Dr. William J. Brown, VMD in 1956. His daughter, Nancy Brown, VMD, DACVS, DACVIM-Oncology then purchased Hickory in 1983 growing it from the one doctor practice it was then, to the state-of-the-art specialty hospital that it is today. Continuing the family tradition, Hickory’s third-generation owners William J. Kay Jr., VMD, DACVIM (Neurology) and his wife and partner, Tiffany Kay, VMD, CCRP purchased the hospital from his mother in 2020.
Their vision? To maintain the high standard of care and compassion that Hickory has always been known for while offering state-of-the art care around the clock.
The Challenge in Emergency Veterinary Care
Pets don’t wait for business hours. Sudden accidents, onset of neurological signs, cardiac emergencies, traumatic injury, or rapidly progressing illnesses can happen at any moment and, when they do, pet owners need:
- Immediate access to skilled specialists
- Advanced diagnostic tools (MRI, CT, etc.)
- Reliable, continuous care through emergencies, overnight stays
- Good communication with their regular/general vet and clear follow-up
Recognizing the need to meet this increased demand, the Kays set out to reinvent the practice. Their investment in staff, technology and equipment has opened the next chapter in the hospital’s journey.
What Hickory Provides
Five years down the line, Hickory’s distinguishing features include:
- 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care, year-round with inpatients monitored overnight by veterinary technicians plus an on-call doctor
- Broad Range of Specialty Services, including board-certified specialists in neurology/neurosurgery, surgery, cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology, behavior, rehabilitation and radiology
- Advanced Diagnostic & Surgical Tools / Techniques, especially in neurology: MRI, CT, CSF taps, biopsies and neurosurgical procedures
- Integrated Referral & Client Communication: Hickory offer referral forms, online portals, reports to referring vets and coordinated follow-ups
- Culture of Compassion & Continuous Improvement: already AAHA accredited the hospital is working toward Fear Free facility certification
What Sets Hickory Apart?
Combining primary care and 24/7 emergency and critical care with a wide range of board-certified specialty services, all under one roof, makes Hickory unique in several ways:
- Continuity of Care: Pets can stay with Hickory for routine check-ups, specialty referrals or emergencies and their owners don’t need to move between multiple facilities
- Always-on Expertise: Because Hickory is open 24/7 with advanced diagnostics and on-site specialists, they can handle complex or life-threatening cases quickly and confidently
- Specialist Knowledge: Neurology & neurosurgery (including advanced MRI imaging and surgical interventions) is a strong differentiator in the local area
- Commitment to Quality: As members of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) the practice is accredited. In addition, individuals are also moving toward Fear Free certification to reinforce a focus on clinical excellence and the patient and client experience
Although an impressive list, the Kays are adamant that it’s their people who make them special:
I believe you can do anything if you get a talented team in place.”
Tiffany Kay, VMD, CCRP
Why The Hallmarq Small Animal 1.5T MRI?
Unafraid to carve their own path, The Kays were keen to find an MRI machine that could deliver a better experience than their old system. Reliability was top of that list alongside customer support and the the superb image quality needed for a definitive diagnosis. That’s when they found Hallmarq!
For Hickory Veterinary & Specialty Hospital, a used ex-human machine wasn’t going to deliver on that list of criteria. When diagnosing small animal conditions that may require life-saving treatment, there can be no margin for error. Designed specifically for the anatomy of cats and dogs, and with technology that enables imaging of even the most difficult to reach areas, Hallmarq’s Small Animal 1.5T MRI provided the answer. With it’s unique zero-helium design and built in radio-frequency shield, installation is far less complex that most ex-human systems.
In addition to the product, people were an important factor too. For example, Hallmarq’s Remote Operation Service means that Hickory’s neurology team are supported by licensed veterinary technicians. Available when needed, and as an extension to their own team, easy remote access is invaluable. It ensures the best scans are performed if an in-house technologist is unable to be on site. The service has the benefit of maximizing both system uptime and staff efficiency.
The number of MRI patients seen by Hickory speaks for itself. Caseload has grown steadily since their service was established in January 2025. Just a year into offering 1.5T MRI, Hickory scanned 136 patients. The result is a faster diagnosis, happier pets (and owners), and an increased revenue stream.
What Next for Hickory?
As Hickory continues to evolve, the team are looking to a future that will include expanded diagnostic capabilities. There are plans to remodel the existing premises. Currently, the MRI machine is installed in a trailer which offers the perfect interim solution before it’s resited in a modular room. In addition, there are plans to enhance their telemedicine and referral outreach so that local vets can consult earlier. As has always been the case, they will continue to educate clients on when specialty and emergency care is needed.
With an appreciation of strength in numbers, Hickory has also recently become part of a larger specialty hospital group, partnering with Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, serving the Metro Philly area. This group offers an expanded network of operational and specialty support which will set the groundwork the hospitals continued future success.
However, in line with this desire to move forward, the Kays are adamant that the ethos instilled by Will’s mother and his grandfather will continue, with care and compassion always at the forefront of their decision making.
This veterinary practice has been here for a long time, and we’ve been working hard to make this a happier place for everybody. We’re providing the same high level of care, striving to do the very best we can for people and their pets, but I think people are going to see a big difference when they come here. It’s time to evolve.”
William J. Kay Jr., VMD, DACVIM (Neurology) HVSH
24/7 care may not be unique, but it is needed, and, with demand outstripping supply, Hickory Veterinary & Specialty Hospital meets that demand very nicely.
