Reviews of Hilltop Animal Hospital (Veterinarian)

Sylvia Calean

We took our very old dog there and didn't see our usual vet. Instead..a very young female which didn't seem to know anything except big fancy words kept us waiting far too long. I mentioned to her the wait was far too long to sit on the hard bench. We were told she was waiting for her coworker with more experience was going to look at the slides for diagnosis..which never happened.!! Exactly what we paid for was the girl poked the area with a needle. Come on folks...what is going on there?!! We will not return after years of good service.

Stephanie Kuhn

Dr. McNichols saved our dogs life! Roxy (3 year old Rottweiler) went into Addisonian crisis and hypothermia over a weekend. The team was able to immediately care for her and they were able to stabilize her from a coma-like state. Dr. McNichols knew that day Roxy's crisis would need round-the-clock monitoring with lots of diagnostic testing and suggested transport to the vet school. She was very diligent in communicating with the vet school during diagnosis and promptly sending Roxy's records to the vet school before we ever arrived and worked closely with the vet school during follow-up after Roxy was released. Now Roxy lives a happy and full life and Hilltop supports us every month for her to get supportive care. The staff is attentive, friendly and caring. My only complaint would be that doctors aren't available until about 9am and the office doesn't open until 8am - this was a problem on the day of our crisis when we arrived at 8am but Dr. McNichols came in early to attend to Roxy as quickly as she could. This makes it a wee difficult to drop off and still make it to work on time when most vet clinics open at 7:30am.

Jerome Slack

We switched to you a long time ago because we really liked the front reception. It was well run and always helpful.

Tommy Smith

Dr. Trotter is amazing!!!!! She is sympathetic for the pets and parents. She called to check on our dog over the weekend. On Sunday night at 9:30 she called us to check on how our dog was and what AVS after hours was doing. She called AVS and talked to Vet then called us about what she learned. Dr. Trotter is beyond words. She made dealing with a long and tough situation easier to deal with. I wish my personal doctors showed half the concern and care she shows.

Zee Bee

To find a special Doctor for a bunny is really difficult. We found Hilltop Hospital purely by accident through Gainesville Rabbit Rescue when our bunny was old enough to be spayed. Yes, they are a little bit of a ways out of Gainesville, BUT it is a drive well worth. The Doctors and staff we found at Hilltop go beyond their call of duty. We had many great visits to discuss our bunny's health and issues in the last 3 years. Doctor Laurie Jones cared for Muffin in this time and she was the most courteous, most friendly,and caring person we could have asked for. Unfortunately Muffin developed a very serious condition and she is no longer with us, but under the time she was part of our family, the Doctors and staff at Hilltop always handled us as family too. It always felt like we were not customers, but family members. They speak honestly and listen, offer advice and a shoulder to cry on when needed. Even when we did not have an appointment for Muffin, they accommodated us. We owe great years to Hilltop, their Doctors and Staff. Thank you for making our lives fuller by simply Caring and always providing the Best care!

Laura Roberts

I wanted to say thank you to everyone at Hilltop Animal Hospital for all the love and kindness that has been given to my cat throughout the years at your office. I always knew he was in the best of hands.

Johnny Roberts

I can't thank you guys enough for everything. You guys are so great with my little guy. Please keep up the great work. You are well worth any amount of drive.

Ann Werner

I highly recommend Hilltop Animal hospital. From the front office to the Drs and their assistants, everyone loves and cares for your fur babies. I researched several and called for prices around the Gainesville area and found Hilltop to be average priced. I have never had any issues getting an appt and the only time I had an emergency I was taken immediately. They even celebrate Halloween and Christmas with their patients and customers

Lu Ann Smith

Professional, highly skilled and caring people. My dogs love visiting.

Shane Bowlin

Best vets ever! Everyone at HILLTOP is nice and professional. Dr Jones and Dr McNichols truly care about their "furry" patients. I have no hesitation in recommendign them.

Kathy Fleming

Excellent and compassionate care for our dogs and cats over the years. Glad we found them.

Bill Herschleb

The veterinary technician and the veterinarian handled our dog with utmost professionalism. Gyp, our dog, is very athletic and active, yet the technician and veterinarian handled her with skill and care. Gyp’s visit today was her annual exam and included vaccinations and a blood test. Both professionals treated her as if she was their own pet. They also did a wonderful job explaining everything they did, and we left with a very good feeling about our pet care situation. We have taken our pets to Hilltop Animal Hospital for annual checkups and emergency care for more than 20 years and we have never been disappointed with their thorough and compassionate care.

Robert Klug

Doctor Jones and Staff are the best, yes, forget about the rest! We been going to Hilltop since 2004! Here is one of our "Pups" that were there for a check up...last week.

Kristina Tomlinson

We are new to Hilltop and absolutely love it! I have 1 dog and 2 cats. At each visit, my pets have received affection and treated with love. AJ does a great job comforting my nervous pets. I always leave there feeling thankful for the great service and never feel that I have been overcharged or misled by unnecessary medical treatments. Thank you to everyone at Hilltop!

Terry Myers

Very timely appt/check in & check out. Dr. McNichols is awesome-takes her time w/my Billy & didn't rush the appt. Gave him a full exam. She also explained the plan of treatment w/me, which I understood & agreed. Ty

Ashley Price

We brought our first puppy to Hilltop Animal Hospital. Their staff has been able to answer all the questions we have, and they have been very patient with us, as well as being very professional. Great care and excellent followup!

Frank Freeman

I called to bring my dog in for accidental poisoning. I was put on hold for 15 minutes then disconnected. When I called back I heard the phone pick up and then hang up again. If you have a pet emergency this is not the place.

Mary E Parada

These people shouldn't be allowed to see any animals...my precious Belle is gone because they overdosed her!

Cathy Sharp

We have been bringing all of our pets to Dr. Jones and her associates for 15+ years, and have always had the very best of care. The staff is amazing, the vets are the best. From puppies all the way up to end-of-life, we wouldn't trust anyone else with our dear pups, cats, bunnies. We have had dogs with many medical issues; cataracts, glaucoma, seizures, allergies, etc., and the level of care they have received has been miraculous. Recently Dr. Trotter attended to our lab rescue and was so helpful with his ear infection. Duncan loved her! We love Dr. Trotter! It's a win-win for everyone!! We are forever grateful to this animal clinic.

Candace Mansingh

I have used them for all my pet care needs for over 10 years. They are a wonderful group. Even my skiddish and extramly nervous 60pd pup loves thems.

Laurel Greene

Compassionate care for my best friends. Clear follow up instructions. Reasonable costs. Friendly and helpful staff.

Sara Hester

I Do Not Recommend Any Pet Owners To Subject Their Loving Animals To This " Establishment". I have been to the Hilltop Animal Hospital and in my one week attendance there as a Kennel Tech. I witnessed several missteps at this establishment by William the Kennel Manager. He is a quick tempered man with no regard as to how the animals are feeling. It's not that he does not know it is the fact that he does not care, with the exception of Chihuahuas. Almost every dog that I have witnessed him bath has been slapped for one reason or another and, on one occasion he spat his dip spit on a dog. As well, every time that the dogs misbehave in some way while he is trying to take their weight I have seen him not only slap them during that process but yank on the purple chock collars for just about every dog that weighs more than 25 lbs. So if you are not fond of your pet I highly recommend you send them to Hilltop Animal Hospital because they have no problems with the mistreatment of animals as well as their general comfort.

Debi Powell

Hilltop Animal Hospital is such an amazing place! We have three animals and trust the staff there with all of their medical needs! Dr Griffin is amazing, as are all of the Vets there! The front office staff, and the techs are so friendly, helpful and obviously love animals. We highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for a fantastic Veterinary for your loved 4 legged family members!

Natalie Vinson

This is our second trip to Hilltop for our dog, Butterball. Butterball is not a great patient and very scared of pretty much any stranger. The staff at Hilltop have always taken their time with him and gone out of their way to make him comfortable in a very stressful environment. The docs and staff are always sympathetic and encouraging with me as a doggy parent working with a difficult pup. We have seen Dr Jack and Dr Jones now and both have been great. We just moved to Alachua and I don’t feel any need to try other vets after our two experiences here.

Katherine Rothgeb

Love the entire staff. So caring and helpful. Dr McNichol an ace with my kitties. Dr. Jones among the best in the business. Thank you all.

Sharon61Sunshine

We’ve taken our 3 babies to Dr. L. Jones and Dr. L. McNichols for over 5 years and they’ve never failed our family pets as yet.

Christina Vaughn

Love the staff at Hilltop, and the care. Dr. McNichols took a great deal of time caring for our new kitty, which we appreciated. She didn’t seemed rushed at all and was very kind.

Tiara W

I had been taking our dog to Hilltop since we adopted her in February, because they were her original vet. She has very sensitive skin. She started to get scabby lesions - the scabs would fall of leaving a moist, red, irritated patch on her back. I took her in two Hilltop twice, spent $500 for two visits - the initial visit where a few tests were done, and then the second visit where I was prescribed topical ointment, medicated shampoo, and a pill all at once, which totaled just under $300 for the one visit. Her condition has only stayed the same and recently gotten worse. On top of that, nothing was ever really explained to me as to the WHY behind what is happening. Things just weren’t explained well. I came in and left feeling like I knew nothing more than I knew when I arrived and after paying so much $. One charge was a heart worm test, which I understand. The doctor was very sweet to my dog, which I appreciated. Now, our dog developed a terrible rash on her belly. Frustrated with Hilltop, I decided to take her to Lake City Animal Hospital for a second opinion. After ONE 30 minute visit, I feel like I know the what, the why, and the possible solutions. The new meds we were prescribed are actually clearing up her spots and rash, and she’s no longer itching at all after two days. The initial appointment? $108. I feel like I paid Hilltop quite a lot of money for trial and error only. The front office staff is very rude, except one girl. They are always pushing Hilltop brand everything, anytime I asked any kind of brand specific question. Overall, I’m happy with my decision to move our dog away from Hilltop.

Kari Baggett

We have been coming to Hilltop for many years and have never had any bad experiences. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Clean atmosphere. Your pets are treated extremely well and they strive to help in every way they can!

Elizabeth Halloran

Great staff and Dr Jones is amazing! The best! I would highly recommend Hilltop!

Karen Moore

So glad we found this place....as a former veterinary technician, I have worked in exceptional clinics and ones that were downright unethical...I tend to be very, very picky with who treats my pets. Dr. Wilkening and the vet techs here are top notch....some of the very best I have ever seen. They have always been compassionate, friendly and always treat my pets as if they were their own. The doctors are very knowledgeable and skilled....and actually listen and care about what I think, too. The whole experience at Hilltop makes me feel like me & my pets are part of the family -- LOVE THEM!!!!!

John Estes

Great Small Animal vet. Personal service, all staff very empathic to pets and owners. Recommend to all!

Lenora Steadman

Great service every time we go. Friendly and clean environment.

Cindy Pearce

Hilltop Animal Hospital is the best!

Nancy L

I recommend Hilltop to anyone looking for a very competent, caring practice. My dog is nearly 15 and has been a patient here for 13 years. I especially appreciate that while the exam is thorough and advice and care are comprehensive, there is none of the "pushing" for extras that may not be needed, which I have experienced with other practices with previous pets. Further, the customer service is excellent from all staff.

Nicole Speer

I take my bunnies and to this vet and I appreciate Ms. Jones expertise. I had my sweet bunny, Bugsey, schedule for a costly procedure to correct his teary eye and instead of going through with the surgery she gave him an anti-inflammatory medication to avoid the risk of surgery. She is a very honest and reputable vet.

Aubrey Rehberg

I hate that I had to even give them a 1 on how I rated them. I had a perfectly healthy puppy that they gave a cocktail of shots that NEVER should of been given at the same time, much less to a 12 week old puppy. She ended up having to be hospitalized at UF for 3 days & then put to sleep. She was a sweet & very cuddly little girl that did not deserve to die the way she did. My family is totally devastated & would NEVER trust this vet hospital with an animal again!

Jamie Shrum

I recently had to get two of my pets in for bordetella vaccines so we could board them while out of town. Even though it was the holidays, they had me come right down, gave them their doses and we were out of there in ten minutes. Great experience and always completely satisfied with Hilltop. All my dogs have been going there for over 10 years.

None Ya

Dr. Jones and McNichols are absolutely wonderful!!! They go well above and beyond to care for my doggie and inform me of services. Thank you Dr McNichols and Dr. Jones for loving and caring for "chuck" as if he were your own. It certainly does not go unnoticed and we appreciate you!!!

Valerie Thomas

While travelling out of town, our small dog became ill with diarrhea that lasted for three days. We were very worried about her and called our vet at Hilltop from the road to find out what we should do to help her. Dr. McNichols could not have been nicer, and gave me several suggestions about relief measures. We were in our vehicle driving and you can imagine how stressful it was to be travelling with an ill pet! We stopped at the next available place and purchased what we needed. Sally was better within an hour or so and we were so grateful for the kind and professional advice. Thank you!

Theresa Herring

thanks to everyone it is such a pleasure to know we have so many that care about our loved ones as well as the owners. having to just put my corgi down everyone made the time of departure eaiser with there love and care, thanks again to have a loving pet family.

Bob Wolnewitz

Dr. Jones and her staff have taken care of four dogs for many years. She treats them like her own and is exceptional. When we lost one of them earlier this year, we couldn't have asked for a more understanding and compassionate way of handling our difficult situation. I highly recommend them to anyone.

Andrea Moore

We have been clients of Hilltop for several years. We also boarded our dogs there until our older dog, Luna, for some reason began to have seizures when she walked through the door. At first we thought it was a fluke, but today when we took her and our other dog Annie in, Luna who was supposed to get her nails trimmed, started going into a seizure again. My husband took Luna outside and was able to distract her such that Luna's seizure subsided. I asked the front desk if they would go outside to trim Luna's nails, and they said "No". I will be the first to acknowledge that our babies can be a little high strung, but I would expect that staff at Hilltop would be able to accommodate our "special needs" girl - Luna. Such was not the case and we will never return to this facility. My recommendation to anyone who has a dog such as our baby, Luna, stay as far away from Hilltop Animal Hospital as you can. Truly disappointed in the front office staff who looked at us like we were disrupting their Monday morning. Good riddance!! Andrea and Dustin Moore

Robin Choudhury

Very kind, I brought my rabbit here and she passed on the ride up and they still checked on her. Everyone patient and understanding

Lele Mason

We had an emergency with our dog and our regular vet said "our schedule is full take her somewhere else" they suggested Hilltop. Hilltop and Dr. Jones saw us immediately, and though sadly, our precious "Sissy" had to be euthanized Dr. Jones and the staff were all just so kind. Hilltop is now our Vet Hospital and Dr. Jones is now our Vet. Highly recommend them to any and all. Plus they charged us much less than our old Vet hospital did.

Annemarie Olsen

My heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hilltop Animal Hospital for all the love you give to my dog. My dog loves the staff, they take excellent care of him.

Heather Thomas

I came in because after 3 days my dog was still in labor I was told that a c section needed to be preformed on my dog that she had 3 puppies still in here and they were all still alive.....920 dollars and 3 dead puppies and a few hours I finally left they told me to bring my dog back 7-14 days to have the staples taken out. ..But they are coming out on their own because she wasn't stapled the right way so she just has random staples that are not holding anything together I wish I could post pictures to show you but it wont let me .

Janet Austin

I’ve used their services for 20 years. No nonsense and extremely competent care. Great staff too

Alec Siciliano

I would give Hilltop Animal Hospital 10 stars if they were available. I had to find a new Vet at a very crucial time for me. My Yellow Lab, who has been my shadow for nearly 14 years, is experiencing serious Orthopedic issues, and I am picking up an English Shepherd puppy in 8 weeks. I am working with a top breeder, Green Mountain English Shepherds in NC, and so it was also important to me that they were comfortable with the new Vet that I will be using. First off, the Facility is absolutely First Class. They actually have a waiting area for both Cat Owners, and Dog Owners. Their Senior Tech, Mario gave me a very thorough tour. I was shown the Pet Treatment area, the Surgery Suite and their Kennel Facilities. Again, all first rate. I also met with their Kennel Director, and between the conditions and the caring personality of the director, I would feel very comfortable boarding my animals at Hilltop. I then met with the owner, Dr Laurie Johnson. She had taken the time to fully review my Lab "Monty" Medical Records, gave me her full attention, and provided me a good idea how she will treat Monty during this difficult time. I was also amazed at how reasonable their rates for Treatment were. In conclusion, I am bringing Monty in for an Appointment in two days. I look forward to a long relationship with Hilltop and their staff. I would also like to thank Amy and Jessica for their time and attention. I live in Gainesville and it takes 15 minutes to get to Hilltop. I would drive even further based on what I've seen and the glowing recommendation I received from a longtime client of Hilltop.

Susan Swilley

Thank You from us and our puppy! Our puppy is so excited to go for boarding and they play with him when he walks in the door. I know that he gets attention and care while there or he would not be so eager to see them.

Sara Matthews

They have been nothing but amazing throughout the years we have been going there!

Sam Borgert

Excellent boarding service every time I go there!

Christine H

We were traveling through the area with our dog who was recently in a car accident so he had many abrasions on his body. During travel, he had an accident in his crate and the sweet staff of Hilltop took him in and cleaned him up with extra care. We were impressed with the front desk staff as well as the person who bathed and took such nice care of our dog. We'd recommend this animal hospital.

Sarah Futch

My puppy had gotten bit by another dog and they were able to take me early the next morning. They were very nice and amazing with my puppy, they even called the next day to check on him. I would defiantly recommend them to someone.

Tina Januszewski

Hilltop is Great!!! I have been taking my pets here for over 10 years! The staff is always pleasant and friendly! I love the way they treat my pets!

Delia Raulerson

Always friendly service and available to help. Dr. Trotter was amazing and connected so well with my dog, and eased my nerves about the dental surgery.

Matt Avinger

Best place to take your pets! The staff is always friendly and helpful!

Kevin Rockmore

Dr. Jones has always been SO kind and considerate to me and my animals. I thought I would let you know how much we appreciate you. Thanks!

Cheryl Mullins

Had deluxe wash for Maddie. Very fast and excellent trim on nails. So much better than last trim. The technician/handler was great!

Tierney Martin

Always so patient, helpful, and polite every time we visit! I highly recommend them!

Judy Getts

Our fur babies are an important part of our family, so we take them where they are handled with care. We trust the doctors at Hilltop Animal Hospital and staff. We appreciate them very much and recommend them to others.

Jane Smith

I've been bringing my dog to Hilltop Animal Hospital since they opened in 2000 and have had nothing but wonderful experiences there. I bring my baby (a 50lb mixed breed nervous boy who HATES baths!!! LOL) for baths at least once a month and the kennel technicians that bathe him have been a godsend! In the beginning they went above and beyond to work with his fear and would take extra time to coax him into the bath....I am happy to say that he now DRAGS me into the animal hospital so he can see one of his favorites techs, William. Now that my big baby is elderly (14 years this December!! must be the awesome medical care he's received ;).....it is one of the few times I get to see him act like a puppy again --- Thank you so much :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Kids Reynolds

Wouldn't take my doberman anywhere else.

tara malzahn

Very professional, very clean place, excellent with my pets :)

Chelsea Brown

By far the BEST vet I have ever been to. They listen, care and answer any questions you may have. The first vet I've used that I truly feel they care about the well being of my animal and not getting money out of me. Five stars all around!!!!!

Kathy Lovelace

Great care and good advice the care of my animals.

Sam G

Dr. Knight-Thomas is new to the practice and I already love her. She was very knowledgeable about bunnies as well as compassionate toward their care. I’m so thankful Dr. Jones brought her into the practice that serves so many little rescues.

Sue Evans

The vets and their staff are wonderful. They are professional and efficient. I appreciate everything they have done for my sweet geriatric Minpin. She is nearly 17 yrs old and doing very well thanks to Dr. Jones and hr crew.

Dana King

Our heart felt thanks to everyone at Hilltop Animal Hospital for all the tender loving care you gave to our pet. You were all his friends and he loved seeing you. Thanks for the perfect grooming.

Jacqueline Monck

Hilltop Animal Hospital may be the best in the entire Alachua County area. I came in with an emergency, scheduled at the last minute, and they were accommodating in every regard. The staff is very kind and knowledgeable, the vet I saw was amazing, and my kitty was a happy camper through the entire visit. Their facility is new and impeccably clean. They're a little bit of a drive from Gainesville, but so, so worth it. I will be returning, and recommending to all of my friends and associates.

Keith Vermillion

The vet missed diagnosed my dogs severed tendon for two weeks and only prescribed pain and antiinflammatories. Finally, I went to a different vet and within one minute was able to determine the tendon in the leg was severed. Due to the two weeks of misdiagnosis the tendon retracted and thus more extensive surgery and costs. The vet nor the office ever followed up on her but yet they wanted their $400 plus bill paid. The vet sent a survey afterwards and I wrote my concerns and complaints. Again, no follow-up from any staff, office manager or the vet who misdiagnosed the injury. I will never go back to that office. More than likely their response to this review will be their typical response - We strive to......Blah, blah, blah. You certainly didn't care then and you probably don't really care now which is evident by your lack of follow-up to the injury and to the poor survey I completed.