By Selean Holmes
The Harriet Group Consulting Services
The opening of Cincinnati’s newest PetVet365 Veterinarian Hospital in Hyde Park was a festive occasion complete with whimsical dog hats, dog shaped balloons, giveaways and treats for pets and parents.
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney led the ribbon cutting ceremony along with the owner and veterinarian Dr. Amber-Rene Hickson, DVM.
The beautifully appointed waiting areas for pets and parents feel like home. The State of the art surgical lab and examination rooms are equally impressive. As one of the few Black-owned businesses located in the Hyde Park Plaza on Paxton Avenue, not to be confused with Hyde Park Square, this new business is sure to enhance the community.
African American veterinarians are hard to find in Cincinnati and according to a 2020 employment study, there are less than 830 Black veterinarians practicing in the United States.
Dr. Amber-Renee Hickson, DVM, Owner & Veterinarian of the Hyde Park PetVet365 Hospital. Photo provided 
Linda Hickson, mother of the owner with family friend and Amber’s mentor Dr. Ralph P. Brown, DVM, Retired Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer, USDA. Photo by Selean Holmes 
Children attending the opening enjoyed Kona Ice drinks, doggie hats, and more. Photo provided 
Staff, Left to right Samantha Carroll, Brandy Hale, Hailea Pike and Ashley Egan. Photo provided 
Dr. Hickson with interim Vet, Dr. Iheoma Ehie in client waiting room. Photo by Selean Holmes
With 16 years of experience, Dr. Hickson earned her credentials from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her diverse team rises to the daily challenge of providing services to create healthier pets and happier clients. The team is creating a future where pets and our clients have a “Fear Free” experience while receiving the highest quality of care. That is why they wear scrubs uniforms instead of the white coat. Driven by the belief that “clients and their pets are waiting” and there is no time to waste, they blend the heart, science and ingenuity to discover and develop medical solutions that deliver the best care available for the pet. The PetVet365 network of locally owned hospitals works together as a team to provide the highest level of care to every pet 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Dr. Kate Smith, Founder of PetVet365, serves as a Pod Leader to locations in Florence, Newport, and Anderson, and now Hyde Park. There are hospitals in other states as well. The customized services offer innovative medical treatment including preventative, urgent, advanced, dental, surgical and behavioral services. They also offer adoption services.
Dr. Hickson is a resident of North Avondale, mother of two and wife to Ellery Lewis, P&G Service Operations Manager. Their family dog is Simone, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For more information contact Dr. Hickson’s right hand and Hospital Lead, Samantha Carroll at 513 394-6224 or visit online at PetVet365.com.
