David A. Hicks, VMD in Baltimore: Mixed-Animal Veterinary Care with Farm Experience
David A. Hicks, VMD operates a mixed-animal veterinary practice serving Baltimore and surrounding counties, with particular depth in large-animal and equine medicine alongside companion pet care. This combination is uncommon in the city proper, where most veterinarians focus exclusively on dogs and cats. Hicks brings credentials suited to clients who own horses, livestock, or a mix of species.
What David A. Hicks, VMD actually is
Hicks is a veterinarian licensed in Maryland with a mixed-animal scope. VMD (Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris) is equivalent to DVM and indicates a four-year veterinary degree. Mixed-animal practices typically handle dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds as well as horses, cattle, goats, and other farm species. This breadth is rare in Baltimore proper and most common in exurban or rural practices, making Hicks a logical choice for clients with properties outside the city who need one veterinarian for multiple species rather than separate specialists.
Services and pricing
The practice offers routine wellness exams, vaccinations, surgical procedures, and diagnostic services for both small and large animals. Specific pricing depends on the type of visit and species treated. Small-animal office exams typically range from $50 to $100 depending on complexity, with additional charges for diagnostics, procedures, and medications. Large-animal and equine calls are generally priced as field visits, which may include mileage and time; confirm current rates when scheduling. Wellness packages or annual plans are not advertised prominently, so inquire directly about discount structures if you maintain regular visits.
How it compares to other Baltimore veterinary options
Baltimore's veterinary landscape divides into specialists and general practitioners. Practices like Fells Point Animal Hospital focus on dogs and cats with extended hours and in-house surgical suites; these are appropriate if you own only companion pets and need evening or weekend access. Large animal veterinarians in the region—such as practitioners serving the Hunt Valley area—focus primarily on horses and livestock but often do not staff a separate small-animal clinic. Hicks bridges this gap, making it the logical choice for a household with both pets and horses or farm animals. If you own only dogs or cats and live within Baltimore city limits, a practice with evening hours and emergency protocols may be more convenient. If you own primarily horses and are further out, a dedicated equine clinic may have more specialized imaging or surgical equipment. Hicks is strongest for the mixed household and for clients who value continuity of care across species.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This practice is well-suited to clients with mixed-species households, property owners with horses or livestock, and those seeking veterinary care in the greater Baltimore area who want to consolidate their animal medical records with one provider. It is less appropriate for clients seeking 24-hour emergency services (confirm emergency protocols when you call), those in the city with only pets who need evening appointments, or those with exotic animals requiring specialist knowledge. If your horse needs advanced lameness diagnosis or your dog needs oncology, a referral to a specialist would be necessary.
What the first visit involves
Initial visits typically begin with a comprehensive history: age, medical background, vaccination status, and medications. The veterinarian performs a physical exam appropriate to the animal's species and age. For routine wellness, expect blood work and fecal screening; for a new patient, the vet may recommend these as a baseline. Bring vaccination records, previous medical records if available, and a list of current medications. The visit concludes with a plan for prevention (vaccines, parasite control) and a discussion of any concerns. Large-animal field calls may require scheduling in advance due to travel time.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Location and hours vary depending on whether Hicks operates from a fixed clinic facility or runs a mobile/ambulatory practice. Confirm the address, phone number, and hours directly, as these details change. If you are scheduling a farm visit for a horse or livestock, expect limited availability and possible travel surcharges. Street parking in Baltimore is typical for city practices; dedicated parking depends on facility location.
David A. Hicks, VMD fills a specific niche in Baltimore's veterinary market: competent mixed-animal care without requiring separate practitioners for different species. For the right household, this is both practical and cost-effective.
