Welcome

Compassionate Care for Your Pets at Home

Our Journey

From Idea to Reality: The Splendid Pet Story

Splendid Pet was founded by Dr. Darah Himmelhoch, who envisioned a mobile veterinary practice that prioritizes convenience and personalized care. At its inception, the practice serves the Fox Chapel, O’Hara Township, and Oakmont areas. With a commitment to preventive medicine and wellness, Splendid Pet has established itself as a trusted partner in pet health, adapting to the evolving needs of our community.

Who We Are

Dedicated to Your Pets’ Health and Happiness

At Splendid Pet, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional in-home veterinary care tailored to the unique needs of your pets. Dr. Darah Himmelhoch’s objective is to help clients ensure their beloved dogs and cats receive routine wellness checks, vaccinations, and necessary treatments without the stress of traditional veterinary visits. Our clients appreciate the convenience and personalized approach to their pets’ healthcare.

Splendid Pet builds lasting relationships with clients by delivering routine care and addressing specific health concerns in the comfort of home. Our focus on regular preventive medicine and wellness care visits lends itself to owner peace of mind and healthier, happier pets.

Mission

To provide compassionate and convenient veterinary care that enhances the health and well-being of pets in their own homes.

Vision

To be the leading mobile veterinary service that families trust for exceptional, personalized pet care and health solutions.

Value

We value compassion, integrity, and innovation, ensuring that every pet receives the highest standard of care and love during our visits.

Meet Dr. Darah Himmelhoch

Dr. Himmelhoch grew up in the Fox Chapel area with her parents and three sisters. She came by her love of animals honestly – her family always had dogs, cats and the occasional pocket pet in their home.

Dr. Himmelhoch earned a BA in Biology at Swarthmore College and graduated with an MBA from the University of Chicago. The following years saw her in many roles, including stints as a Director of a marine mammal rescue in Orange County, California and as owner/operator of a pet-sitting business.

In 2012, Dr. Himmelhoch achieved several childhood dreams when she graduated with Honours from the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary Science in Australia. She worked as a small animal vet in Kenora, a small town in far Northwestern Ontario, Canada. In 2015, she returned to Pittsburgh, where she worked at Harts Run Veterinary Hospital for nearly 8 years. Over the past 2 years, Dr. Himmelhoch has worked as a relief veterinarian in Pittsburgh and Central and Western Pennsylvania. Her interests in preventative/wellness care, client education and relationship-building inspired her to meet and treat pets where they are happiest – in their own homes.

In her free time, Dr. Himmelhoch enjoys the company of her four cats – Izzy, Stella, Katinka and Lilah Mae – and her rescue Vizsla, Wren. Dr. Himmelhoch loves birdwatching, the outdoors, wildlife viewing and travel with family and friends. She enjoys speaking foreign languages poorly, and reading trashy novels and non-fiction.

What Our Clients Say

Dr. Himmelhoch has been our go-to veterinarian for our two little dogs all of their lives. She was our veterinarian for our prior grand lady, and she was instrumental in keeping her alive and playful for over a year after a diagnosis of kidney failure. She is unbelievably kind and personable. She not only cares about humans. It is obvious that she cares about the pets. She has a very practical approach to caring for our dogs. Unlike other veterinarians that we've seen who immediately want to schedule expensive tests, she has sometimes taken a wait and see attitude and has always been right. As long as we are in Pittsburgh and she is practicing veterinary medicine, she will be our vet.

Fox Chapel Resident

I have nothing but great. things to say about Dr. Himmelhoch. She has always been amazing with all 4 of my dogs and both cats. I am a very overbearing pet Mom. So having a Doctor that will not overlook things that seem small is a big relief. Dr. Himmelhoch has always had an answer, whether she pulls the info out of her enormous mind dictionary, or, if she doesn't know, she has always located resources for me to look into. She is honest and kind, and always does what she can to make her patients happy and healthy.

The Lewis Family, Oakmont

Dr. Himmelhoch is truly exceptional! She has cared for two of our dogs over the past 10 years. I've always been impressed with her knowledge and compassion. She communicates treatment options clearly and is responsive to any follow up questions. I highly recommend Dr. Himmelhoch to anyone looking for a veterinarian who truly cares about the well-being of their pet.

Diane Markovitz, Oakmont