Riverside Animal Clinic & Holistic Center

Matt Van Vleet

2024-05

I can’t say enough about Dr C and his amazing team. You couldn’t get more attentive or honest aid for your fur family members needs.All is well. Thank you for the amazing attention and support, especially Carrie (sp?) and Dr C, as usual.You are all great at setting one's mind at ease about any topic Ive brought up. in this case my decision to neuter our nearly two year old male GSD or hold off another year - IF we neuter him.There is also an ovary / hormone sparing spay option for the girl pups. I regret we did not wait and go that route…Holistic options are encouraged, (thankfully) but I’ve found that nothing is ever presented as the ONLY option or “be all and end all” choice.Having worked with and around many vets in my nearly half century of life, I can confidently say that you cannot go wrong at Riverside!Bravo, Team Riverside!

Alan B

2024-02

A great deal of care went into Dr Carlson’s exam of our pup… honest investigating to determine the cause with the best way to proceed in mind.Staff is courteous and kind - especially the feline who hangs out with the receptionist. 😄Thank you Riverside.

Anna

2024-02

Both of my dogs have been patients of Dr. Carlson since I got them and I wouldn't take them anywhere else. Dr. Carlson and his entire staff (especially Carrie and Kathy) are amazing. They are always friendly and beyond helpful.When my dog had an ACL injury, Dr. Carlson helped us with a holistic/natural approach to avoid surgery. With his methods and guidance, my dog is recovering beautifully. If I have questions, I know I can call and get the answers. The holistic route is not everyone's preferred method, but it was and is exactly what I am looking for and I can't say enough good things about Dr. Carlson and his team.

j water

2023-12

First time customer here. The animal hospital is super clean. They carry a variety of special dog foods one is not able to find at other pet food stores. They also have a doggy playroom that pet owners can use to play with their pets. The animal hospital didn’t smell like some boarding facilities do with large areas. It was also light and bright. I was super impressed. I cannot speak for veterinarian care as my pets have not been seen here. I would definitely recommend for pet food products - such as farmina - varieties you cannot find elsewhere

Geri Dunkley

2024-03

Dr. Carlson at Riverside Animal Clinic in McHenry is a very kind and caring doctor. He is wonderful and gentle with our very senior cat. Great at diagnosing and explaining everything. The staff does all they can to assist you and your Pet. Highly recommend this clinic.

Krista Piwonka

2023-05

Our 13 year old mini schnauzer was running a high fever over the weekend. We called our vet of 17 years 1st thing Monday & were told they had no room in the schedule & to go to the ER. The ER had a 3-4hr wait. My friend suggested trying Dr. Carlson. Even as a new patient, we got an appointment right away & he treated our dog on the spot. Dr. Carlson explained everything & we tried our best with multiple visits over 2 days ultimately putting our beloved boy down. The care, compassion, & professionalism of everyone was over & beyond. They made us feel as though Major always been cared for by them. Even the young man who was cleaning the floors stopped, grabbed us extra chairs & Kleenex. We are so eternally grateful & will be switching for our cat’s future care.

daniel zarletti

2021-05

We have a very allergic pit bull boxer mix, and at one point we didn't know what to feed her. Dr Carlson and his team always have excellent recommendations that have fantastic results. Small back stories Lucy gets a skin rash, it may be from season change or something she found on the floor. They get bad and she gets itchy and starts to lose hair on her belly. We were recommended some bath soap and herbs to help her rash. And we have done SRT scans and now know her allergies. Holistic is the way to go and this team is the only one that could actually help this little member of my family. The pictures reflect 3 weeks of the recommendations we received from Riverside animal clinic.

Denise Kleich

2024-01

We had an emergency they got us in right away when other places told us 2 week wait. I appreciate you taking us immediately as a first time patient when others didn’t. Thank you for saving my dogs life! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Bethany Bratley

2024-01

I was Sickened when i heard from a friend that they do declawing here. Laser or not it’s still a horrible practice to do on an animal! Glad i found out before going or recommending friends n family! You have a video even posted on your website. Corporate vets have even stopped this practice! This is not holistic!

Gretchen Pembrook

2023-08

There is truly no higher standard for veterinarian practice than Riverside Animal Clinic! We have brought our two dogs for vaccines/standard appointments to keep UTD and emergency appointments with incredible experiences every time. Dr Carlson is professional, succinct and patient in answering questions. The vet tech Carrie (spelling?) is a sweetheart and really takes time out of her day to make you and your pets feel seen and cared for. Not to mention the fantastic reception and whoever it is that answers texts on evenings and weekends; the staff are top notch! We are so thankful to be clients here and will continue to refer family and friends. Thank you for all you do for Ryder and Sky!!

Kelsey Coonce

2023-08

We have taken our dogs to Riverside for many years, along with my in-laws. We had two Boston terriers that Dr Carlson and team helped us take care of until they crossed the rainbow. Last April we welcomed two french bulldog girls into our family. Riverside has been taking great care of our girls. One recently had a hive outbreak and they were able to squeeze us in same day and my baby was feeling better that night!

Kim Diersen

2023-08

Dr. Carlson is an amazingly caring doctor who seeks to offer balanced care in both the traditional realms and the holistic realms of healing. He also understands that not all people want to spend $1000 on testing before getting a diagnosis and a treatment path. I appreciated that recently when my dog collapsed and had a major health episode. He discussed many routes of testing and treatment and reassured me in my decision while still showing respect for my decision with regards to my dog. Don’t ever retire Dr. Carlson, I don’t know what I will do without you! Thank you for staying true to yourself.

Megan Borreson

2023-11

Dr Carlson has a very peaceful and caring demeanor. You can tell he also really cares about the health and wellness of animals. The vet tech was very nice also! Would recommend!

Tanya Ernst

2023-08

They helped me help my dog the way that I felt comfortable with while providing veterinary expertise and counsel. Very easy to communicate with the staff.

Autumn

2023-06

Words can't express how grateful we are that we found this clinic and Dr.Carlson. My 4 year old dog tore her ACL and I wanted to make sure we did everything we could to support her healing process. He answered all of our questions and was more knowledgeable than any vet I have taken my dog to. He was patient, kind, and caring. He has a great understanding of western medicine along with eastern medicine. I am truly grateful I found this clinic and highly recommend it.

Lisa Hagenbuch

2024-02

Riverside Clinic & Dr. Carlson are simply the BEST 🌟❣️ Dr. is guiding us through a naturopathic treatment for a large benign tumor on our dog’s neck which is allowing us to enjoy her company until her body naturally gives out…PRICELESS ❣️

Kate Nigro

2023-08

Great visit as always, brought my dog in for a specific tail issue and was given answers and a holistic approach for treatment. I trust Dr. Carlson’s treatment plans, he gives both holistic and western medicine approach and you make the decision. Answers all my questions and I leave feeling confident.

Nathalie Cortes

2023-05

I’m not one to leave a negative review, but we were a little upset about our recent visit. We have a reactive dog and he can sometimes get aggressive, so it’s very stressful when going to the vet. We always try and take the necessary precautions, like, going early/during not a busy time, asking to be notified when a room is available to bring our dog in, and muzzling him. Dr. Carlson has always been great and kind and very understanding, but his staff not so much. The tech (not sure who it was) that brought our dog back in the room was very rude. We didn’t appreciate her tone when she was talking to us, almost as if scolding us. There’s a way of explaining things without being rude. I was very upset because it’s a stressful situation as it is, we didn’t need that on top of it. We’ve never had a problem until now, but if our dog is too much, then unfortunately we will go somewhere else. Hopefully next visit the staff is a little nicer.

Lacy Searcy

2023-08

Riverside Animal Clinic & Holistic Center in McHenry by Walgreens. I had called Wednesday to make an appointment for my dog as he has a UTI, was able to get him in with you Friday morning. I was than told I needed to get a sample of his pee and just drop off when I can before his appointment. I went to drop of his pee Wednesday after work. While I was there they told me I needed to pay, I apologized as I thought I would just pay for it all during his actual appointment. They asked if I could pay over the phone I said yes, but it’s 4:41pm and I’m over 20mins away from home, you guys close at 5pm. This front desk lady was rude, had nothing but attitude and just said okay. So this morning I called, I asked to speak with management about the payment and see if they do actually need it now or if I can just pay when I come in on Friday morning. Kathy the lady who answered the phone told me she would have management call me later. No problem. Well I just got a call back from Kathy, and she said the doctor said because of the payment issue that they are going to part ways with us, I said excuse me? I had no problem paying at all, I just didn’t have my debit card and you guys said I could pay over the phone, she proceeded to tell me that it doesn’t matter and good luck finding a new vet. I asked to speak with management multiple times and she hung up. Great customer service! We were dropped the day before my dog is to be seen about his UTI. Told me to have a great day and that they disposed of his pee.They suck!

Mary Dougherty

2023-05

I think Dr Really cares about my dog. I love how he gets down to her level when examining her. My dog is so calm at this veterinary clinic. Dr Carlson provides great care as well.

Tony Johnson

2023-12

Very helpful - they helped me order a medication for one of my patients and walked me through all of it! Thanks to the front desk from Dr. Tony Johnson at Noah's Animal Hospital at Wheaton!

Kim Vickers

2023-11

Unbelievably inept & disorganized. It takes 4+ phone calls to get anything accomplished. They seldom, if ever return phone calls and if you don't buy into their SRT testing and 'magic drops', the vet doesn't have time for you. Also, read some of their highly sarcastic responses to negative reviews. That'll tell you a lot about who you're dealing with.

ashlee

2023-05

Just had the best first experience at a vet ever.They got me in super fast, took time to explain to me everything going on with her and then gave me a reasonably priced solution. My cat very much liked the nurse and Dr. Carlson.I highly recommend giving this place a shot.Also the staff upfront was very nice and the building was extremely clean. So glad I found this office.

Silvia Gimbutas

2023-05

Dr Carlson constantly delivers excellent care . My dog has been his patient for about 5 years, and we don't mind driving 2+ hours for these visits when needed. He is simply the best!We really appreciate his opinion and kindness.Big thanks ti his staff as well !

Kym Krocza

2021-05

Dr Carlson is The Best Veterinarian I have ever met (and I've met more than a few). He not only cares deeply about helping your animal be healthy, but he makes sure that you as a fur parent understand and are also healthy.Having my animals under his care for over 10 years and working with the Doctor closely to keep my animals healthy has taught me so much! I will be forever grateful because he taught me I need to take care of me 1st in able to take care of them in the very best way.I have only had rescue & special needs animals & I am So thankful for Riverside Animal Clinic.Everyone that works here has a caring and comforting way about them.Highly recommend bringing your fur babies here, you are in good hands.

Len G

2021-05

Riverside animal clinic is the best! Every single staff member and doctor is so caring, patient, and kind! Especially Dr. Jim Carlson, he really loves his job and it shows. I have followed him from his Buffalo grove office because you can see how much he loves animals and wants to help them. He always explains everything going on with my dog with such compassion, empathy, and care. My dog’s condition was caught so early, that he didn’t have to suffer all the symptoms associated with it, because they are so proactive and really want to take care of your pet. I also have to mention how wonderful Ashleigh is! She is always so kind and patient and understanding. She takes the time to explain everything and put you at ease!

Daniel Grochowski

2023-06

I cannot say enough good things about this clinic, Dr Carlson and his staff are life savers. Also the chiropractor Dr Kate has been phenomenal with our corgis recovery from an ACL injury.

Lori Ann Riegle

2022-05

Took my dog here today for the first time. I can’t thank Dr. Carlson and his staff enough for treating my dog with the respect and patience he deserves. I have NEVER been able to take him to a veterinary office without some drama and conflict until today. Dr. Carlson took the time to sit down and get to know my dog before anything was done. In return, Dr. Carlson and his staff have my and my dogs respect. I’m very thankful for your expertise and understanding. Thank you!!!!!

Rachel Rosenfeld

2022-05

I’ve been taking various dogs here over the years and can’t not sing this practices praises more. Dr. Carlson and staff are great at looking at the whole picture instead of just the pet in front of them. Yes, if you go now you may wait awhile due Dr. Carlson caring for his wife’s cancer battle he is definitely stretched but, him and his staff are still taking excellent care of EVERYTHING. I will always take my pets here! He was kind when we had to put down an aggressive dog 3ys ago and we had run out of options. He saw my beagle mix today and took time to hear my story. Don’t let the bad reviews fool you. Riverside is the place to go and I’ve been to MANY vets over the years.

Tania Khan

2022-05

Update 8/17/21 we took our boy for his annual visit and doctor Carlson took the time to explain everything. I had questions about his blood work and he called me to explain everything. I am so happy to have him as our vet. He’s so compassionate and kind.Our precious Rottweiler partially tore his acl and we wanted to take a more conservative approach and purchase a custom made brace. After a lot of google searching, I found Dr. Carlson and he's truly a blessing. He helped cast our dog for his brace and also offers prolo therapy. He took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly. He's is very compassionate, patient, and kind. His wife Cristen was also very welcoming to us when we visited and gave us her direct cell number to contact if we have questions. The nurse Nancy is very kind and also is very patient with my questions. I will be switching both my dogs to this clinic. Our 40 minute commute to see Dr. Carlson is so worth it!!