Riverside Veterinary Care and Dental Services

Lisa Navarrete

2023-09

We recently had to say goodbye to our beloved Girtie. She was the most loyal companion for 15 years. Calling Riverside was the best decision. Dr Gifford and everyone we had contact with at Riverside showed nothing but compassion and kindness. I don’t think I will have another pet anytime soon but when I’m ready I know where to go!!

Gail

2024-02

I think within the last 2 weeks I have seen all the vets except one since my dog' cancerous tumor was removed. They have all been gracious, caring ,loving with my dogs and quick to give feedback. I would recommend them to anyone with a pet they love.

Betsy Coco

2023-10

The team at Riverside Vet provides professional and friendly care. Even if you're only at the clinic once a year, they make you feel like they know your pet and genuinely care for them! They are patient and thorough with all my questions, too. I travel internationally with my dog often, and they are great about helping with the different tests and paperwork necessary for travel.

Lorraine Kozimor

2023-05

We were visiting New England from the south when our dog Whiskey got very sick. After spending several days in emergency care in NH we needed a vet close by my moms in VT to draw blood daily. Riverside Vet in Ludlow, VT and in Rutland, VT have been absolutely outstanding to work with!! Their technicians, especially Alex have gone above and beyond to help!! Rene at the front desk has also been extremely helpful facilitating everything that we have needed. The other techs and front office staff have been phenomenal as well!! I would recommend this practice to anyone looking for quality service and competent employees!! Many thanks to Riverside Vet! Gina, Jon, whiskey and Kozmo kozimor

Lee

2023-05

I have been a customer of Riverside for over three years. But today, I brought my dog in for a shot and I met the rudest and most unprofessional provider named Pat Erickson. She walked into the room and said my dog was a biter and had bitten someone and it was in his file. I questioned this because it was the first time I’d heard anything negative about him. No one at the clinic had ever mentioned that and I have always been in the room during the exam and nothing like that ever happened. She had an awful attitude and refused to touch my dog and wanted him sedated and kept overnight for a shot, Wellness exam and cyst exam. I asked her who she was and if she was a doctor. She never introduced herself and I’d never seen her before. Both my friend and I defended the dog but she was insistent he was vicious! I left the room and questioned the girl at checkout. She looked in my dogs file. It merely says, go slow with him. Nothing about biting or being a threat. Pat lied to me. I asked if there was another provider and I was told no, they are short staffed. I returned to the room and Pat Erickson was gone. My friend said she walked out after I did and didn’t say anything to my friend. So I left with my dog. I told the checkout person that if I returned I did not want Pat Erickson to touch my dog. I am posting this as a warning to other dog owners. My dog is large and black and some people have a bias against them. Pat needs to return to her retirement. Dog owners beware!

Jenni Chabot

2022-05

These are the kind of people that I want taking care of my animal family. From the good, to the bad, to the ugly, I’ve always been treated with the utmost respect and appreciation. I’ve been going to Riverside for several years now and I’ve always received kind and courteous service. The staff are knowledgeable, make your pets feel welcome, and often do more than they have to to accommodate my needs.I recently had to have my dog euthanized. While it was an incredibly sad situation, the best interest of my dog was always first and foremost. They made room for me during an emergency even with a very busy schedule. I can’t thank you all enough for everything you did for me and my dog. I’ll see you soon with my next pup :)

Jodie Woodside

2023-05

We love riverside. One of our pets has been going here their whole life (14 yrs 11 mo). They were diagnosed with diabetes 4 years ago and Riverside has been so accommodating to both our pets, for every emergency and wellness encounter. Thank you to dr Gifford dr Sullivan dr krane. They recently found out our dog has cancer and they have gone over every option with us. We are grateful for how much they care about our pets. We are also on a first name basis with staff. We couldn’t recommend this place enough!

Nick Leonard

2022-05

My father and I we had been committed to Riverside Vet for the entirety of both our dogs lives. My dog is 8 now and has been going to Riverside since I rescued him when he was 2. Initially it was all well and great, as all of the 60 positive reviews here seem to have in common, but I heed warning to anyone who puts their trust in Carol Gifford, the owner of this practice for anything further than routine vaccinations and check-ups as she sees your pet as nothing other than a hassle or dollar signs. Numerous times my dog returned with the same ear infection, numerous times was the same treatment plan recommended with no success, numerous times was my dog put under anesthesia with hopes of gathering some type of diagnosis into what was causing the ear/skin infections, never once did Carol Gifford make any progress in improving my dogs quality of life nor did she care. I have endless receipts from every $300-$500 visit the past 6 years. When I pushed back and stated I didn’t want my dog sedated for no reason any longer, I was met with nothing but bitter words and exceptionally poor customer service from none other than Carol Gifford herself. This is the owner?? This was about 2-3 years back, since that time I’ve seen many other highly professional and truly caring Veterinarians at Riverside, Farrell Campbell and Emily Sullivan are incredible Veterinarians and should not have had their careers tainted by such a sour practice and poor management. Recently, I’d been working with Emily Sullivan to solve some issues unrelated to my dogs past skin/ear issues. My pups issues this time around required 2 different anti-anxiety medications and 3 reschedules just to set the stage for a successful diagnostic appointment with Dr. Sullivan today at 10:00AM. I had spoken with Dr. Sullivan AT LENGTH in total probably an hour or longer in direct phone conversation on what was going on with my pup and how we were going to approach getting it figured out at the appointment. It was an incredible interaction on all levels and I was actually excited to FINALLY deal with a professional who put my pets needs above the bottom line of the receipt and actually took MY concerns, ya know THE OWNER OF THE PET into consideration. I arrive for my appointment, I call the number to say I’ve arrived, the always rude assistance staff answers the phone, states something completely opposite of what I was told to me by Dr. Sullivan, abruptly cuts me off and says “a technician will be out to get him shortly” that was at 10:00AM, Dr. Sullivan is FULLY aware that my dog has an anxiety condition and knew that the longer he was in the car the more worked up he would get. At 10:05AM, a car pulls up next to me, they hop out immediately and go inside, 15 minutes later I call and am instantly put on hold, no one comes back to the phone, I hang up. I call again at 10:20AM and ask “am I going to have to reschedule a third time, it’s been 20 minutes and my dogs getting worked up past the point of what was required in order to have a successful visit today, what’s going on?” Only at that point was I told there was an emergency that came in at the same time, no one made any effort to make me aware of that, and I hung up the phone. 5 minutes later Carol Gifford comes out literally just to run her mouth to me because I called and was upset for the third time now I was not going to be able to get my dog seen by a vet I could trust at this establishment. “I know you want to see Dr. Sullivan but there was an emergency and she’ll be out as soon as she can don’t swear at my help, we’re doing everything we can” I know damn well I was put on the back-burner by none other than Carol Gifford herself, she’s held a grudge for years due to my exploitation of her extensive inabilities as a Veterinarian. If this is the type of regime you want your pet to go to, by all means, just be it known that your pets needs, your requests as an owner, and your wallet will all suffer. As long as Carol Gifford is a part of Riverside Vet, you should not so much as trust her with even a stuffed animal.

Hilary Wolfson

2023-05

Riverside has amazing vet techs (Alex) and vets (Dr. Gifford). They are caring, thorough, empathetic and competent. My only pet peeve is that they have a receptionist who is not only cranky every time you walk in, but makes you feel like you’re a moving target with her rude questions and comments, whether it’s about what you owe or what you’re doing wrong ( she watches you like a hawk and makes sure you’re abiding by the leash and carrier rules). It’s fine to ensure pet and owner safety. But it’s another thing to be snarky and condescending, and laugh when you call them out and tell hee she’s being an a—-hole, which she is 100% of the time I’ve been going there ( four years). I have no clue how such a wonderful group of vets continue to keep this extremely cranky pants receptionist, even after dozens of complaints, but I now only make appointments on the days she’s not there, which has greatly enhanced my comfort taking my two precious furbabies for visits. Problem solved😋

Desiree Moody

2022-05

My dog Coco has had bad experiences at vets, she is very nervous at the vets office and most vets don’t want to bother to understand her nervousness. Until riverside. Not only on the first visit they came out to meet her and warm up to her they did her first visit in the parking lot so she would be comfortable. Coco than went on to have surgery to have growths removed and these vets and nurses went above and beyond to make her comfortable and make me feel comfortable with her care there.So happy I switched to Riverside and happy they take the time to understand my nervous old girl!! Thank you!!

Kasey Pallutto

2019-05

I have been bringing my animals to Riverside since 2004 and I have never had a bad experience. Everyone is professional and courteous and takes the time to answer all of my questions. They have been quick to respond in emergencies, have accommodated us appropriately for sick visits, and have helped us maintain the health of our pets with friendly reminder cards in the mail when shots or annual exams come due. I believe that their many services they offer are priced fairly (such as healthcare, boarding, and grooming), and Dr. Gifford is amazing!!

Terri Isidro

2017-05

I already posted a veterinary care review for my dear kitty Tigger who I lost but who received excellent care at Riverside...but I wanted to post a pet-boarding review as well.I have another elderly cat who I did not want to leave alone after the loss of his longtime friend when we needed to travel. The boarding services were excellent. My kitty was comfortable and relaxed when I picked him up, I did not sense any stress at all. The staff were reassuring and kind. Recommended for boarding! :)

Hillary Hunt

2021-05

Riverside will forever be my favorite vet for all of my pets. After personally working in veterinary medicine for over 10 years, Riverside is the only place I will recommend for veterinary care for in my home town. I am so sad that I couldn’t pack up the doctors and amazing staff and take them with me to New Mexico! After my father passed away and I had to come to Vermont to get his dog and she needed some medical care. Riverside was beyond accommodating. They were incredibly helpful and kind during such a difficult time. Additionally, after living in the many states that I have, the cost of Riverside is incredibly affordable compared to the new places I go. Thanks Riverside for the amazing years of great veterinary care. We miss you guys!

Pamela Dyson

2021-05

Excellent Veterinary. I just took my kitten to get her first exam and first set of vaccinations. Due to COVID restrictions, they will come out to your car, take your pet, and bring them in to be examined and you cannot go with your pet. This was fine, however, as they were very professional and accommodating. Our vet (Dr. Jocelyn Selim) was very nice, competent, and addressed all my questions and concerns. She came out to the car to speak with us. The vet tech even brought us a bag of goodies to keep us busy while we waited in the car (magazine, snacks, water, pen and word search). On top of all this, it was extremely affordable- examination only cost $52 and then vaccinations on top- I was also provided with an itemized receipt of all costs. They will give you an After Visit Summary that explains all tests that were run and where your pet scored, as well as her vitals/weight, etc. I would highly recommend this Veterinary to anyone.

Holly Anderson

2019-05

Wouldn't take my pup anywhere else. Riverside treats it's patients and their humans like family and there is never a doubt in my mind that my girl is getting the best care at the best price. Many times they have bent over backwards to accommodate my lab mix, Wilma and I know they will be there if we ever have an emergency. Love Riverside!!

Terri Isidro

2017-05

I brought my very sick cat in for care, and while he could not be saved Dr. Gifford made a real difference in the quality of life for him during the last week of his life. Dr. Gifford and her staff are extremely compassionate and caring, I felt very supported during a traumatic time when I was losing a long-time friend (kitty was 16 yrs old). Riverside was recommended to me by a trusting friend, and I highly recommend this wonderful practice!

Alis Headlam

2018-05

I have had three cats over a period of 22 years. All of them have been attended to at Riverside. I love the personal care and attention that we get from the doctors and staff. No question is too small or unimportant...and believe me I've asked some doozies!. This is a great place for care for your animal. I get all of my food there too. My first cat lived to be 17 years old. My second cat died tragically and they sent me a sympathy card. My third cat is adjusting well and has received just the right care.

Ash Cathcart

2018-05

I love Riverside! I have never had a bad experience. The staff are all kind, caring and friendly; from the receptionist to the doctor. They have offered tremendous care for my kitties and bunny while also working with me on affordability. They care so much for animals and it’s clear in everything they do. I couldn’t be happier with my choice of vet services for my babies.

Wende Morgan

2021-05

for 20+ years and 5 furry companions, we've received excellent care here, always. Thoroughly professional and incredibly caring. Health care recommendations and options explained and discussed respectfully and inclusively. The fact that our pets have lived into old age attests to the excellent care they received in their younger and middle years.

Taryn Grabowski

2015-05

I have two dogs and four cats and have been using Riverside as my vet for the past few years (switched from another local vet), and am more than pleased with all of the care and services I have received! I love all three of the vets at Riverside, but Dr. McNutt is my favorite, and I am always certain my pets are in the best of care when I bring them there. Whenever I call, I am always greeted in a friendly and professional manner, and the staff always take my concerns seriously and work with me every step of the way, from follow-ups to referrals and even calling to see how my babies are doing. I can't imagine going anywhere else. :)

Ray Bailey

2016-05

Spending half of our time in Ma and half in Vermont, we found Riverside about 9 years ago. There are many fine Vets in the Rutland area but we ended up here on a recommendation and can not express how GREAT the entire staff is. Front ,back and beyond. They have the latest equipment and the knowledge base seems to be amazing. I am now about to drive 3 hours just so my dog can have here check up. Yes I could do it here in Ma but at Riverside she always comes out of the exam room with her tail wagging ~~enough said!

Jeff Breslen

2021-05

Overall very happy with Carol and her staff! We've been going there for 25 years and have never been disappointed. My only gripe is that we still cannot go into appointment with our dog and instead have to "deliver" her in the parking lot. It seems that there are plenty of COVID precautions that can be made to allow customers in with their pets. Gosh I can think of many other services that you still can use in person far less important than vet services. It seems with the "parking lot" contact you end up having with the vet tech, the vet themselves, etc. the COVID risk is still there wouldn't be much greater if we were able to come inside and attend the appointment with the pet. Just some constructive criticism on the COVID procedure and not anything negative about the service we receive.

Guy Rossi

2017-05

Our cat, Mookie, was recently hit by a car and needed surgery to save his life. Dr. Sullivan performed the surgery assisted by several other competent team members from Riverside. From start to finish, the doctors, techs, and others at the clinic showed great care and compassion....you can tell they love what they do. We are very grateful for the care they provided our kitty.

Lee Hansen

2016-05

About 4 years ago after moving from PA to VT, our tabby suddenly needed vet care asap. She had a urinary infection and bladder stones that the docs at Riverside diagnosed and treated. Her surgery was scary for her and for me, but her recovery was quick and she's been a patient ever since. Caring, knowledgeable and convenient care for my pets!

J W

2018-05

Staff is wonderful we have four cats one is 21yo and has kidney failure we got him 2 years ago and he was seeing what people consider to be the "premiere" vet in Rutland well we expected to have him for maybe 6 months. Two years later thanks to Dr.Gifford and her awesome team P.J is still here and doing fairly well. They are so aware of one of our other boys not being a fan of them and work with us to do as much as possible with out having a visit and when he does need a visit they do as much as possible at that visit.. They also saved my baby when he had a urinary blockage and for that I am forever grateful my boys are my babies and i completely trust the staff here

Liz S

2020-05

We just started taking our 15 year old miniature pinscher, Sarge, to Riverside and are so glad we chose them (because our dear friend Sandy happens to work there). We were close to putting him down, but Dr. Etsterbrook figured out what to do for him and he is doing well now. We haven't been going there long, so I don't know everyone yet, but Dr. Carol is very kind and sensitive and answers all questions. Liz was our tech and she was the best and of course my Sandy! I can't express enough how much Kristie at the outgoing desk Shines! She is so very special and her kindness is beyond any I have ever experienced!! They are very thorough and offer all options and work within your budget. Thank you all, Liz.

Joyce Pedone

2017-05

The vets and staff at Riverside have always been extremely helpful and take into consideration my wishes regarding the care of my dogs.I don't always want to go the conventional routes and they are willing to work with me to come to agreeable treatments that benefit my dogs.

Isaac Coote

2018-05

Bring my cat to riverside for a pre-op for s neuturing. The vet compliments the fact that my cat is in such good health and shape, and completely clean of fleas. Bring my cat home from Riverside, now it has fleas. Bring my cat back for the operation, they do a treatment on my cat for fleas which I did not ask for (costing me an extra $20+) because I had already treated him that night when he came home from there with them. Now his skin is has been extremely irritated due to the second treatment he did not need, plus he still has fleas because he gave them to my other cat as well. Goes in, no fleas. Comes back, has fleas. Maybe they shouldn't use carpet for their inspection table that they put countless animals on each day making a perfect nesting spot waiting for the next pet to come their way. Thanks a lot Riverside, won't see me again because my pets don't go to a vets to get problems but to have them taken care of.

Victoria Crain

2015-05

I moved to Rutland 8 years ago with two spaniels. They were very well cared for through the ends of their lives by Riverside Veterinary Care.When I got a pup, Joe Cocker, I really needed their help. The pup had severe skin allergy and then got mange! They guided me to a canine dermatology expert, and then took over the care of Joe. The treatment for mange was quick but the allergy issues took longer.The vets at Riverside stuck with us, helped us find the least expensive way to effectively treat the dog and after a year and a half, we got his condition under control.I might have lost this little companion because he was so miserable his care was so potentially expensive, but I credit Riverside with saving him for me.

Judy Frazier

2016-05

Made a visit to have my BIG dog checked and ready for spring ticks and other updates. Staff was awesome and treated my dog so special! Great advice, lots of time taken and not rushed at all. Friendly and welcoming making Izzy's appointment so easy and comfortable!