Riverside Veterinary Care

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 :

Critical: Responsiveness I brought a 3 week old kitten after hours to get help and they shut the lights off and refused to help. Thanks alot

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

During a very difficult time in deciding to euthanize our dog, Riverside was extremely caring, considerate, and professional. He was treated with respect and care during his last few moments and our feelings were respected as well. Thank you, Riverside staff.

Best waiting room practice I've ever seen! Curbside goody bag for the pet parents who have to wait curbside! I love Riverside Veterinary Care already!

I first went to Riverside twenty years ago, when I had a ferret. Dr. Carol and her team went above and beyond to care for my girl back then. So when my partner adopted a dog and he brought her with him to live in Rutland, I urged him to take her to Riverside. Just like before, Dr. Carol and her team go above and beyond. People who truly love animals are essential to a veterinary practice, and you’ll find them at Riverside.

I'm visiting Vermont for the summer and needed prescription food for my cat. With just a phone call, they helped me order the food through their online store. I could not find any other way to get this food in the area, so I'm very grateful they have this service. I sent them a copy of Libby's prescription, and the food was mailed right to my door. Thank you so much!

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!

Dr Gifford and staff are Great! They take exceptional care of all our critters and are extremely helpful when I have questions. Thank you so much!!