My primary veterinarian discovered that my dog had a cracked canine during a routine exam. She…read morethought he possibly had an exposed nerve too so she recommended that he have an x-ray. She was certain my dog would probably need dental surgery and told me this would be the case. She stated that she wasn't comfortable performing dental repairs so she referred me to a nearby veterinarian for x-rays and treatment. I'm not one to go with the first option given to me. I prefer to do my own research and base my decisions on factual evidence from varied sources. I did a google search for local vets that specialize in canine dentistry. The American Veterinarian Dentistry College (AVDC) website contains a list of every dental professional in the U.S. Turns out there are only 6 certified dental professionals in the entire state. There are two in the Chicago metropolitan area. Initially I planned to take my dog to MedVet Chicago on Clybourn but the multiple negative online reviews made me uncomfortable. In my experience people typically don't write bad reviews unless they have good reason. I'd also called MedVet and was told that they wouldn't be able to get me in for a consultation for at least two weeks. My dog would have to wait an additional week or two to have surgery if it was indeed deemed necessary. I didn't want my dog to suffer any longer so I decided to call River Heights. I called to make an appointment and spoke with one of the vet techs named Megan. She was absolutely wonderful. I explained my situation and she spent 25 minutes on the phone with me answering my questions and explaining all the options in great detail. She was pleasant, warm and thorough . I told her I'd be coming from Chicago so she scheduled my initial consultation with Dr. Sasser and the subsequent surgery on the same day. After speaking with Megan, I knew I'd found the right place for my dog to have his surgery. I called on a Friday evening and was able to get an appointment for the following Tuesday morning. I arrived for my appointment on time and was seen shortly thereafter. We were set up in a room and the vet tech, Arianna, gathered my dog's medical history. She was just as thorough and warm as Meghan. Dr. Sasser came in and conducted a brief examination of my dog. She went over our options and explained the complex medical procedures using photos, diagrams and canine dental models. Since she hadn't done an x-ray beforehand Dr. Sasser wasn't 100% sure of what she'd encounter so it was decided that she'd call me after my dog was under anesthesia to let me know what she'd found. I made the choice to save any damaged teeth (root canal) and cap them for protection. Dr. Sasser called after my dog had been anesthetized to say that my dog had two broken teeth and that they both were infected. I told her to go ahead with the original plan we'd discussed. She stated she'd call when she had another update when there was one. After 4-5 hours we finally made it back to the office. My dog's surgery thankfully went well. Arianna, the vet tech we'd been working with, came in to give us a detailed account of what happened during the procedure. She showed us before and after photographs that depicted the injuries and repairs. She showed us exactly where the injuries were & how Dr. Sasser fixed them. She detailed how we should care for my dog post surgery & the steps we should take going forward to avoid future fractures. I found Dr. Sasser to be confident, knowledgable and affable. Since we didn't have an initial consultation prior to the day the surgery was performed we didn't receive an estimate of the costs. We asked for one that morning but never received it despite being told that we'd get one. We assumed that the fees would run us about $2000 on the high end. It turns out we GROSSLY underestimated the cost as the bill ended up being a whopping $3600!! Talk about being hit by a boulder.... It wasn't exactly welcome news but it was necessary for my dog's health so that's all that matters. My dog is my baby so providing him with the best care is my top priority. River Heights is an expansive state of the art facility. The decor and well manicured grounds are beautiful. There are ample sitting areas in the reception area that are spacious and comfortable. There's also a mini fridge stocked with bottled water and snacks (i.e. pretzels) offered free of charge to waiting clients. The drive took just under an hour from Chicago. There are plenty of stores and restaurants in the area if you have hang out while your pet is undergoing treatment. We had breakfast, went shopping and had pedicures. My experience with River Heights was wonderful from beginning to end. I can't say enough about the entire staff. They were helpful, engaging and professional. They all seemed to really care about my dog's welfare AND the high level of care they were offering us which was really refreshing. If I could give them more than five stars I would.

Very kind staff, good hours(they're open later than most vets), they have decent prices and don't…read morepush unnecessary vaccinations on you or your pet. I have taken my dog and cat. Got a last minute apt for my cat online when I noticed she was bleeding from a bump- got in next day and did the apt online. Will definitely be back.

Now I know most of you will be surprised by this review as well as I was…read more I was hesitant on bringing my deceased baby girl Twinkie chihuahua who only lived a short life of 10 years old CHF TOOK HER But the service I got was truly amazing I would recommend this place over and over to bring you pet if it's deceased they did a beautiful job with Twinkie that treated me with such respect and kindness as well as Twinkie I will always remember that Their is one person who deserves all the credit and I wish I knew her name but she was the warmest and perfect for this situation she deserves to be honored for the service that she gave me that day she went above and beyond to make me feel the best I could in a terribly horrible situation she tried her best I want to personally thank you again whoever you are and let you know you have a gift with animals and you really need to consider taking it further in your career Bless you and thank you again I will never forget it you allowed me time to say goodbye and gave me the quiet moments alone I needed for closure even though I am still grieving everyday I can look back and remember the time I spent saying goodbye to my baby girl one last time and looking down on her and kissing her on her forehead for the very last time in my life and then handing her safely off to you I knew it would be ok she was going to be ok she wasnt with a stranger she was with a friend that was safe and that's the best feeling in the world to know she was with someone who cared

Dr. Middleton has saved our beloved Bugsy not once but twice. She is our angel. Tremendously…read moreskilled, compassionate, intuitive and has a bond with animals. She saved Bugsy from blasto 4 years ago, and now the sudden onset of pancreatitis. Both times there were doubts he'd make it. I cannot emphasize if you have a critical issue go here first and don't waste time. We are so grateful for everyone we encountered in Bugsy's stay.

This is the only place we will go to for everything. The staff are all friendly and Dr. Choi is…read morevery knowledgeable and excellent with care. Clean and cozy clinic.

I felt that Dr Choi was eager to charge me for things that she new my cat didn't need and diagnosed…read moreher backwards. With that being said, I took my cat in to get eye drops for her allergies and within 3 days she became extremely ill and then died a week later. The evening before she passed, Dr Choi knew my cat wasn't going to make it through the night but withheld that information and charged me for nonrefundable medicine anyway. Within a week I spent almost $800. Very disappointed in this hospital and if I could prove malpractice, I would get a lawyer and sue. Do not take your pets here.

Took my cat I got after my brother's passing Dr Hart is…read morewonderful and the Staff are so kind and helpful if your looking for a cat clinic this is a must try

Absolutely terrible place!!! Astronomical prices, and the staff is horrid! They were careless,…read morelazy, and unprofessional! The manager has the most vile attitude, and many have reported her!! I don't know how they have almost 5 stars, one is too many for this place!! READ ALL OF THE REVIEWS BEFORE GOING!!!!

No one answers their phone! It takes days sometimes weeks to…read moreget a live person on the phone! Making appointments is VERY DIFFICULT! I will taking my 3 pets elsewhere!

My cat Nova had a tumor in her throat and they told us that she needed a full dental…read moreAnd all teeth removed without hesitation $4000.00 The staff is snotty and pricing is ridiculous!

Dr. Sage found the right meds to make my Penny be able to see again! She had been blinded with a…read morechemical sprayed in her eyes by a horrible person! I had 2 HORRIBLE experiences with a local vet not properly diagnosing & thus 2 of my babies passed. So when Penny's foster mom took her to Dr. Sage, it was a no Brainerd for me to also bring my Susie her too! ALL staff are wonderful! I HIGHLY recommend!

Excellent service!!! During this challenging time of our stay at home order and social distancing,…read more one of our kitties was experiencing discomfort and needed treatment. We took her to Animal House and they were absolutely wonderful! Upon our arrival, we spoke, via phone, to the technician and described the issues. She came out and picked up our cat. About 35 minutes later, we recieved a call from the vet, Dr Gebhard, and she patiently explained the procedure she did and answered all our questions. She was so kind because we know our kitty is very fiesty and we are sure she was quite a handful. We HIGHLY recommend this amazing facility....and team....for all your petcare needs!

Incompetent staff. And vets. They lost my puppies remains after cermation-return was requested and…read morepaid . Stated we forgot to fill out paperwork. Vet Lancaster stated, maybe they had a bad day. They were very good at making excuses. I explained to vet Lancaster, that pets become family members, replied that they treat pets as family members. THEY LOSE THIER REMAINS AND TAKE AWAY THIER FINAL RESTING SPOT. Prey this never never happens to your wonderful puppy/pet. Manager would not talk with me either A COWARD

Our dog, chuy has been going here for 14 years. They have the friendliest and most knowledgeable…read morestaff- they are also very affordable. Highly recommended!

Coming up on 30 years of being a father to two amazing labradors. Been coming here for the past…read morefive or six years, and it's absolutely amazing. Honestly, the staff is really great and the doctor... Unbelievable. Smart, soothing, accommodating. Oh yeah, and compared to most other vet clinics that have been gobbled up by private equity, they've kept their prices more than reasonable! Highly recommend.

I wasn't physically at the appointment but was on the phone while my spouse attended the…read moreappointment. I loved how the vet answered my questions about our adopted puppy. He was hands on with her, very experienced and you could tell he's been in the field for many years unlike our past vet. I'm so thankful that we selected this place for our puppies care! He was amazing

We used them when we had to let our dog go over the rainbow bridge. Its a very hard time and we are…read morefrom out of town. They have an option to come to you or you can come to them. We decided to do it on their lawn. It was such a beautiful day. The vet sat with us until she passed on and then gave us time to say goodbye on our own. We got her paw print and her ashes back in a beautiful box. Thank you Stafford Vet!

What a wonderful service this place provides. My 13 year old chow is so pleased to not have to…read morenavigate a trip in to the office. Highly recommended

My cat, Kate, required monthly visits to Riverview. Each time we saw Dr. Schifo and vet tech,…read moreHannah. They were both very helpful and kind to me and my pet. Dr. Schifo was upfront and honest throughout the whole process, making sure to keep me informed. Hannah is the sweetest and knew just how to keep my cat calm throughout a stressful process. After she passed, the clinic as a whole went above and beyond to send me their condolences. I HIGHLY recommend Riverview Veterinary Clinic and will definitely continue to use them for any future pets! Thank you!

Thank you for your feedback Yes I was upset and this not…read morethe first occasion either that the staff was rude to me also and not caring for the patient or pet owners. I knew the test took a long time that is why I waited 2 months for it. My pets worse condition had nothing to do with this wait I did originally. So please think what you want. When someone is that upset your job is to calm them done specially when it comes to a member of their family. In this case since my pets test results were worse he should of been put on meds the same day. Not when it's convenient for the Dr's to read it. After getting the results I knew what needed to be done and I'm not even a Dr. The cardiologist had it writing out what the next steps were. Thanks for the response but this response was completely false. I'm also glad I was able to get him on meds right away and already noticed a difference. So I'm happy with this new vet. Please next time take everything in conclusion before writing a review back. Thank you have a great day