Located in Hadley, Massachusetts, Riverbend Animal Hospital is an AAHA-accredited general medicine and surgery practice combined with a referral-surgery service for cats and dogs. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of medical and surgical care to our own patients, as well as to the surgical patients referred here from other veterinary hospitals and animal clinics.
The medical practice looks after the ongoing healthcare needs of our Riverbend patients. Riverbend's surgery service takes care of the surgical needs of our own patients as well as the surgical needs of dogs and cats referred to us from veterinary hospitals throughout western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and southern Vermont.
The medical practice looks after the ongoing healthcare needs of our Riverbend patients. Riverbend's surgery service takes care of the surgical needs of our own patients as well as the surgical needs of dogs and cats referred to us from veterinary hospitals throughout western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and southern Vermont.
Services
At Riverbend Animal Hospital, our aim is to help you optimize your pet's health and happiness for a lifetime. Special bonds often begin with puppies and kittens but also form when adult pets start again in new homes. We enjoy nurturing these bonds and value building lifelong relationships with our clients and their pets.
We accept cash, debit cards, money orders, and the following credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We do not accept personal checks. Payment is due when services are rendered. New clients are asked to prepay the exam fee when scheduling their first appointment. A deposit of 75% of estimate is due when patients are booked in for surgery or other in-hospital procedures.
Would you like to work for a hospital that is not only committed to medical excellence but also makes going to work engaging and fun? Riverbend Animal Hospital has joined with Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, folks who share our vision and philosophy, one that values each employee and the caring community we have built here.
We are the trusted leaders in feline health and welfare for the veterinary community and cat caregivers. The only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the United States and Canada. AAHA sets the standard for quality animal care. Pet care resources from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) featuring articles, blogs, ask-a-vet, adoptable pets, community events, and more.
Riverbend Animal Hospital is proud to be a long-standing accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Since shortly after we opened, we have passed regular evaluations by AAHA to ensure that we comply with the Association's high quality standards of care.
These standards cover nearly every aspect of a veterinary hospital - from pharmacy, laboratory, and exam facilities to patient care, medical and surgical practices, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology to client service, staff education, and business practices.AAHA standards are recognized worldwide as the benchmarks for quality care in veterinary medicine.
These standards cover nearly every aspect of a veterinary hospital - from pharmacy, laboratory, and exam facilities to patient care, medical and surgical practices, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology to client service, staff education, and business practices.AAHA standards are recognized worldwide as the benchmarks for quality care in veterinary medicine.
Reviews (27)
Irene Sullivan
Dec 09, 2021
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Shannon R.
Oct 29, 2021
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I live nearby, and they called me at my 8:30 am apt time - my mistake - I said I could be right over in less than 15 min. They said they couldn't fit me in at all, that day or any day earlier than six weeks out, and that they will still charge me the full amount ($130) for not being there on time, but happy to reschedule me. I suggested (as compromise) I be penalized $70, and they still take me as a new customer. No, they demanded the entire $130, and were unwilling to bend at all. Seems like an operation focused on maximizing $$ over customer care. I feel that they feel they are able to
A. M. Simon
Sep 21, 2021
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Sarah Schatz
Sep 18, 2021
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Hannah Robinson
Sep 14, 2021
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My Boston Terrier, Mowgli, has not been a patient of Riverbend for about two years now. We had to switch vets due to moving away. I'm writing this review now because I've tried several vets since moving from Western Mass, and I am convinced no practice is as fantastic as Riverbend. Dr. Burgess and Dr. White were both so good to Mowgli and helped us navigate her skin and allergy issues. The techs and support team (specifically Shauna!) showered Mowgli with love every time we went. Mowgli has always loved vet visits, and I know the Riverbend staff is the reason why. We miss you guys! Love - Mowgli
Eric Donahue
Sep 07, 2021
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After taking my two dogs here for a few years, I was informed that because one hadn’t had his annual exam in time, I could no longer get his prescription filled through them. This place is on some elitist yuppie garbage for a small veterinary practice.
*The response from Riverbend to my review only adds to my point. They care more about their own practice and office protocol than they do people’s pets. It’s all about Riverbend being right. Not about the health of clients pets.I didn’t get a response from my actual doctor who knows my pet. I got a response from who knows who on my google
*The response from Riverbend to my review only adds to my point. They care more about their own practice and office protocol than they do people’s pets. It’s all about Riverbend being right. Not about the health of clients pets.I didn’t get a response from my actual doctor who knows my pet. I got a response from who knows who on my google
Arah Stosz
Aug 03, 2021
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It's difficult for me to not be able to rate Riverbend with the less than 1 star that I would like to, however, having said that there are some nice people who work there...
I wrote this on my Great Dane Sasha's 5th birthday. She had been the sweetest, most amazing, well behaved, easily trained and gentile dog I have ever known.
It is still heart breaking to think of what became of her after being “under the care” of Riverbend and what she had to go through… and it all started with a surgery performed at and by the recommendation of Riverbed Animal Hospital that should have never taken
I wrote this on my Great Dane Sasha's 5th birthday. She had been the sweetest, most amazing, well behaved, easily trained and gentile dog I have ever known.
It is still heart breaking to think of what became of her after being “under the care” of Riverbend and what she had to go through… and it all started with a surgery performed at and by the recommendation of Riverbed Animal Hospital that should have never taken
Martin Mahoney
Jul 29, 2021
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The people here are mean spirited and rude. They consistently were absolutely awful to interact with over the past 2 year we have been bringing our rescue dog here. Every single time we had to interact with their customer service staff they were either changing expectations, forgetting to fill a prescription or talking down to us about how our puppy behaved (she gets very nervous and shy, she was NEVER aggressive to anyone).
While the doctors here always seemed to have an even keel, I would absolutely avoid Riverbend at all costs if you want any type of professional or courteous interaction with
While the doctors here always seemed to have an even keel, I would absolutely avoid Riverbend at all costs if you want any type of professional or courteous interaction with
Eric Toia
Jul 15, 2021
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Over 18 months into COVID and my wife informed me that she scheduled an appointment for our dog and that I’d be able finally go into the appointment (river bend has not allowed anyone into the building since the beginning of the pandemic; understandable). I get there today and was informed that DUE TO MY JOB I was denied entry. I was told that due to the fact that I work in human healthcare I am considered “high risk”. Unbelievable.
Deborah Stone
Jun 25, 2021
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Thank you for your expert care of Nick. I had been trying to get his periodic lameness addressed for quite some time… years in fact. I am sad to learn that at some point he had a torn ACL that now has healed… over and become arthritic. He is still a young dog with lots of energy. My only regret is that I was not able to refer him to Riverbend myself back then because of your contract with his Vet at that time.
Any athletic breed of high energy… any Thorobreds (and I kind of mean this in the horsey sense) in the Valley should be going the extra mile to Riverbend because they
Any athletic breed of high energy… any Thorobreds (and I kind of mean this in the horsey sense) in the Valley should be going the extra mile to Riverbend because they
Keith Laflamme
Apr 14, 2021
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Aaron Moose
Feb 18, 2021
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Cheryl Syriac
Jan 20, 2021
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Christine Lloyd
Nov 11, 2020
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Bob Demetrius
Oct 13, 2020
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Natasha Hanna
Aug 19, 2020
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Tetty G.
Apr 14, 2020
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My dog experienced some very worrisome symptoms one night and I brought him to VESH. They did not find anything substantive wrong with him. I spoke to a very long and trusted vet that moved away and given his symptoms he thought he should have a course of antibiotics. I called Riverbend and my Vet Margret Burgess was out and spoke to Kristina White. She refused to give him antibiotics and told me he would become worse. She did not suggest that she see him, just refused the other vet's recommendation. I got another vet to give him antibiotics and he got better. Don't go to Riverbend
Elaine L.
Jan 01, 2020
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A. A.
Dec 12, 2019
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My review is twofold. First the positive: My dog saw this vet for her puppy visits and also had two knee surgeries done here and we felt they were very professional and thorough. Now the not-so-positive: When I got a new kitten recently, I called to make our first appt. here to have him be a part of the practice. They told me that because another Dr. had referred us for the knee surgery (which was not actually true, we had self-referred), they would not be able to work with our new kitten because they had to protect their relationship with the "referring vet". Essentially, it feels like
Sally White
Oct 31, 2019
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I shall be ever grateful for this hospital. They are like family to me. MY Shaman had the best care a vet could give, they were always there for me, and when the time came to say good bye Dr. White went way beyond the support and compassion . I shall always remember how lucky I was to have the entire staff helping me for the past 11 yrs.
Marjorie A. Chapski
Oct 08, 2019
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The staff here are like no others! They truely connect with you, the pet owner as well as your pet. Dr. Thompson has a gentle, caring, & fun way with dogs that made both of us very comfortable. The staff is… very knowledgeable with their various skill sets including leg braces & therapy treatments! I am highly recommending Riverbend Animal Hospital for the more sophisticated needs/surgeries. Simply the best in this area ❤
Chuck Tilbe
Aug 28, 2019
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Paula Malinowski Bird
Nov 29, 2018
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I had to bring my dog for an evaluation and the staff was amazing, they definitely go above and beyond to make your experience the best it can be. It was determined my dog needed knee surgery and it was scheduled. The day of surgery I was able to stay with my dog right up until the time of surgery and after her surgery was complete, Dr Thomson… called me personally to let me know how things went. I recently had to return for a post op check and meet with the physical therapist, who by the way is absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend them. They are definitely a great group of caring
Kevin K.
Aug 08, 2018
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Its now coming up on the third anniversary since david thomson admitted he caused the death of our cocker spaniel Sam. I haven't forgotten any details from that horrible day. And when i say horrible that is an understatement. I wish I could undo the damage Thomson did but unfortunately it's not possible. I wish over and over I never brought Sam to this so called professional. Thank you for absolutely nothing.
Nicole P.
Apr 12, 2017
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After suffering through a bad experience with a local vet, a friend recommend Riverbend. We brought our dog in for a surgical consult, and instantly fell in love with the practice and all the lovely people in it. The front desk staff is helpful, friendly, and very accommodating. The vet techs are all great people, and you can tell they really love animals. We saw Dr. Thompson, and my dog had his very first wonderful experience at a vet's office. He's normally extremely scared and needs to be muzzled right away, but Dr. Thomson sat on the floor with him, played with him, and gained
Trace B.
Sep 18, 2014
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Hey pet lovers , after a less than satisfying experience at another veterinary hospital we took our little shar pei to these guys . She had a mass cell tumor. ... a very serious and potentially fatal illnesses requiring surgery . The entire staff was extremely polite and very considerate of our feelings and the well being of our little doggie.
They were very thorough with the explanations of the disease and its treatment options . They were not at all pushy or sales pitchy with the selection of which treatments to pursue. They were understanding and respectful of our budget concerns.
The doctors
They were very thorough with the explanations of the disease and its treatment options . They were not at all pushy or sales pitchy with the selection of which treatments to pursue. They were understanding and respectful of our budget concerns.
The doctors
Theo B.
Sep 29, 2010
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In a life threatening emergency I would trust these people with my own life over my GP. I am not saying my GP is bad, I am saying that these vets are amazing. This is the best Animal hospital in my opinion from Amherst to Northampton. I would not roll my cat's dice with any one else. I just wish they took humans too. ;)
