At VCA Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals (VCA RIVER), we help pets live long, healthy and happy lives. Located in Chattanooga, our veterinarians, technicians and support staff are trained to the highest standards. Their thorough knowledge of the latest procedures and medicines ensures that our patients receive the best care. We deliver the best medical care for pets and the best experience for pet owners. Our hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). If your pet requires the services of a veterinary specialist, we can help as we offer a variety of specialty services. Our advanced care resources are second to none. Our hospital is ready to help when your pet needs us.
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Reviews

CT
Chattanooga T.

08/04/2018

Provided by YP.com

Took my sick cat there this week at midnight to be seen. Vet recommended $500 of “things” to do to evaluate cat. I started with x rays and some blood work; after analyzing I was told she couldn’t find anything wrong, however she could give him 2 shots- one to ease discomfort and one for hydration—another $100. Since she (vet) didn’t have an explanation for sickness I declined her offer to spend more money. (They obviously work on commission). Cat not better next day, took him to Middle Valley Animal hospital to our normal vet and paid fairly for MORE blood work. Vet came back with bad bad news that my cat was in grave danger of death and kidneys failing. We had to have him put down. What a shock given the “no news” diagnosos at river only 11 hours earlier. I paid RIVER For boodwork, And they said “can’t see any abnormalities!” And 11 hours later, office visit with another vet tell me he’s dying- woah River! Cat was only 1 and 1/2 years old and healthy. Be concerned to take your pets here! I’m not impressed with the obviously “non experienced” veterinarians in training who work night hours without supervision or guidance of a seasoned vet!!! Oh, and go by the bank on the way- you’ll need lots of money!

R
rivervethater

04/22/2012

Provided by YP.com
i really have mixed emotions a...

i really have mixed emotions about this place I took my dog here did blood work did all kinds of tests even did a ultrasound was advised he needed surgery. So surgery was done on what I was told was the problem and if I didn't come when I did he would've died waited by the phone to hear everything went well when they called I was told they didn't find anything so pretty much the open my dog up to look at his insides and say ok he's good now 2300 dollars later I still have no answers and I'm 2300 hundred dollars out. so in all and all wait till your vet opens on monday and don't waste your time or money on a guess from these guys. sorry River vet people but I will never be back !!!!!!

claimed iconBusiness Response04/25/2012

Dear "rivervethater", Please accept our sincere apologies for the negative experience that you had with our hospital. Unfortunately, while diagnostic tools such as radiographs and ultrasound are extremely helpful and can be highly suggestive of intra-abdominal lesions or diseases, we often cannot know beyond a shadow of a doubt what we will find in a patient's abdomen until we perform an exploratory surgery. While we definitely understand how this can be frustrating to pet parents, a "negative exploratory" is never a waste of time as it helps us to rule out potentially life-threatening surgical conditions, and we often obtain biopsies of suspicious tissues to help rule out microscopic disease which may be related to your pet's clinical signs. Also, waiting for a pet's clinical signs to progress from serious to critical may prevent a necessary surgery from occurring even when it is definitively warranted. The great majority of veterinarians have performed many negative exploratory surgeries during their careers, but these are considered valuable diagnostic tools. We hope that you will understand that our doctors and staff work together to ensure that no unnecessary medical or surgical procedures are performed, as we understand that there are usually considerable financial implications related to these procedures. We continue to have your pets' best interest in mind, and hope that you will not hesitate to contact us in the case of future emergencies. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly at 423-698-4612 as we would like to ensure that there have been no miscommunications concerning your pet's care. Sincerely, The RIVER Staff

This listing has been claimed by a business representative.
CG
Claude G.

12/07/2011

Provided by YP.com
Try your best to wait for your...

Try your best to wait for your regular vet to open back up. Why?

"hard sell" - if you decide you don't want them to treat your animal since it is going to be very expensive, and you want to wait and have your regular vet treat them in the morning, be ready for a guilt trip by their whole staff.

Don't ask them if your pet will be ok until the morning, you know what they will say.

If they completely treat your animal, be prepared for a bill >$1000.

My sister, who I accompanied to this place, complained to her regular vet the next day and demanded that he be available for her to talk to before having to go to the emergency room. He has since made his cell phone available to his clients. See if your vet will do the same.

claimed iconBusiness Response01/07/2012

Dear ClaudeGulat, On behalf of RIVER, I sincerely apologize that you had a negative experience with us. RIVER is committed to providing the highest quality small animal emergency and critical care to our patients. It is sometimes difficult for our staff to make determinations concerning whether or not your pet's medical care can wait until your veterinarian is available unless we have performed diagnostic procedures. A patient's condition can quickly deteriorate even if it appeared stable only moments earlier, and having the patient in our hospital would allow us to respond to medical needs in a timely manner. We work closely with many veterinarians in Chattanooga and surrounding areas by providing referral medical and surgical care, overnight monitoring for unstable or post-operative patients, and emergency and critical care. Our hospital is open and fully staffed 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year. It is our hope that you and your family will not hesitate to contact us in case of a veterinary emergency in the future. Sincerely, The RIVER Staff

This listing has been claimed by a business representative.
N
nursesh0126

04/16/2010

Provided by YP.com
DONT COME HERE

MY 3 LB DOG HAD A SEIZURE,WE DROVE 1 HOUR TO THIS PLACE WHERE THEY DID VERY LITTLE TO TREAT HER. THEY RAN BLOOD WORK AND IT TOOK 3 HOURS TO RECIEVE RESULTS, WHICH WERE NORMAL, THEN WANTED TO DO MORE BLOOD WORK. WE TOOK HER HOME AFTER WAITING ALMOST 3.5 HOURS AN LEARNING NOTHING(PLUS NOONE IN THE WAITING ROOM). VERY POOR CARE. NEXT DAY WENT TO A REAL VET WHO KEPT HER THERE ALL DAY, GAVE IV FLUIDS,ANTX, AND A ANTIINFLAMMATORY. PLUS WANTED A RETURN VISIT THE NEXT DAY. THEY ONLY CHARGED ME$97 COMPARED TO RIVERS $250.50 FOR NO CARE. BEWARE PET OWNERS, WILL SCAM YOU

D
dlfisher1

10/19/2009

Provided by YP.com
Compassionate Care

My 14 year old cat, Tildie, who had never been ill a day in her life, became critically ill. I am new to the Chattanooga area and ended up taking her to RIVER Vet Emergency. They treated Tildie compassionately and did the best they could possibly do to save her life. Dr. Gregg and Dr. Pullan kept me informed and up to date on her condition. Unfortunately, Tildie did not make it but the staff here sure tried. They agreed to let me take her home where she was euthanized in familiar surroundings by a doctor from a private practice. The necropsy (autopsy) that they did revealed that my cat had advanced cancer and nothing could have saved her.



At a time like this, it is hard to think about making arrangements for a pet that dies but they also helped me with that by recommending the wonderful Constant Companion Pet Crematory in Cleveland. I live in apartment and could not have buried my beloved pet at home.



I cannot say anything but good things about the services of RIVER Vet Emergency Clinic. I highly recommend them.

H
heather29

02/28/2008

Provided by YP.com
Exceptional customer service

I had to take my parents/family dog of 15 years, to be put to sleep. EVERYONE in River Vet Emergency Clinic was so professional & kind. I was treated with more humanity there, than my own doctor's office. I would recommend them to everyone.

More Business Info

Hours
Regular Hours
Mon - Sun:
Brands
Cats, Dogs
Payment method
amex, cash, check, discover, master card, visa
Neighborhoods
Riverside, Amnicola - East Chattanooga
Associations
American Association of Animal Hospitals (AAHA)
Categories
Veterinary Clinics & Hospitals, Veterinarian Emergency Services, Veterinarians
Other Information

Parking: Lot, Free

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

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