VCA Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals

My baby girl, Sage passed on 12/29/24. After 13 years, she declined very rapidly over the weekend and of course my usual vet was closed, so I called VCA River Emergency very frantic. I knew what I had to do and the decision I needed to make and of course it has been the hardest thing I had to do. I cannot thank VCA River Emergency enough for their professionalism, empathy, kindness and support through this very difficult time. They were very kind and went above and beyond with the memorabilia that I received for my sweet Sage. They gave me hope that I can still move forward from this heartbreak and gave me more comfort and peace. Thank you so much VCA River Emergency. I HIGHLY recommend them and will definitely use them in the future.

This place was such a godsend to my family. On July 12, we took our German Shepherd to Animal Emergency and Specialty on Lee Highway, where they misdiagnosed his lethargy as dehydration. After spending $900 on an X-ray, fluids, and meds, they sent us on our way, claiming he was fine. For three weeks, my dog suffered! On Thursday, I called VCA River and described his symptoms and what the other vet had said. They told me to bring him in immediately. They found that he had a huge mass in his abdomen that had erupted and was leaking into his belly, something the other vet had missed. We were preparing for a $13,000 surgery, but the vet explained that, due to his age and weakened state, his quality of life would be significantly reduced and he might only live another year. We made the difficult decision to let him go peacefully and end his suffering. While my dog is no longer in pain, I want to publicly thank VCA River for their help and compassion. Conversely, the experience with Animal Emergency and Specialty on Lee Highway was appalling. When I called them to get the X-rays, I could see the mass myself with no veterinary training! Despite telling them we had to put our dog down, they showed no empathy. I can’t bring my baby back but I will honor his life by advocating for who helped and who didn’t! Please please please take your baby to this place VCA RIVER has to be the only option if you love your baby like we do! With everything they did including his cremation and processing his remains back to us it was $400 that included the same X-ray the other place did improperly and the processing of our babies body with dignity. Animal Emergency and Specialty charge us $905 and my baby suffered for two week. Please please please TAKE YOUR LOVE ONE TO VCA RIVER

We came in with our pitty last night, and unfortunately we had to come to the difficult decision to let her cross the rainbow bridge. It was devastating to my wife and I, but the staff here was more than patient, considerate, and supportive throughout the whole process, from the time we pulled up outside to the time we left. I never hope that anyone has to make the difficult decision, but if you have to I can firmly say that you can trust Dr. Smith and her team to help you. Compassionate isn’t even the word for it. While we miss our Mary dearly, we appreciate everyone at VCA River for everything they were able to do for us and for her.

They have saved our rabbit’s life twice now. She is prone to GI stasis, so we’ve had to visit them twice within a 6 month period. Every time she got sick, it was either on a Friday or Saturday night so no exotic veterinary offices were opened. They listened to our concerns and took such great care of our fur baby. After giving her fluids and some medication, she perked up immediately. She’s still on the path to recovery but I really believe she would not be here if it wasn’t for their professionalism. Thank you so much!!!!

I can’t thank the entire team at VCA River enough for the amazing experience we’ve had with our sweet girl, Nandi. After an unexpected cancer X-RAY diagnosis from our vet in Cleveland, TN we didn’t know where to go and Dr. Mays & Dr. Wearing were phenomenal in giving us information and next steps. We are one week post-amputation and everyone has been so wonderful to check in on us, answer our questions and provide amazing customer service.