River Road Animal Hospital

I had to bring my 15+ year old dog in to be put to sleep 😭 the staff was very welcoming and companionate. I was a mess and there was no judgement. They even gave me a paw print of my puppy for free . Thank you for your help in our unfortunate event. Read Less

As far as veterinary clinics go, River Road Animal Hospital is the best. My fur-babies have always gotten top notch care, even my 95lb devil dog. Great care, caring staff, reasonable fees, what more could you ask for? In the next couple of years we plan on moving about 4 hours away, I will still make the drive to River Road so my fur- kids get the excellent care that they provide. Read Less

River Road Animal Hospital has been providing excellent care for my family for at least four years. Their front desk staff is consistently friendly and attentive to my dog's needs, and their veterinarians and vet techs are knowledgeable and compassionate. I have found their rates to be very reasonable, they have always provided me with confirmation calls and clear communication regarding my family's needs, and services are provided in an expedient manner without making patients feel rushed. I will continue to bring my animals here as long as I live in the area, and I will continue to recommend that others do the same. I'm grateful to have their number in my phone. Read Less

We have been taking our two Boxers to this Vet clinic the past 3yrs and have always been pleased with the services. The staff/doctors always friendly and good with the dogs and take their time answering questions and explaining procedures. Our dogs have certain needs to make the visit more pleasant for them and me and they help make that happen. Not the closest vet to our home but worth the extra time to go there and they have more extended days/hours. Read Less

We had another lethargic non-eating or drinking and throwing up all nite cat. Afraid we would be losing him like we did the other last month at another animal hospital but we didn't. They took us in right away and checked him out without tons of unneeded testings and the Dr was spot on he got better by the afternoon. She also calmed us by letting us know she would be there the next day if we needed her.. I loved that and my little guy is doing great! I will go to River Road animal hospital before ever going back to Sumner vet hospital (lost two pets there). Thank you staff! you were great Read Less

They are ok.. the vets are good but we just feel like a number. When I come in, I am never acknowledged until someone's face is Out of the computer and that can be several minutes. Personal service goes a long way for both humans AND animals.. something your front desk needs to learn. Read Less

I give 5 stars to all the veterinarians in this office but had to take off 1 star because of the negative chatter between the receptionists while I was in the waiting area. It seemed to be about another employee who was not there at the time. A little unprofessional. Read Less

AVOID THIS PLACE!!!Honestly, I have a difficult time even giving them one star. I am completely heart broken. The service here is questionable. Hit and miss. Sometimes the staff is kind, sometimes very cold.  In December, I took my little girl there to get her asthma meds adjusted or changed.... Dr Marvig insisted that she take an antibiotic, although I didn't really notice any signs of infection. He gave her one that he originally said he was questioning because of some possible side effects. I was hesitant, but eventually gave it to her(assuming the vet knows what is best). She started getting sick a few hours later. I called the clinic and the receptionist told me that they had no appointments open and I would have to schedule for the next day.... she basically made me feel as if I was overreacting. She said the Dr would call me back after a few minutes. He did call back about 20 minutes later, and told me that the antibiotic would wear off and that I should give her fluid at home but also made me feel like I was overreacting.... CC died while my mom was holding her, just as I was hanging up with Dr. Marvig......  A month later, my other dog is sick and is taken to River Road animal hospital.... he has apparently gotten into something toxic and they are attempting to clean out his system and run tests. They charged me for 24 hour care, so I assume that a vet is there overnight... only to find out the next day that they do not have a vet in house overnight and that my dog sat there sick, overnight in a kennell by himself??? (Why in the heck did I just pay for "24" hour care??)He was very sick when they got in the office and they had to draw fluid off his chest so he could breath better. They watched him all day(so they say) and the vet said I should take him home overnight and watch him, and take him to an animal ER if needed. I took him home around 8, and watched him all night. He seemed normal, had begun playing again and was eating and drinking. Still with a bit of labored breathing, but overall seemed a whole lot better. I took him back to the clinic at 7am, as discussed with the Dr so they could recheck him and watch him. At 9, he called and said my boy looked a lot better than the prior day and he was happy to see it. At 1130.... he called to tell me the he died.Moral of the story..  if you love your pets the way I did(my kids) DO NOT TAKE THEM HERE! I get it, sometimes stuff happens and they pass away.... but how a clinic can manage to kill 2 pets from one family in 30 days is beyond me... especially since one was not even sick!!!!  I am completely horrified... they actually have a sign on the wall that says the clinic loves great reviews and they appreciate it because word of mouth helps them stay in business..... Im hoping that word of mouth actually puts them OUT of business!!! They really should not be treating animals! These people are awful!!!! Read Less

Dr. Lamb and his staff are beyond exceptional. Our little boy passed today, and the staff were so kind. No rush, time to say our farewell, didn't leave him alone even afterwards. The staff are full of heart as they don't take this common occurrence as "common".Read Less

Been taking my fur babies here for about ten years and have always had a good experience. From routine check ups (they don't push unnecessary tests or charges) to having to euthanize my kitty everyone has been kind and professional. I have a preferred Vet here but if she isn't available I have no issues seeing anyone else. Highly recommend them! Read Less

Outstanding staff, never felt so comfortable with anyone having my boy especially when I wasn't sure of the outcome with him in bad shape. They were prompt professional and compassionate. Thanks you guys and my 15 year old Akita/sharpe is feeling much better Read Less

I came home from work to a possibly injured cat. Besides my heart sinking, I didn't want to take any chances and rushed her to River Road Animal Hospital right before closing and no appt. Everyone was extremely caring and helpful. Dr. Lamb especially went out of his way to ensure she was well taken care of. Luckily she is okay and will be my preferred vet. You will NOT go wrong with this place. Read Less

This place is amazing. I had my first pet Lucie 14 years ago & took her there from all the wonderful thing people said about it. I couldn't have been more pleased. I then got 2 more animals & only took them there! In June this year i had to put my Lucie down.... She was an old lady & had things going on. They were so sweet, kind & loving. If i decide to get another pet, i know where they are going for care. Thank you to you all that work there. You guys are awesome!! Read Less

On 9/26/2016 I called in at 430pm because my dog had stopped moving, I called to see what they could tell me over the phone and to get in ASAP, the girl that answered the phone was rude straight rude. I have been with River Road for 3.5 years and this was unbelievable, they do not close until 9pm and she made it seem like I was calling in 5 min to closing, she did not even give me advice she just huffing and puffed throughout the conversation stating they had no time for her and tomorrow is tight too. Then said "well I have a 510pm tomorrow if you want it". NOT once did she ask the advice of the Vets nor did she ever ask if they could make time for her. She should not be working in this field. I am not a frantic owner, I am a concerned owner and my dogs are my kids. If she is having a bad day I suggest she stay home for the day if she is unable to separate her personal issues from work she needs to vacate the position. That job calls for compassion and understanding something she lacks.I knew in my heart tomorrow was to far away, So I called Hawks Prairie, the receptionist told me exactly what she believed it was and placed me on hold to talk to the doctor she then said to get her to them ASAP they will wait for her. Mind you I work in Seattle and therefore my daughter would be the one bringing her in. 20 min from River Road and 1 hour from Hawks Prairie, with traffic JBLM TRAFFIC. After her arrival to Hawks Prairie in 5 min they called and informed me it was to late and the best thing to do is to lay her to rest, surgery was an option however with her age (14) and her heart murmur recovery is slim to none.Now I get that no matter what my girl was going to have to depart this world, but tell me why could you not at least have a heart and understand 5 min of the doctors time would of meant the world to me. You acted as if I was using your time when all you do is punch in her last name and a few other words you were not even the person to handle the important parts of the visit! Read Less

My first visit here for a sudden concern about my 19 week old pup. The ladies in the front and back office were wonderful and so kind. Dr. Lamb was professional and friendly, he worked quickly but knowledge and confidence and I didn't feel silly asking questions or asking him to explain further about my pups issues and didn't feel rushed. Very pleased with our visit and we will definitely be returning for regular care. Read Less

The doctors and staff at River Road are beyond exceptional. Great care, great hours, great all around. Highly recommend. It is well worth the drive (port orchard) for me and my family. Thank you River Road! Read Less

We took our cat here because we wanted a second opinion on a lump she had on her back. We were delighted to see that the Veterinarian here was willing to take a sample of the mass to be sure it was not a cancerous tumor. Whereas, the first Veterinarian, from another hospital, did not do anything of the sort. Instead, he wanted to put our cat under and perform surgery to remove it and THEN test the mass afterward. We believe that River Road saved our cat from the trauma of an unnecessary surgery and the costs incurred from such a procedure. It is obvious to us, because of this experience, River Road's focus is about the importance of the animal in their care. Read Less

We take both of our dogs here. They have a great puppy program that gives you three visits and all of the necassary shots, deworming, microchipping, two stool worm checks, and if it looks necassary they always offer to trim my dogs nails for free. They just really care about my dogs and it shows when we go there. Also, you can easily get same week appointments and they are affordable. :) Read Less

I have been here many times. Let me tell you that this is NOT the usual vet experience.First off, I have NEVER been shocked at a bill that was reasonable!!!That is a first for a vet. The staff is always friendly and courteous !!!And finally, they seem to have about the best boarding rates I have seen!!! Thank you RRAH for a great experience which are becoming harder to find!! Read Less

I have always gotten great care for my animals here at River Road. Exceptional care, compassion and willing to go great lengths to discuss the best options of care for my animals. Also my cats and dogs have boarded there and it so nice to know your animals are in great hands! Can't say enough about the care they give. Read Less

I will never bring my dog back here. They were extremely rude and didn't help us in any way. Horrible. Horrible. Learn how to be decent to people. And the actually veterinarian talked to us like we were 5 years old....idk how this place gets business. Read Less

My family has been taking our animals to River Road Veterinary Clinic since it was owned by the previous vet -Dr Guptil. My Moms file actually went back to 1967! The staff at River Road Veterinary Clinic goes above & beyond other veterinary clinics I have encountered, giving special care/love that others do not. Dr Lamb is a phenomenal vet, whom our family has a very close relationship with, after years of his special attention to all of our animals. His kindness is just amazing. He goes out of his way to make sure our animals are healthy & happy, without breaking the bank! All of of the staff & vets here are wonderful & I wouldn't trust another veterinary clinic with our babies. You can't beat their hours-7am-9pm, & they're able to get you in the same day. They've also been wonderful to our friends & families pets as well. I'd trust River Road Veterinary Clinic with your special babies & know they've always been extremely compassionate with ours. I've never had a bad experience with anyone in the clinic, which I cannot say is true with others in the area. I wouldn't go anywhere else! Read Less

Highly recommend.  We have taken our dog and cat there for routine care and always been very pleased.  This past week, our dog was attacked by our neighbor's dog while walking and has required two surgeries.  They promptly saw her and took excellent care of her.  I called in with concerns with pain/anxiety and how the wound was healing several times.  Everyone was very kind, accommodating, and flexible to allow her to be seen and have the second, unexpected surgery.  Dr. Pam, Dr. Lamb, Star, Casey, and the rest of the staff have done a great job and I have a lot of trust in them.  I am very appreciative of their care with our animals. Read Less

No super fancy review here, but I called them after finding a stray cat a while back and they were EXTREMELY helpful on suggestions of next steps to take to find the animals owner.While my boyfriend was outside, he happened to run across someone looking for their cat so we didn't have to do much, but I still appreciated the help they gave me.  :) Read Less

Took my little guy here after he was having some paw inflammation. Five stars to the receptionist who was able to get me in the same day and gave me many options for time slots. She even remembered my parent's dog from years ago which was nice.I guess I am a little naïve when it comes to vet trips as this is my first one with my own dog. When I got there and was asked what I was bringing my dog in for, I explained the paw problem and then also casually mentioned that he should probably also have a general checkover as he's never had one.The vet tech weighed him, took his temperature, and then Dr. Lamb came in. Dr. Lamb picked him up, looked at his paws, did a little touch here and a little touch there, and told me he had an infection of some sort. He gave him an anti-inflammatory shot, a cone for his head, some antibiotics and then sent us on my way.I was expecting a bill of maybe $60 or $70. Was I even close? Nope. The bill was for over $130! When the receptionist told me the price, I kind of stared at her. She told me I would get a print-out. So I stood there kind of looking like an idiot until I realized she wanted my credit card before she would give me the print-out that explained the costs. Listed on the bill once I got it? An office exam for $49. Not sure if this reflects the paw examination or the "check-up."  So word to the wise--do not mention check up, office exam, annual or anything similar in nature. One may argue, "Well, they did weigh him and take his temperature" but this was to check for if he was fighting an infection (related to the paw) and to know what dose of antibiotics to give him (also related to the paw). Never did he get his heart listened to, breathing checked, or even his mouth looked in!  So yeah, a little miffed over that one if this is how they conduct their check-ups for dogs. So much for preventive medicine. Other than that, I was pleased with how they treated me and my dog. I'll probably be back, but will be leery with the billing process. Read Less

I have been coming to RRAH for around 15 years now, and have had several furry family come through their doors. I truly cannot say enough good things about this place. First off, they have great hours. Open 7 days a week, and late on weekdays (I think 9pm).  It is very convenient when you have to work during the day. It is always clean, and they have reasonable prices on the prescription pet food they sell. But beyond that is their exceptional care. The one thing I really appreciate is that I feel like a partner in my pets' health, and not like I'm getting talked to about it. I feel like we are working together to get them healthy again. We especially have this relationship with Dr Pam, who I can't say enough good things about. I trust her judgment completely, and that is a lot for me to say. She saved my kitten's life when 5 other clinics misdiagnosed. I could go on and on about her. She is AMAZING. I've seen every doctor here, and they are all fantastic. Special mention to Dr Reimer who was so kind and patient when we had to say goodbye to our cat. He stood there forever listening to us share stories, and answered all our questions. When Dr Pam isnt available, he's the next one I ask for.  When I picked up my cat's ashes a few days later, the receptionist (her name is escaping me) hugged me while I cried. That meant a lot. Cost-wise, I find them to be much more reasonable than any other vet I've been to. An example is when I first went there, my cat needed dental work. I called several places, and RRMC came in a good hundred dollars cheaper than every one else. I kept going back because the care was wonderful and the people were amazing. Another thing I truly appreciate is that I don't feel milked for cash there. They are always conscious of the cost, and I don't walk out with a thousand dollar estimate for a cat with hair balls (like I did at a VCA clinic). Honestly, I could go on and on. I can't comment on the boarding or grooming since I've never needed those services. I do love this place, and will recommend them very highly to anyone who asks. Read Less

I have been to many vets across Pierce County because i have a small dog who has overcome a great deal in her short 3years of life. She has over come all of her health problems with the assistance of Dr. Lamb and his team at River Road Animal Hospital! They really care aboout the animals and not just the money and it shows.I am forever greaful because they saved my baby girl's life!!! today she is happy and healthy!She lives with addison's disease.. but she has the propper medicine and care to live a normal life. and its because of this place that she was correctly diagnosed. Every other vet in tacoma and parkland that i have taken her to was only concerned about getting the money UP front.. IN FULL.. and OVER CHARGED. I LOVE RIVER ROAD!!!! Dr. LAMB is and always will be my GO TO. THANK YOU TO THE DOCTORS AND STAFF AT RIVER ROAD. Read Less

We look our dog here for the first time, and this will be the only Vet we go to. They have amazing prices and the staff is OUTSTANDING. I never thought a Veterinarian would spend so much time with us one on one.. Answering every silly question we had, and putting up with it when our dog would nibble on his arm. I would recommend them to anyone! Read Less

I have been taking my dog to RRAH for 6 years.  I want to say, I am very pleased with most of the vets I see.  Dr. Lamb and Dr. Pham (sp?) are excellent.  They are very thorough and offer explanations to my questions and I never feel rushed.  I am able to get appts (most of the time) if I call last minute.  I also had an incident when my dog got bit by another dog during the snow storm, I was unable to get to RRAH because my streets were closed entirely.  They put a vet on the phone and he gave me advice/treatment as in what to do until I was able to bring her in.  I have also boarded my dog here on several occassions and they are extremely reasonably priced!My only comment is, some of the front desk staff are very unfriendly and rude.  In person and on the phone.  They also seem to be a little understaffed in regards to that aspect as well. Read Less

I want to be fair and disclose my bias up front:My cat, Lucy (RIP), was voted a "Pet of the Month" in 2008.So...I'm inclined to give River Road Animal Hospital a good review!Seriously though, we've brought a variety of cats and dogs here over the last 10 years and had consistently fantastic, caring service.  Dr. Lamb and his staff are excellent.  From our 25 year old aforementioned kitty with her array of issues, to our dog, Genshi, a rescue who is very distrustful and "difficult" to examine, the River Road staff have given our furry family the very best care.We have boarded cats and dogs here.  It is vet boarding, so not like a spa for your pet, but they take good care of your pet here for a reasonable price.  I think medium dogs are about $20 per day.Exam prices are very fair.  On my latest visit, Genshi had an exam ($35), and her parvo and rabies vaccines were $16 each.  Her bordetella shot was $28.  I provide specific prices because, if you are like me, you are curious how other places compare.But there is no price I can put on the staff here, really, and I second Jake F.'s "HIGHLY RECOMMEND".  Our furry family are patients for life. Read Less

I have taken my pets to River Road Animal Hospital for years, 4 years to be exact. I absolutely love the care and service I have received from this amazing clinic. All of the doctors are top notch and I have complete trust in everyone of them to do what is best for my three cats. The reception staff isn't half bad either. I have called numerous times on short notice and they have helped me to get an appointment or get in touch with one of the doctors. I HIGHLY recommend that you bring your pets to this wonderful hospital, where they get the care they deserve! :-) Read Less

It can be difficult to find a vet that knows how to treat greyhounds. They require special anesthetic and have different test levels. I am extremely pleased with the doctors that have treated mine. They are aware of all of the special needs of sight hounds and are extremely caring people. The front office staff has been great!I also had to have my 18 yo cat euthanized after treating him for some time in their office and they did that with dignity, caring and kindness. I would highly recommend them to anyone that wanted quality care and reasonable pricing. Read Less