Reviews of VCA Canada Riverbend Animal Hospital (Veterinarian)

L

I have previously brought my cats to this vet and they are fantastic. Everyone is very friendly and happy to help whatever the circumstances. Yesterday we had a very bad experience at a different vet and found out we had to put our hamster down and they weren't going to let us say goodbye. Riverbend (even though they are not an exotic pet clinic) welcomed us in, gave us our space and time to say our goodbyes and did everything to make the process the best they could. The vet was very gentle and caring with our little one. And the girl at the front was absolutely one of the kindest and most helpful people I have met. Thank you ????

Shannon Navarrete

Dr. Basi is thorough, caring, gentle and pragmatic. No judgment. She just provides all the information you need to make an informed choice.

Katrina Walper

Very respectful and helpful staff. We saw doctors here for three years with our dog and even put her down here. It's a bit more money here for appointments, but always appreciated the caring atmosphere.

Seanne Fortier

My experience with Riverbend has been very good. I really like both the doctors that I have dealt with. Dr. Doyle is wonderful, very thorough in explaining things as is the other doctor. I was with another vet clinic prior to Riverbend and thought the service was dreadful and since this clinic is my my community, I decided I would give it a try and I'm glad I did.

Kellen P

Took great care of my poor boy Samson. Now hes back to is usual self, stealing entire hams off the kitchen counter. Thanks for all you did VCA.

Raegan Tarala

Dr. Doyle the front receptionists and the staff who work in the back are beyond amazing! They will go above and beyond to make sure your pets are well taken care of. They make you feel welcome everytime you come in the door. I definately recommend this clinic to anyone.

Harry Chan

Great service. All staff were kind.

indecisiveone321

The entire group is so happy and attentive from reception to behind-the-scenes. I have been coming to this vet since ~2011 and seen 4 vets here, the primary (and favourite) ones being Dr Basi & Dr. Doyle (dream team). My dogs have poor luck & we've been here for many ailments from ruptured glans, broken toes, ear infections, blocked ducts, nausea, cat ripped the dogs ear open, back issues, more back issues, nail trims, dental cleaning, dental surgery. etc. There is very little they cannot do in house and they work very well with CARE, especially when CARE has slacked off, they help me pick up the pieces.

Brandy Woods

The girls at this vet have been amazing any time I call and are helpful to no end. Any questions I've had they've been able to answer and if they dont, they end up calling me back or sending a text with the info.

Ginetta Carnevale

Nice people

Kim Pruden

First I want to say the receptionist I dealt with this morning was very pleasant, and the clinic looked and smelled clean. I have lived in the area for 23 years and have used this clinic from time to time, although they are far too expensive to make my regular clinic as I have 2 dogs and 4 cats, as well as other pet species. The last vet I saw, Dr Doyle was very nice. I discovered last night my one dog has lice, so I stopped by this closest clinic to my house before work. I thought it was closed at first because there was no one in there. I explained my problem to the receptionist and could hear staff/vets talking in the back. She said the vet would have to dispense the medication as it's prescription - no problem. I offered to bring a louse in, knowing lice is easily transferred, and I'm sure unwelcome in any clinic, so my dog was in the vehicle right outside the door. She looked up and found my file when I said I had been there before but not with this animal, then went to the back to speak with a vet. I heard her inform the vet of everything, to which I heard the vet say no, they would "need a relationship with the dog first.". Nothing else. There was zero interest in wanting to help my dog with a simple and easily resolved issue. Unless, I'm sure, I wanted to pay up for a full appointment and checkup. Lice itself is not a medical issue but it was sure making my dog uncomfortable, poor guy. I also can't imagine why they would chance exposing other dogs to picking it up by inviting my dog in? It could have been so simple to prescribe the solution based on his breed and weight, heck even charge me a small fee on top of it to glance at a louse and confirm it....ask me questions...give me the time of day...I thankfully have recently found a wonderful vet clinic not far away who charges at least half the cost of everything for amazing, caring service. There, they are all about helping people help their pet families, not about policies and making as much money as possible. I was able to get my son to pick up the meds for me today while I was working, thankfully, so I can get relief for my dog and prevent spreading lice asap. I really wish I could recommend Riverbend vet clinic, or be able to use it, but I cannot. Shop around people, there is better out there for less money, without having to leave the city or even the quadrant. To the vets, please stop and think of how you might help the animal and the people who love them first. Rules are great but sometimes common sense is too.

Stacey Mckinnon

I can’t recommend Dr. Doyle enough- she’s fantastic with all of our animals and very fairly priced, not just out to make a buck on people or take advantage. We now commute from Airdrie to see her as she’s the best vet we’ve ever had and I’ve had animals my whole life.

Silverluna

rude staff... dirty place.. and they are so overpriced for their services

Brad Moriarity

Dr. Margaret. Enough said.

Ashleigh Morey

The staff are amazing, always helpful and compassionate. We see Dr.Margaret and she is amazing, super knowledgable and always giving us her honest opinion. We have been seeing her for many years now. I'd travel to the other end of the city if I had to just to see her.

Melissa V

Everyone here has been so amazing. They were fantastic with my dog, explained everything super well and even followed up with me a week after seeing my dog. I can't recommend this place enough!

Karin Lindsay

The staff and doctors are very caring.

Haley Tate

Very disappointed. Bringing your animal into the trusting care of a vet you expect to get the proper treatment/diagnosis. I brought my kitty in to get checked for mites - he was living in a house with other cats temporarily while I was moving to a brand new apartment. I took him in because his ears were bugging him. The vet took some swabs - looked over him - didn't do anything out of the ordinary or check his prostate. She told me the test was clear and gave me drops to help with any trauma it may have been. I used the drops appropriately, after the time was over his ears were still bothering him. Frustrated, I took him to a different vet (Foothills Animal Clinic) whom had informed me he most definitely had mites and has been suffering for awhile based on the infection (I had to take him back once more to clear them) After calling today to address the situation I was told "Ill make a note of it." Which does not do any justice. I spent a ridiculous amount (which I was fine with at the time because I thought he was getting treated and wouldn't suffer) then had to spend another chunk to take care of the issue he had in the first place. I hope the "note" taken is to refund me for a misdiagnosis ....

Steph Kalkman

We love Dr. Doyle!!! Great Staff, the girls at the front desk are fantastic and caring doctors, I would (and have already) recommend this place to anyone.

Steve “Choice Minis” Thomas

They are always so nice and Artemis (my dog) loves them. Thanks everyone!

Ryan Pyke

Best vet in Canada

Dave Tomlin

Ive been a couple times with my dog and they're always super helpful and professional. I would recommend their services to anyone.

Jess Pier

Unfortunate to see trusting clients not taken care of by a large trusted company with multiple locations!!!! Haley is such a sweetheart not to mention Chini is adorable! Ive had issues like this in the past but I wasn't just brushed off, at least I was given an apology.

Teresa Bullegas

Good place for my dog and cats to go that place why they have one lady can sign lang deal with deaf peoples thumb up

nicole

Dr. M knows her stuff. She is amazing and compassionate and hard working.

Dennis Smithson

Go see Dr Doyle and her staff.

Mark Freeland

I've been taking my dogs to the Riverbend Animal Clinic since 2001 and have always been impressed with their care and professionalism. About ten months ago we found that my 13 year old Springer had cancer. All options were explained and discussed and we decided that, because of her advanced age, we would follow a course of anti inflammatory meds and keep her as comfortable as possible. Prognosis was six months. We had a few follow ups appointments over the course of the last ten months of which Ivy was holding her own and still had a good quality of life. The last month she took a turn for the worse and after Monday's appointment we decided that she was suffering and the time had come to put her down. Ivy quietly drifted to sleep Wednesday afternoon with me by her side. Through this entire ordeal Dr Doyle and the staff at the clinic were nothing but compassionate and caring. They bent over backwards to accommodate appointments for Ivy (for which I am truly grateful). Dr Doyle's honest love for animals, informed diagnosis, and her gentle treatment of Ivy helped me make the correct decisions at the right time for my dog who was like my own child. I can't thank her and the staff at Riverbend Animal Clinic enough for helping me during this terribly painful time.

Shannon C.

So my dog got both his third eyelids swollen and we asked for medicine from this clinic which was $80. Fair enough no progress though because his eyelids were still swollen. So we asked them if there is surgery involved to heal him since the medicine wasnt working and they said yes. We go through the whole surgery process and after my dogs surgery everything was fine. Eyelids were normal and stitches come off in about a week. 2 weeks pass and then the eyelids came back swollen. We gave them a call and they admitted that the "surgery" was only temporary treatment. $800 FOR TEMPORARY TREATMENT that they didn't even mention to us? I advise no one go here unless your pet is in an emergency because the staff involved with my dog are meatheads.

Kara Sallows

Just saw Dr. Mackie today and she was great with our aging kitty, thank you!

Patricia Murray

Always there to look after my babies!

Kim K.

My dog has had issues for awhile and everytime were in theres always someone who can help us understand what we can do to help ease his pain. We love it here.

T M

I had my dog neutered here and when a week had passed and there was oozing and swelling at the incision - I naturally called in to inquire and was treated like a nuisance. Considering I paid nearly $600 to have the surgery I think they could have removed the condescending attitude. I also took him here to get a nail clipping, I prior explained to them he is terrified and will try and get away and they assured me it would be fine. So after about 15 minutes they ask me to come into the back to help calm my dog down and they had clipped about 3 nails with blood all over the floor. And charged me $40 for this "service". Will not recommend or return.

Doug Sontag

Very friendly staff. Can tell they care. Thanks

Irene Macleod

I drive from the north to the south just to go to this vet. Dr. Doyle is amazing. She is always looking out for what's best, she cares about every animal that walks through that door. Not how much in in your bank account. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone, its worth the travel time!

Justine Johannson

exceptional service from the intake staff - they were SO helpful and compassionate, going above and beyond to assist. my family has been going here for years and we are very happy.

Crystal Harding

Love them... Both dr. Mackie and dr. Doyle are the most attentive vets I've seen. Very good with all my furkids!!

corrine stoski

Great caring vet.

Wally Dunn

Great staff and service.

Richard Stewart

Place is very professional, they are way more concerned about the well being of your pet over charging you for everything they provide. Very good veterinarian.

Lysander D

Everyone is very kind, and I had a very good experience here. The vet who helped me answered all my questions and did a wonderful job calming my cat as he gave her a checkup and shots.

Jeffrey Pinkett

Rude, I would rather drive 25 mins across the city to another vet clinic then step foot in this one again!!! The convinience is not worth your time....

Zach Montgomery

Beyond grateful for the entire team at VCA Riverbend. All so helpful, accommodating and have your pets best interests at heart. Highly recommend this location to anyone looking.

Rick Clark

Thank you so much to all the staff for doing everything you could to save our Scotty.

Chris Walz

Awesome place to go and very gentle staff. The Doctor's are super great and very understanding!

Joy Wingate

Expensive

Pamela Crompton

I took my dog Talia to this clinic soon after it opened because it was the only one in this area. Talia had been off colour for a few days. The female vet examined her. When we left, I noticed Talia walked with a limp. I took her back inside and asked the vet about it. I learned I would be charged to have her examined again even though Talia hadn't limped when we first went there and something had happened during the vet's examination. I left and took Talia to my usual vet, I learned the dog's shoulder had been dislocated.

Rebecca Snyder

I brought my 13 year old Boston Terrier in for an over due exam. It was quick and easy to schedule an appointment. Dr. Doyle was very thorough in her exam and very proactive in discussing where spending money would be most effective and efficient in Pookie's vet care. Pookie had dental surgery and I feel received very good care while in the clinic. Before discharge, the tech went over nicely detailed instructions for her after care and answered all my questions.

Mondar Chaudhury

Ohh the staff here.. fabulous.

Monica Gauthier-Miljour

Dr Margaret Doyle is just the most amazing vet and human being. She is so kind, intelligent, knowledgeable and compassionate. The staff is also so amazing! Dr. Doyle always takes the time to listen and she always takes the time to diagnose. She has so much experience and always explores as many different possibilities as possible. There are not very many good veterinaries let alone good people around and Dr. Doyle is one of a very few. If you want the best possible care for your animal she is the one to go to. She has taken such great care of my three pups especially my rotti who does not have much time left but tries everything that she can possibly think of to make him comfortable and happy. I am forever in her debt for taking such great care of all my pups!

Nate Brooks

Been taking my pets here for awhile, however new staff turn over with erragant young vets. It's all about making a dollar, not about customers. My animal required her prescription filled but they wanted new bloodwork. That's fine.and completed. Then they wanted a full check up, that's fine but wont fill the prescription until after check up in a week. Will have run out of meds by then (and they were the ones who prescribed them). Very disappointed.

Carter Greer

I 100% trust Dr. Doyle's decision making when it comes to our three animals. She takes excellent care of them and always goes above and beyond. It's a comforting feeling - I can't control everything that happens to them but at least I know that I have Calgary's best vet.

Amanda Peel

Do not take your pet here, my cat has a lifelong condition which was found by spending almost $3,000 at the pet hospital, this vet is aware of that but try's to get me to spend $100 for a vet visit every time I need to refill his prescription. I called yesterday to refill his prescription I was told it would be ready today, called today and was told I need to spend $104 to bring him in plus medication, last time I brought my cat i they did things that cost money without even informing me first. This is a life long condition and they should have informed me of this yesterday. My cats eye is horrible one day was bad enough, no care / love for animals here, all about making money.

Paul Twigg

Amazing customer service.

Thomas Counley (Gotasatisfy)

Dr doyle is as good as they come

Sherry Crawford

The first time I went to Riverbend Vet Clinic was under an emergency situation. My dog Ayasha instantly took to Dr. Doyle and was given the best care possible ????

Laici S

Dr. Mackie and all of the staff here are so amazing. Our pup, Leeloo, was having some irritation in her nose and throat and the staff as well as Dr. Mackie called a few days later to check in on her after our first appointment to see if we should try some medication to help with the irritation. I really love how Dr. Mackie took the time to make sure putting our pup on medication was the best option before prescribing her some. It helped Leeloo a lot! We are so happy to have found a clinic that truly cares about animals and go above and beyond to make sure we are getting the best possible care for our dog!

DDRC Calgary-1087

Caring and helpful

Alain Bouche

They were so amazing with my dog. She has really bad anxiety and my dog was happy jumping around with the Vet. They really mad her feel comfortable. I highly recommend this Clinic! Also very affordable!

Leah Layden

Have been an excellent vet for our fur babies. They listen and give our animals quality care.

Kathy O

I took my cat in to be neutered yesterday and I was very impressed with how the vet answered all my questions and treated my kitty with concern (he was very frightened). I left feeling very confident that my little guy was in the best of hands. Their Covid drop off and pick-up protocol, as well as the post procedure information I received was professional and friendly. My kitty is back to his regular self today and I am very happy that we have found such a great vet team to take care of him.

Jennifer Hurlbert

Brought my kitty into be neutered, it seemed like a routine operation. As the vet called me through the day. I became nervous that my kitty wasn't doing well. He had a fever and they kept him longer than expected. Then when I came to pick him up the front staff were laughing at his suffering. As he ran circles in the kennel and was obviously terrified. They continued to joke about him being traumatized each time the would enter the back room. He had wounds on his toe pads. And has general behavior issues even after a month of recovery. He hisses at my roommates and attacks my senior cat now which he didn't do before. Not happy with the staff who laughed at his pain and stress while in the clinic. Not to mention the price tag. Holy smokes it was double the price as anywhere else

Lonie Brown

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