Riverdale Veterinary Clinic

We got a new puppy and were in need of follow up shots. I scheduled and placed a $49 deposit for an appointment later in the week. Unfortunately, not realizing we had an extremely busy week with pre-scheduled commitments that couldn’t be rescheduled. I called to cancel TWO days in advance and was told I would forfeit my deposit, despite a well in advance notice. This isn’t the kind of money hungry place we’d even want in care of our dogs. We cancelled despite the charge and contacted our credit card company who also couldn’t believe their “policy”. Life happens, and charging people for changing with ADVANCE notice is a disgusting way to run a business. We won’t ever take our dogs there, and hope to help others make the right decisions for their family too.

When I called to book an appointment for our female cat, who might have a UTI, I was first told the earliest opening was two days away—but that I should try calling a different vet instead. I asked if all clinics were probably booked out that far anyway, and the person on the phone seemed unsure and a little hesitant to even schedule us, even though we’ve never had any issues with them before. I didn’t say it was an emergency, just that she needed to be checked out. Eventually, they did offer me the appointment but quickly made sure I knew there would be a $49 fee if I canceled too close to the time. While waiting, I gave our cat some over-the-counter medicine and switched her food, just trying to keep her comfortable—and it actually seemed to help a lot. A couple of hours before the appointment, I called to ask if it might make sense to reschedule since she was doing better, but they said no and that I’d still be charged even if I wanted to rebook. It just felt like it was more about the money than the care, which is really sad. It’s getting hard to find a local vet where the staff is both kind and professional. Looks like I’ll be driving a little farther from now on to get the kind of care our pets deserve.

If I could give MORE than 5 stars for Riverdale Veterinary Clinic, I would!!! We are new to the area, and I made an appointment for our dog because he was dealing with an issue. Not only did they squeeze us into the schedule early the next day to get him checked (and to accommodate my work schedule), the vet knew what the issue was right away and instantly helped our dog and fixed the issue! Our dog feels so much better, and I'm relieved it wasn't something major. Everyone in the office is friendly and warm, and they handled everything with professionalism, integrity and care. Thank you to the entire team!!! UPDATE on 10/15/2025: Took our dog for his annual check-up and shots and Dr. Shewmaker was awesome (as usual)… Calm, caring and attentive to our pup. 🐾 Thanks again, Riverdale Veterinary Clinic!

Dr. Shewmaker and his elite staff are outstanding. I have peace of mind knowing that my dachshund is getting the absolute best care. I highly recommend this clinic for your veterinary needs. 10/10!

Dr. Shewmaker and his staff are amazing, kind, compassionate, and very skilled at what they do. My cat was very sick, and I was very worried about her. She wasn't able to eat, and threw up what she tried to eat. The staff at Riverdale Veterinary Clinic were able to schedule a visit the same day, which is so valuable to me to get in that quickly. They ran tests, and were able to treat her immediately. After they treated her, and once I returned home and gave her the prescribed medication, she ate her food right away. Everyone is very kind and understanding, every visit, explaining how they can help, answering questions, and listening to any additional requests and concerns. If you're looking for a high quality, thorough vet, you will get the best care possible with Dr. Shewmaker and staff. He has provided care for both my cat and dog, and does an amazing job! I highly recommend! Thank you Dr. Shewmaker and staff! ❤️

I will not go on about the sad details with my beloved dog that passed away less than 2 hours after the visit! Fair warning, with this Vet clinic it’s all about the money! My motto is tell it like it is, do not sugar coat and give hope where there is no hope, just for the all mighty dollar. In response to the post from the vet office, here is what I say in return. Only member of the clinic that expressed sympathy was the girl at the front desk. The vet tech was confrontational with me and basically blamed me for our pets death. It’s funny how the story changes with this place. I remember every word spoken that day, I will never forget. But I’m just warning others who pets are your family, Beware if your pet is sick. This is all I can do to protect other pet owners is telling the truth. It’s all about the 1000 dollars.

Today was my third and last visit to Riverdale. I arrived to my appointment on time for a routine heartworm check....a 5 min in and out procedure. The receptionist asked if I had any other concerns. I told her I needed to book an appt to have my dogs teeth checked. He yelped a couple of times chewing a treat. She said no problem, the Dr will check today AND LET YOU KNOW THE COST OF TREATMENT. I didn't ask the cost so I found that odd. She put us in a room and said I'll let the girls know your waiting. I could hear a couple of girls laughing the entire time i was in the room. After 30 minutes I went out and talked to a different girl at the front desk. She went to the back and after a while came out with the first girl. I mentioned that she left me in that room for 30 min. She said the Doctor was in the middle of a procedure and that's why it was taking a long time. I didn't ask to see the doctor, she offered that, but at no point did she or anyone else tell me I would have to wait till he was done with a procedure. She now offered to get the tech and do the 5 min procedure. Truthfully, if this Dr can't handle running a small animal clinic, I don't have the faith to trust him with my baby. I just told her I was leaving. 2 out of 3 poor visits is enough for me.

At Riverdale Veterinary Clinic the whole staff is wonderful! They are meticulous and clean, the whole staff loves their patients. They are so kind and answer any questions we needed to ask, they take their time with us and our puppies. The staff call when they say that they are going to call to give us information or results about our puppies. I highly recommend this Veterinary clinic! They are the best! They also phone us back when we have any questions! We appreciate Riverdale Clinic very much and look forward to these wonderful people that are taking care of our puppies with the love they have for their Fur baby patients We are so glad that we bring our pets to Riverdale Veterinary Clinic! I give them 10 stars!!!!

I won’t be bringing my dog back there. I’m unhappy with the way the vet and staff treated us. Also, my puppy was within one pound of the full prescription for heartworm and would have reached the weight within a day or two because she’s a large breed. But the vet would not give me a prescription and wanted to charge me $45 again for a monthly dosage and have me come back! I decided to buy the meds online from Canada for a lot less and I found a new vet. I’m very disappointed! Update: this is the letter this guy sent me today! I would avoid this place at all costs! “We have decided to end our veterinary client patient relationship effective immediately with Stella Luna for Riverdale Veterinary Clinic . As we feel that our relationship is no longer in the best interest of Riverdale Veterinary Clinic . Please find attached records to bring with you to your new veterinarian of your choice. No further contact or visit to the clinic.”

Super Veterinary Facility and staff! Extremely short way to get into the office and very responsive to take care of our dog. Everyone was friendly and professional in everything they prescribed.