All the staff at Rio Vista are top notch. They have always cared for my boy as if he was their own. I like the way that Dr. Dodds does not automatically push medication as a first option. They have used the laser on my guy and it does help with the healing process quicker. Someone from the office usually calls to follow up within a week of his visit. This is very reassuring that they have their best for him in mind. Dr. Dodds is the only Doctor who has cared for Sheldie. When she was looking for a place of her own to practice, She and the staff are totally worth the two hour round-trip for his care. I would highly recommend Dr. Dodds & the staff at Rio Vista veterinary office. read more

We were referred to Rio Vista by our vet in AZ. They are amazing. Our dog has a deep paw wound that will take over a year to heal, so we were nervous about moving to NY and finding a good vet. Rio Vista far exceeds any expectations we had; we live in Homer (near Cortland) and travel the 60 miles to keep seeing Dr. Dodds because the care is so awesome. Everytime we visit Lola, our border collie, is treated like their bff and her progress has been wonderful. Can't say enough good things about them. read more

We have a beagle named Tyler and after being in Long Island for a year he is moving back to Painted Post. He is very excited because he loves the ladies at Rio Vista. He has all his vet care, grooming, and boarding at Rio Vista. When we go away we can be certain he is well taken care of and gets lots of attention while we are gone. Thanks Rio Vista for all that you do. We will see you this Summer! read more

We boarded our Papillon Sparky here last week and they did an excellent job with him I highly recommend this if you have to go away for a week or so . We could call and check on our dog when we wanted and they were very through as a vet too !!!! read more

I've twice boarded my dog Duke at this facility. Both times he has come back with skin problems that Dr. Scudder has tried to blame on fleas or food allergies. I had him neutered during his first stay at Rio Vista. Upon his return I noticed a rash around his haunches and the area that they shaved to perform the surgery and removal of a perineal cyst. Over the course of two weeks the rash got worse and then developed into a hot spot. Within a day of the hot spot forming it had developed into a a full blown staff infection 8 inches across his entire left rear leg causing him tremendous pain and discomfort. When I returned to Rio Vista with Duke Dr. Scudder informed me that it was due to fleas. I informed the Dr that if my dog had fleas, I would have them as well, being that we live in such close proximity to each other. We sit on the couch together and every morning I awake to find Duke snuggled up to me in bed. I've had pets previously that did have bona fide issues with fleas and this was definitely NOT the case this time around. After spending over $600 to board and have my dog neutered, I threw another $125 on the pile that day. I was told that staph can live on any surface and that it didn't necessarily come from the vet's facility. The infection cleared with a course of steroids and antibiotics. Although he was in significant pain, the wound healed and the hair was starting to grow back a month later. (I have several pictures that I wish I could post here) Fast forward to last week. I once again chose Rio Vista (for the last time) to board my dog while i was on vacation at a cost of over $250. I picked him up to find his coat dull, oily and dirty. The insides of his ears were bright red and hot to the touch, clearly irritated with dried crust inside his ear canal openings. My dog has NEVER had an issue with ear irritation or mites. I didn't think much of it till I got him home and discovered that his entire back was red, irritated and hair was literally falling off of him in clumps. I started brushing him and noticed 3 -4 different scabbed over patches of skin between his shoulder blades where it's impossible for him to reach to chew on and perhaps might just be able to reach with his rear paws to scratch. Once again, my dog was in serious discomfort and once again Rio Vista is at the center of the problem. Upon my immediate return to the facility, Dr. Scudder informed me, after scouring him for evidence of fleas and finding none, that it was likely a food allergy and that there wasn't anything he could do to correct it. It just happens, he said. When he told me that his course of treatment would be another round of steroids and antibiotics. I asked him if having a third course of steroids in as many months was healthy for my dog. His hesitation and lack of a direct answer to my question provided all the answer I needed. "Dr." Scudder became visibly irate and shouted, "Well what ELSE am i supposed to do?" Gee Doc, I don't know. I didn't go to Cornell Vet school like you did. Maybe you should start by cleaning your facility from top to bottom. Although he provided the steroids and antibiotics at no charge, that very well may further harm my best friend, he refused to refund the money I spent boarding him there. Supposedly due to insurance restrictions. Although he couldn't produce a phone number for his insurance company or agent when pressed. I urge you to seek all other alternatives to boarding your pet at Rio Vista, up to and including tying them to a tree in the middle of no where with a bucket of food and water for the week letting them fend for themselves. I will NEVER allow them the opportunity to hurt my dog again. read more

I have been taking my animals to Rio Vista for over 20 years. The care they have been given is first rate. The staff really cares about my animals. I would trust them anytime with my animals, whether it is routine exams, surgery, boarding, etc. My one cat goes in every few weeks for laser therapy on her hip and just looks forward to it. Just to add to my review, had my cats in for boarding back in June. The staff took great care of them. Even my 16 old cat who is a finicky eater and very timid did well. They encouraged her to eat so she held her weight, which is not an easy thing. I wouldn't dream of taking my pets anywhere else to board. read more

I have been taking my pets to Rio Vista for 30 YEARS and I find Steve T.s claims to be outrageous! I've seen every part of Rio Vista and it ranks higher in cleanliness then the local human hospitals. Our pets, dogs and cats, have always been treated with great care and concern and always came home in excellent condition. We have had everything from serious accidents to boarding and grooming and general upkeep. NEVER has anything been amiss. I seriously doubt that the scathing report from Steve T. Has any merit I suggest that the follow up home care was probably amiss. S...longtime satisfied client of Rio Vista. read more

Dr. Scudder and his staff are wonderful. My dog Daisy stays with Rio Vista often, as I'm forced to travel for work. I get little picture updates and a real sense of my girl is being cared for by a real family of people. I travel with peace of mind knowing that Dr. Scudder is looking in on Daisy during her stay. When I first took Daisy to Rio Vista to board, I had an opportunity to look at the facility and it was impressively clean and organized. The spaces the dogs were kept in were all clean and neat and had plenty of room. Daisy is a cocker spaniel and they are known for ear troubles, but she has never had any. During a recent stay, Dr. Scudder noticed her left ear was giving her trouble and she was digging at it. They called me and we made arrangements for treatment. By the time I was home to pick up my girl, she was right as rain. As a loving pet owner, I can say I can find no better, safer, or more professional group of people to leave my dear girl with when I need to. If you need to travel with peace of mind for your pet, this is the place to board them. read more

While visiting my folks in Watkins Glen, my sisters and I boarded our dogs here for the weekend. Altogether, we brought in 5 dogs! All were happy and healthy when we returned to pick them up. The staff was friendly and caring and the facility immaculate. We would definitely use them again in the future. read more