We have been coming here for many many years- since Dr Hellman was our primary vet. We LOVED him. When he retired we started seeing Dr Jenny Chatfield, whom we really like. We needed a rather urgent appt this week and got plugged in w Dr Joel Speiller. He, too, was fantastic. He took his time to explain everything and even called personally to follow up the next day on a prescription. Overall- this place isn't the most modern or fancy- but the staff can't be beat. Travis (receptionist) is ALWAYS kind, caring and detail oriented. The new bubbly receptionist is a sweetheart as well. Overall- I know my dog is in good hands here. read more

Today I had an appointment at 9:40 for my senior dog to see if she why she was losing weight and if there was anything more I could do to make her more comfortable. We weren't seen by Dr Andrew Waymire (Dr Drew) until nearly 10:30 am. He seemed to be missing knowledge, had nothing informative to share with me for my little Yorkie (16 yrs). Dr Drew, seemed to be irritated and impatient with any questions or comments I made. I found him to be condescending, rude and in knowledgeable. He suggested blood work to see if there was any other illness she might have. I agreed. So, another 30 minutes or so he gave me the blood panel results... all within normal range. In closing, I was asked to pay over $300.00 to be talked to rudely, given no explanation of why my little dog was feeling ill and weak except a couple of guesses of what could be happening and wasted an hour and a half of my time. I do not recommend this Dr, but if I ever need to visit River Oak Veterinary Clinic again I will ask for Dr Chatfield or Dr Spieller. read more

I was very disturbed with the Vet Adrew Waymire. We took our 8 year old great Dane in for a check up for lameness. Waymire did nothing but say he was fat. There was no exam of any kind. He then prescibed carprofen. Hundred mg. 90 tablets. This was 154.00 which Chewy has for half the cost. Then we were charged another 75.00 for his exam which he did not do. The office staff are very nice, but this vet??? We will change vets. read more

I had a great experience with this vet. I brought my dog in because he was experiencing mouth pain and was not eating dry food. After xray it was determined that he needed a cleaning that could result in many extractions. I was nervous about the anesthesia but am happy to report that the procedure went well and he is back to eating normally. The procedure was fairly priced. read more

I am saddened to say that if you are in the position where it is time to say goodbye to your pet this is not the vet I would recommend. I had to say goodbye to my 15 year old dog last night and the office staff was sweet and accommodating however the younger bald vet I don't remember his name made me feel awful! He performed an exam which I thought was odd given the appointment scheduled and then told me we can run tests and try to help him get better and tried to talk me out of my decision and when I said it is time and to go ahead with our scheduled appointment he said "oh okay so we're just going to go ahead and put him down then huh" and left the room. In such a vulnerable situation that was a gut punch. He made me feel as if my experience with my pet was not strong enough and that I wasn't making the right decision. I debated leaving at that moment and taking him elsewhere and I wish I did. Once they came back in after placing the catheter he referred to my dog as she and didn't even take the time to see that he was in fact a he. It felt very unpersonable and in that moment the opposite of what my son and I needed. I would never recommend coming here for such important visits and in all honesty I will never recommend this office for any visit read more

Last year my 20yr old Henry was given a surgery that I did not ask for/specifically told them not to, put him to sleep instead, he developed tumors in those areas from trauma, I want to sue them but I am still traumatized, I had to put him to sleep after all that pain he went through, and they still charged me $1400 too I had to bury Henry close because my trauma/fear was too much, I got covid and almost died right after . And I did come to this office, should not have to explain that... Henry was listed under my daughter's name because she came in with me, in a referral to you. I never gave permission to pull all his teeth I said no to that, put him to sleep, he was in pain already, I did get upset and let the doctor know-- the gall of you to insinuate otherwise. You falsify the truth, but I hold the degree in ethics and research-- so thanks for showing everyone how you you handle complaint, that's what I was hoping , SCREENSHOT!!!! read more

River Oak Veterinary Hospital - HENRY and SANCHO - Veterinarians Near Me - Riverbank, California

My husband and I were very cautious when it came to selecting someone to entrust with our fur babies. Dr. John Shaner and Dr. Mike Hellman are both equally wonderful, can't go wrong with either.   They are very knowledgeable and trustworthy, and always willing to explain things so everyone can understand.  You can honestly tell they care deeply about your pets, which gives you great comfort.  Believe me, I'm very picky when it comes to my dogs and puppies.    I also want to mention that the office staff are amazing and caring people.   I highly recommend River Oak Veterinary Hospital they are an A+ in my book.  Everything has always gone over and above anything I could have wanted.   Thanks for everything you do! read more

River Oak Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Riverbank, California

This VET NEEDS TO BE FIRED!!! She claims she "loves pets" When I was at this vet office I wasn't "RedFlagged" by any vets until I left your place. Until I respectfully declined service by this vet!! She Called Vets in the area and told them to refuse service to my sick pet!! My pet is sick and now I can't go to any vets in my area because of this lady!!!!!!! All because I didn't want to see her anymore for treatment on my sick pet! She is a scam she charges for everything. I had to pay just to talk about my pets meds and waited days to hear results on test that ONLY SHE COULD TELL me but she was never in the office. I simply wanted to take my business somewhere else and I found this vet and she works here too!! She affiliated with American Pet Hospital, American pet clinic, coffee rd vets , maze vets , beckwith. Be careful and don't trust this vile lady! read more

River Oak Veterinary Hospital - Scam Vet Jenny chatfarts - Veterinarians Near Me - Riverbank, California

See all

I would give all the stars for Dr. Hellman. Loved him. He didnt try to guilt me into extra services and was very down to earth. When it was time to put my senior dog down he was compassionate and understanding. The office staff (not the vet techs) we're a different story. I always felt like I was bothering them. When I put my dog down there was a wait outside of 20 minutes while I was clearly upset. I thought maybe it was me because I was obviously extra sensitive but after the procedure there wasn't even a sympathy card sent. This may not seem like a big deal but something small like that goes a long way. I have a new dog now and he will not be a patient here. read more

Seemed like they wanted me to pay more out of pocket than necessary.. I Recently had my pup spade, a process I was unfamiliar with. The receptionist gave me paperwork but didn't explain what these operation consisted of or if my pet even needed the "add ons". They have you read things over, pick yes or no with additional cost for almost each item you select. This kinda makes you feel like a terrible pet parent if something happens and you don't choose the option given. Glad I asked the questions I did, however, there was more worry then comfort. The nurse took my pup to the back and almost immediately came back saying she has fleas and requested a treatment be started, that's an additional cost from the very jump. On top of all the other additional cost I was unaware of. A few hours later they called and asked if they could remove her baby k9's, that would have fallen out anyways, since she was sedated. They said they were stuck but can do the procedure. This again is an additional cost per tooth. I asked for a price breakdown so I knew how much everything would potentially cost. I was told I'd would only be given the cost once everything was completed and she was ready for pick up... I was shocked at the $500 price tag once they called. All due at the time of pick up because this was the only option... no payment plans. While on my way home I reviewed the invoice and noticed her flea treatment wasn't on there. I called and asked if she was given the treatment to which I was told they had "forgot". It was on the sheet to be administered but they failed to do so. The entire time I assumed she'd be receiving the treatment especially with the price being over $500. Nope, they told me to come back and it would be $75 for the treatment. I was blown away at the negligence of the staff for not providing the service, this was the very first thing offered to me and it was never done. At least offer a 30 day complementary treatment or even a discount on the 3 month treatment... Please do your homework and ask all the questions you can about cost. Get a full quote first. Ask about every item listed and if it's absolutely necessary for your pet. I felt like I was taken advantage of and learned an expensive lesson on how this process works. Protect yourself, your pet and your wallet. read more

‍Dr. Bove is great with my pets! Although young, she never comes off any way except knowledgeable, understanding, professional and caring of her patients! She is reasonable in suggesting treatments and the prices are not outrageous. I was referred here from the Riverbank Atchinson Vet when they closed down (retirement) and I am very grateful for the referral. We have healthy pets and a vet we can count on. The office is very clean! Sometimes the waiting room gets packed and I wish the appointments were more spaced out but it's worth it for the speedy appointment availability. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM! read more

See all

Dr Chatfield is amazing with my pup who is always nervous. She handles her with gentleness and care. I took my pup to 3 different Vets one of them was neurologist in Sacramento before seeing Dr. Chatfield. My pup is 14 years with recent sizures. In first 10 minutes with Dr Chatfield she went over details of everything those 3 diffrent vets told me. I am appreciative of her knowledge and expertise and most important how she really cares about my two dogs. Thank you and God bless. read more

Don't come here unless you're forced to like I was. This hospital is connected with the shelter I adopted my kitten from. I brought her in for her spaying appointment and when I got her back all of her nails were cut off with dried blood with practically no nail left. They did not show me the form where it says they would cut her nails. If I had seen it I would have immediately rejected it. This infuriated me because not only is she healing from a surgery she just got, but now she has to recover from getting her nails essentially ripped off her paws. I would rather pay a million dollars to get her spayed at another vet (and would have if the shelter did not threaten me to go here) if I knew this would happen. I will never, ever recommend this veterinary hospital and will never come back. read more

See all

I was NOT expecting such incredible disregard and had such a poor experience that I can't ever recommend anyone go to this office. I had called and made an appointment, explaining that my senior dog (a rescue with anxiety issues) needed an exam because he was having changes in his physical health. The office staff was less than helpful, rude and dismissive even though it was my first time there. I had left my dog in the car until I could determine the safety of the waiting room. It was empty, so after filling out the paperwork, I asked if I could bring him in. They didn't even look up! After bringing him in and sitting down, they started making rude comments about his breed...yep, a pit bull mix. On lead and sitting nicely but they treated us like the plague and we waited an extra amount of time before being lead into an exam room. It only got worse...the vet was incredibly rude, not sensitive to my dogs anxiety and was rough with him, moving too fast and using his hands to examine him without waiting for my dog to even have a chance to get used to him. I was asking questions regarding the changes I had noticed and the vet looked at me and said "I'm not going to give you permission to put your dog down, if that's why you're here." What the heck??? I shot back a response "I don't need your permission and that's not what I'm asking" His attitude got a little better after that, but I will NEVER go back! I can only hope the behavior of this office is a one-off but I personally would hate to see anyone have a similar experience. Please beware before taking your fur-baby here! read more

DO NOT go see Dr. John Shaner here. Like other reviews said, he doesn't really care. We noticed our guinea pig was snorting and sounded congested and it seemed like he didn't care at all and passed it off as "allergies" from getting old. This all took no more than 5 minutes. We trusted that as she is a little old and he checked her lungs and said nothing sounded wrong, but then not long after, her health rapidly declined so we had to take her to a vet hospital where they said she had severe fluid in her lungs and they did this by checking how they sounded. Something Shaner did and said she was fine even though she obviously wasn't. Now she's dead. The last few times we saw him for routine check ups for our guinea pigs, we wanted to see Dr. Mike Hellman instead but he is booked up or unavailable...he is excellent. Dr. Shaner though doesn't care and he even recommended us stuff to do for our guinea pigs that you SHOULDN'T do, like put them in a ball to run around or give them salt licks. So moral of the story is, DO NOT see Dr. Shaner and confirm if it's him or Dr.Hellman that will be doing your vet visit. read more

DO NOT COME HERE unless you want your cat mistreated. The vet clearly does not care about the animals being treated. The vet did not respect my wishes regarding certain procedures that I was incompletely unaware of. My cat is still only a kitten and did not deserve the kind of treatment received at this vet. read more

WOW this place has always been amazing on Veternarian care and prices. Dr.Hellman is so awesome along with the Veternarian techs!!! BUT a few of the ladies who are making the appointments and taking your payment were so rude!!!!! They would say my dogs need a vaccine only to find out they were up to date once I was already at the appointment!! Well...... a couple of months ago something took place because they have new people and they are so friendly and helpful!!! I would NEVER find another Veternarian because of Dr.Hellman but now I have the best of everything in a Veternarian Hospital!! Everyone seems to be happy with their jobs which shows through their actions. Smile and be happy read more

I have been taking my shih-tzu/pomeranian mix to River Oak Vet for 6+ years (my mom takes her dog as well) and I will never go anywhere else. The facility is always clean and has taken great safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. I fully trust their clinic and feel comfortable knowing my dog gets the time and care she needs (Dr. Hellman is great with her and does an excellent job of explaining things to me). My dog is nervous by nature, but does really well with the staff here. They truly care about the well-being of my dog, and Marina, part of the staff, called to check on how Suki (my dog) was doing when she was recently having some scary health issues. Very kind, efficient, and professional veterinary clinic. read more

I will not go anywhere else for my dogs needs. This place is so wonderful. A caring staff and the Vets are top notch. Trust them with your four legged babies. Reasonable prices brought me to River Oak but the quality of care has kept me there. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Dr Hellman has never let us down!!! read more

Dr Chatfield, has been one of the very best veterinarian doctors, I have come across in all my years . Dr Chatfield has done great work with a Labrador, Buster's ears from the infections he seems to get . I highly recommend Dr Chatfield to any pet owner whose pet suffers from ear infections. read more

Been taking my dog there since he was a puppy and this is just a wonderful place. The staff and doctors are friendly and really care about your pet. Havent met anyone yet that hasn't seemed to just love my little one. Parking is a bit rough to get out of but besides that, great place! read more

Very friendly staff and scheduling was awesome. In and out quickly. Frenchie was happy to get best attention available. Will definitely recommend to anyone looking for a new place to take their animals read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this vet. We have been bringing our pets to this vet for years (at least the last 15 or so) and we have never considered taking out pets to another vet. They have quite a few vets practicing at this location, which is great when you need a last minute appointment because you have more options. Our favorite by far is Dr. Hellman, he is very considerate and kind with all our pets. The nurses/vet technicians (not sure what to call them exactly) as well as the women who run the front desk/clerical are all very sweet and super friendly. They really remember you and your pet and always make you feel welcome. The really nice touch for me personally was a few months ago. We lost one of our beloved dogs and were heart broken over it. The staff at River Oak were so sweet and considerate with our feelings and helped us handle our situation with genuine care. They even sent a hand-written condolences card. We will continue to bring our pets here as long as we have them. read more

I have been going to the Rverbank Vet hospital for the past 7 year's and Doctor Hellman is the kindest, most compassionate vet I have ever met. I am leaving this review for Dr. Shanner he had poor listening skills, barely looked at my dog and proceeded to attempt to pressure me into a procedure I could not afford. I was so uncomfortable with the conversation I just left without getting the advice and proper evaluation I came for. I left the office insulted and disappointed.I still believe Dr. Hellman is 5 star vet and will continue to see him. read more

I took my cat to dr Shaner and he was loud and talked over me without allowing me to say anything AND all he wanted to do is put my cat to sleep. The receptionists acted bored with me as if i was taking up their time and tried to tell my my appt was a half an hour earlier than it was. I would NEVER use him again! read more

River Oak Veterinary Hospital is a pet-owner's dream. I love this place. I love it so much I drive my pets all the way from San Francisco to have them treated here. I feel it is absolutely worth it. From the moment you make an appointment, to the second you check in at the front desk, to the minute you're escorted into the exam room, every step of the way is flawless and the staff are ready and willing to help you and your pet(s). My dogs Lily and Jojo love Dr. Mike Hellman, you can't ask for a better well-rounded Doctor. Recently Lily had to have a Bi-lateral ACL surgery, I was extremely nervous as my dogs are like my children, they even sleep with me. Dr. Hellman and I had a conversation before the surgery to discuss what the best surgical approach would be to treat Lily, it really made me feel at ease and that is priceless. The day of the surgery Dr. Hellman called me when Lily was in recovery and provided me with the details of the surgery. Lily stayed a few days in the hospital for treatment. Talk about a wonderful staff; I received daily phone calls with updates on Lily. At discharged Dr. Hellman went over postoperative care and medication instructions. My point is Dr. Hellman treats your pets as if they are a human being, not to mention an excellent surgeon as Lily was walking in a day or so. What I love about River Oak is they have an online portal to check your pet's labs, make appointments and communicate with staff; similar to your primary care physician. Here's the website check it out: http://www.riveroakvet.com I'll admit I've only known Dr. Hellman for a short time, it feels like I've known him for ever, he's great and you can tell he loves what he does. Lily and Jojo literally jump out of the car when they go to see him! If you want a Vet Doctor who cares and doesn't charge an arm and a leg, River Oak Veterinary Hospital is your answer. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Lastly, we take our pets to the Doctor but we never ask where they went to school. Seriously, think how often we look at the degree on the wall. Dr. Hellman went to veterinary school at Texas A&M University, do the research and you'll find it is one of the most prestigious vet schools in America. Thank You Dr. Hellman and River Oak Veterinary Hospital, Lily and Jojo will be back! read more

Well, still taking my pet Shea to Dr. Hillman. He is a friendly, informative and truly caring about health issues you may have about your pet. The staff continues to be professional and friendly. If looking for a vet service, please try River Oak. You will also like the price. read more

I have been taking my pets to River Oak since 1992 and have received the absolute best care! Both myself and pets are treated with respect! I have a special cat that has PKD (not good) and he is not very friendly when it comes to all the poking and prodding that comes with his illness...Dr. Hellman can get his appointments done quickly and with little fuss for my boy....Dr. Shaner recommended some holistic care for him and wow what a difference! I also take care of a colony of feral cats and this vet is really helpful with s/n that is both affordable and timely...if you need a vet both Dr. Hellman and Dr. Shaner are the folks to see! The desk staff is friendly and helpful when you need that extra care! :) read more

Our Go to Vet for our "other daughter" Irie Mamas! The staff here IS SO FRIENDLY! Yes I typed that in all caps to purposely reiterate just how awesome everyone that works here is! Our dog is a blue nose pit bull and with the stigma that surrounds the breed folks can be automatically afraid and sometimes rude when they see her. But everyone here is so loving to her and so every family member (pet) that walks thru their doors. Pricing is SO SO GOOD and they give you detailed info for what your pet needs and can work with you if need be. Both Vets and techs have worked with our dog and even when she had to have surgery and be there over night it was WAY less than what Would have paid else where. HUNDREDS a of dollars less. There is ample parking but be very cautious of the huge dip going into the parking lot. read more

I have been taking my animals to River Oak for 3 years and they have always had excellent care. I also manage a feral cat colony and work with a couple different rescue groups; I have had about 100 cats spayed and neutered at River Oak and they have been great to work with. I love that when I call, an actual person answers the phone! They have been flexible with me when I have a sick cat emergency. They doctors are knowledgeable and consider the animal's welfare first. Also, their rates are always reasonable, and they participate in the Project X program for low cost feral cat spay and neuter. read more

Called to make an appointment and the receptionist was very rude. Sounded irritated that I was asking questions about a procedure I needed done on my pet. She told me they had nothing available and then changed it to the coming Friday and now I show up and they say I have no appointment. Very inconvenient and just simply nasty. The first receptionist took all my information when I first called and when I show up, they have no idea who I am and say I'm not on their list. read more

Great Vet, my family has been taking their dogs and rabbit here for years. They really care about their animals read more

This place is amazing! The staff were very friendly! I took my little PomChi to be neutered, micro chipped, and vaccinated. He's very skittish and such a mama's boy but when the tech came to get him, she spoke kindly to him and he pranced off with her to the back They are very reasonably priced and did an amazing job! They accidentally gave him the laser neuter instead of the scalpel and almost charged me for it ($50 extra!) But they made it right! Also they pulled his loose tooth, removed his wart, and dremeld his toenails all for free! read more

River Oak Veterinary Hospital - Mister Skooter Boo! - Veterinarians Near Me - Riverbank, California

My dog has heart issues and his vet is currently closed. I called here hoping for help as his coughing has increased a lot in the past week. I asked the receptionist if they're accepting new patients, she very rudely said no and before I could even respond she hung up the phone read more

Hands down, the best place to take your pets. My dog, 80lb Queensland/lab, needed ANOTHER knee surgery; I wish I had brought him here for the first procedure!!!! These veterinarians are absolutely the best around! read more

Been taking my animals here for well over 30 years. Couldn't ask for better staff and vets. You can be assured that they will always looks out for what's best for the animal. read more

River Oak Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarians Near Me - Riverbank, California

I love this vet! I had a simple question about my bearded dragon which could of been answered on line, but Dr. Shaner took time out of his busy day to call and make sure Barney was doing good. It took me 20 years to find the best vet in this valley and finally thanks to my sick lizard we found River Oak. The entire staff is so amazing! I totally recommend them! read more

I took my 10 month old cockatoo in for a juvenile wing clip, nail trim and sexing. We discussed the sexing . Vet asked if I wanted him to make her produce sex origins . I said absolutely not. I want blood drawn. He agreed . He took her to another room( 1st warning) completely chopped her wings off!!! I called today (1 week later) to get results of sexing ? Was told they didn't do it. Told me vet said he told me their equipment was old . NEVER SAID THOSE WORDS TO ME. A LIE!! What a scam !! What a waste of time and stress to my bird for NOTHING. I came in for 3 things. Only 1 was performed correctly . Her nails are perfect. Her wings are a mess. Not even at all. And not a juvenile clip. Was never even told they didn't draw blood for the sexing. Sad for the lack of communication . There was no miscommunication . One would have to say the words before a miscommunication could even happen. An apology would've been nice. Instead of excuse and talking in circles . Karen (office manager) called . Nice polite lady . But it didn't resolve what dr did and didn't do...... read more

They denied my dog Bravecto a flea medication on 1800 pet meds because they think it's necessary to have a check up. And they were insanely rude!!! The staff told me they will fax over my files to a new vet. Screw them. For being rude and deny my dog of flea medication. read more

My fur baby of 12 years passed away unexpectedly. My mom has taken her pets to River Oak Vet, so she recommended that I take him there to be cremated, as I wanted to keep his ashes. We arrived just as they were closing on a Friday. Aug 14th to be exact. When they came out to the car to get him I had to fill out some paperwork to ensure he would be cremated and returned to us. They assured me he would be taken care of and would be returned in a nice wooden box with a name plate. We didn't go over pricing or any other details, since they were closing. First thing Monday morning I called to ask how long it would take to get him back and the price. The receptionist or tech unsure of their title? Seemed in a hurry to rush through the details and get me off the phone. I thought that was rather in-compassionate and chalked it up to it being a Monday morning and let it be at that. I was told 10-14 days and they would have him back so I could pick him up and they would call me. By the 16th day I began calling to check the status I was told "no not yet, might be delayed due to Covid?" So every week thereafter, I called to check and got the same response. Their tone grew more and more annoyed by my calls. On Monday the 21st of September I called again and was told maybe today or tomorrow, they would have him back? They were going to call the facility where they sent him and call me back. When I received the call back it was to tell me in a very nonchalant way that they marked the wrong box on the form. They marked communal instead of individual and he was cremated and disposed of with other animals. My heart broke all over again. I would Not be bringing him home to his final resting place. The Dr called me and said that it was a mistake and he's sure other families were going to be going through the same thing. I'm not sure if that was supposed to make me feel better? My mom, called to let them know her disappointment in the way they handled things, since she was the one referring them and felt regret. They hung up one her not once but twice. Way to take responsibility! The fact they were not remorseful was an insult to injury and I couldn't believe they would be so heartless! I understand to error is human however, when you are rude and unfeeling for others grief by your own negligent doing, you don't deserve any considerations. R.I.P. Roadie... read more