I already posted about their dangerous contradictions and lack of after‑care. This review is about the phone call I made to the vet afterward - and how they insulted me while giving dangerously wrong advice. When I called, a veterinary technician (associate's degree, 20 years of experience - not a veterinarian) laughed at me for buying a glucose meter from Amazon. She said, "Oh, you're getting your stuff from an unreputable source instead of coming through us?" The meter I bought: Amazon's Choice, 4.6 stars with 2,500 reviews. This vet clinic has 4.5 stars. So their "reputable" meter is rated lower than the one I bought online. She still laughed. She also said, "Honestly, we didn't think he would live that long." That is why they didn't send me home with a meter - they assumed my cat would be dead. But they still charged me $700, gave him Cerenia (which suppresses appetite in a starving diabetic cat), and sent me home with a $63 sharps container and no way to monitor his blood sugar. When I told her I was getting information from AI that cited the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines on feline diabetes, she scoffed. She said, "I'm glad you're getting your info from ChatGPT, but I'm a veterinarian with an associates degree." I corrected her: "It's not ChatGPT, it's AAHA." She stopped laughing. She had no answer. AAHA guidelines clearly require home blood glucose monitoring and state that insulin should never be given without knowing the glucose level. They ignored all of it. This person is not a veterinarian. She is a vet tech with an associate's degree. Yet she was giving medical advice, laughing at established guidelines, and mocking my choice of a highly‑rated glucose meter. The entire phone call is recorded. I may not be able to use it in court, but I can post it anywhere I want - Facebook, YouTube, wherever. Their office is covered in signs warning clients not to yell at staff or be "abusive." No other vet I've been to has those signs plastered everywhere. There is a reason. My cat almost died because of their negligence. I saved him at home with a $30 glucose meter from Amazon and by ignoring most of their instructions. If you value your pet's life, go somewhere else. Anywhere else. And if you call them, remember - you may be talking to a tech with an associate's degree who laughs at AAHA guidelines. read more

A stellar vet urgent care...couldn't share another vet practice that is as complete and experienced...if you go to your own vet and problem still exists...youre paying $$$ for nothing ...these Docs will treat & tell you exactly what's needed or refer your pet...Truth‼ read more

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Unfortunately I had to find an emergency vet when my cat went downhill fast. Rivers was the only vet that would take us. They were so kind and patient. Treated my cat and myself like we were long time patients. I greatly appreciate all of their kindness and compassion. My story doesn't end well. I had to make the tough decision to euthanize. However, Rivers was there for me through this also. I would highly recommend anyone that needs an emergency visit to go to Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care. Their check in is awesome too. You go and scan the QR code on the front door. Then they text you when it's time to come in with your animal. This way not that many animals are in their waiting room at one time. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Rivers. This urgent care was founded during the pandemic by two veterinarians who recognized what every pet owner has experienced firsthand over the past several years -- there's a major disparity between the number of vets and the number of animals needing care. And if your pet needs timely help that can't wait for weeks for the first available appointment at your regular vet, but isn't life-threatening enough to merit a spot at the extremely overburdened ER, an in-between place was needed to fill that gap. Here is that place for the South Hills and beyond. Over the past couple of years I have had a handful of visits here for exactly the above reasons. One dog was seen for an eye infection. Another dog had a skin tag on his belly suddenly catch on something, and it became an open wound that they ended up removing for him on the spot. My cat had a severe UTI with crystals and was in a very bad way before their diagnosis and help. They work on a loosely first-come, first-served basis where you arrive, sign in on a list on the door, then return to your car and wait for them to call and ask about what's going on. That helps them triage the order in which the pets are to be seen, and they cut off accepting sign-ins for the day when they know they will not be able to see any more pets by the time they are going to close. It is a fair system. I have been incredibly grateful for their direct approach to explaining your options, their excellent care and knowledge, and their very reasonable prices for this type of facility. My pets and I are so glad they're here. read more

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Avoid this place, all they care about is money. To start parking lot is so small. You have to use a QR code to sign in, but then have to wait in your car for up to 8 hours before being seen, they won't let in the lobby to wait. You can't call ahead to get in line, can only do it once there and then have to wait for god knows how long. I opted for drop off as I was had work and was going to be a long wait regardless. My dog had injured his foot and there was no compassion I felt like, had him walk in/out from the back knowing he is limping and in pain. When the vet called to go over what she found she was very short, saying his only option was surgery, I'd get an estimate at pick up, and it was roughly $400 for what they did and it was due at pick up. Go to pick up my dog and the tech and front desk were very short and rude when I was asking questions. I had to ask about the estimate and was told I'd be emailed for it. When I asked about a referral the lady at the front desk responded "you're probably the cheapest you'll find, look at the estimate and then if you don't want to do it here we'll send a referral". Never for the email for the estimate, so followed up in the morning and was just told they got busy, they'd send it later, no apology or anything. Finally got the estimate and received a call to go over it, the lady was rude, seemed annoyed with any questions I had. Needless to say. I will never come back here, not even for surgery. I do not trust them with my dog and will happily pay more to a vet and staff that cares about my dog and not just the money. Truly awful experience from start to finish. I'd give 0 stars if I could. read more

I love the care my cats have received from Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care. I was first introduced to this practice being a foster mom for Theo and Dr. Thornton being who my cat rescue introduced me to for his care. Once i adopted Theo, I continued to use Rivers Vet exclusively for him and my other cats. I have seen Dr. Thornton and Dr. Neihaus and am thoroughly pleased with both their attentive care given to my cats. I feel they take time, explain clearly what I need to know, answer any questions, and are tender with my cats. I never feel admonished, only educated. The entire staff treats me and my cats with respect.i like, too, that I wait in the car eith my cats til they ate ready for us. The only downsides? They have a number of walk-ins allowed which is great but, just know, the wait can be very long (last visit was 2 hour wait but it was not life or death and I had the time so wait we did in the car). Not their fault. They are a busy practice. It is what it is. I was thankful to be able to have my cat be seen same day as when I called. Patience is needed here and every other vet practice anymore -- Supply vs. Demand. read more

Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care - Elwood patiently waiting - Veterinarians Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Had my mini-dachshund Casey Bergener put down on 12/12/2025 after 16 years. They were so caring and kind I was so satisfied from the moment I came in the door til the time I left. I have since adopted another mini dachshund a 9 week old silver dapple Prince Cableb Casey and I am definately taking him to them. Thank you so much for all you do. read more

Rivers kept my pup alive. They are amazing vets. My baby lost her eyes but still breathing

Helped save my cat and dodge expensive surgeryVery caring and helpful staff. Saved me money and stress read more

Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care - Veterinarians Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My dog sadly passed away last week and i took it very hard, but the vets especially the main doctor was very kind and i appreciate them through this hard time. i also received a card in the mail along with nose prints and paw prints of my baby. i've never had an emergency vet care about my baby that much and even though my story isnt a good ending they tried all they could to keep her alive so i could say goodbye. i would recommend this place to anyone. read more

Misdiagnosed my Son's dog and he suffered for weeks before he had to be euthanized by a more competent veterinarian who recognized his "head pressing" as a sign of a neurological problem like stroke or brain tumor and not conjunctivitis as misdiagnosed by Kristen Thornton at Rivers Vet. read more

I can't fully express my gratitude to the team at River's. My dog broke a tooth and I called literally every single urgent care and emergency hospital within a 4 hour radius. Not a single place could help with our dental emergency except Rivers. While they were at capacity for the day, the woman who answered the phone was so kind and helpful and explained how it worked. We got there first thing the next morning to sign up and we're seen very quickly. Becca was amazing as was Dr. Thornton was incredibly experienced and knowledgeable. Every single person we interacted with was kind, courteous, professional and more compassionate than I could have anticipated considering the difficult field they are in. They took incredible care of this worried pet mama and our furbaby. The capabilities they have can easily compete with even the hospitals. I cannot recommend River's enough. Convenient care and incredible people. read more

DO NOT EVER TAKE YOUR ANIMAL HERE! my cat my poor boy was having breathing issues they misdiagnosed him with asthma. They took an xray we saw it. They said that it was showing asthma. I asked if his heart was enlarged and the vet said "no". I could clearly see it was from the normal xray they showed us before hand to compare. Because of this my son suffered longer then he had to struggling to breath! The next day he was worst started panting we took him to VEG ER Veterinary they took an ultrasound right away and they knew it was congested heart failure and had fluidin his lungs. He was sufficating to breathe. If your animal ever has breathing issues ask for an ultra sound! An xray won't tell you enough. My boy was suffering so much longer then he needed to because of this vet! read more

There are no words with which I could express my appreciation for the care the team at Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care have provided for my dog. I live out of state. I flew into Pittsburgh and immediately my dog started having severe urinary problems. The team at RVUC were EXTREMELY helpful. They got her in the same day and scheduled her for surgery. Absolutely excellent care and professionalism. I highly recommend them. read more

I was originally referred here by my vet due to a suspected ear infection that needed to be treated. It was during covid lock down so I waited in the car and they took him in when he came up in the queue. Very friendly staff and they were good with my dog. Second visit there was due to my dog having had two seizures within 12 hours. I called them when I was on my way. They said we would have to wait in queue but that if he started seizing there to bring him in immediately. They called us to bring him in and he had a third seizure in the exam room. The vet witnessed it and they recommended a pheno drip to get him stabilized and put him on a prescription for it. Months later, another seizure. I called in since it was close to closing time. The vet called me back and have me instructions to follow for him, add a pheno dose and go to pvsec of he has another before morning. He did, so we went to pvsec. Waited in queue in the car, they took him in when it was his turn. Ran tests, observed him, added a med and released him to go home. I could have boarded him there the night but I felt that leaving him there would just cause him more anxiety. Bottom line in my experience, even if you have an appointment at a vet office, you still have to wait. Vet is a Dr. Don't we all wait in Dr offices? In urgent care for ourselves? Yes we do. Set your expectations. Rivers is always great with my dog. They are all friendly, they are all pet lovers. They do care very much and they are realistic as well. Both Rivers and pvsec warned me of the seriousness of cluster seizures and the need for regular monitoring of his blood levels for medication adjustment. Both facilities also called afterwards to follow up and see how he was doing. I am a dog lover and a dog mom, and I trust Rivers to care for my boy. read more

The only take walk-ins; which makes sense for an "urgent" care. However, you have to call in and sit in your car to wait for them. They tell you what number you are in the queue but don't give an estimated time. I called them back at one point, since I had seen a lot of people come and go. The receptionist seemed annoyed to have to tell me. I ended up waiting 2 hours, in snow squalls. I had to keep the car running the entire time in order to keep it warm. Once we got in there, we were taken into a room, in take happened and waited longer. I would have rather waited in the car because the seats aren't comfortable in the rooms. When my cat was finally seen by the vet, she seemed rushed. Okay, it's an urgent care, I get it. However, when past medical records were provided on the cat that clearly state that there is a heart murmur and the vet that is seeing him for an emergency doesn't record that should have been my red flags. Almost $1k later, my cat was diagnosed with FIP - basically said it was a death sentence and that given his age (12) it probably wouldn't be worth the treatment expense. She didn't offer any advice on comfort care or next steps, it was just insinuations of euthanasia. I then turned to local vets for that - none of them will take an FIP pet. Then on to specialists for comfort care - they need a referral. Two days later, I'm still waiting on the referral; which is an online form. Her delays can make things worse and the cat isn't on death's door step. He drinks, eats occasionally, uses the box, goes for walks outside, jumps up on furniture. Long Story Short: my interpretation is that if you take your pet there, be prepared to wait a long time with your sick pet. If you don't put your animal to sleep don't expect any expeditious follow-up for referrals. read more

My reg vet couldnt see us for 1.5 wks .. these guys were accommodating on a walk in basis and incredibly kind with my 16 yr old cat's end of life needs. Thankful they provided us with the best care, compassion & advice. Everyone we encountered were very kind. Definitely would recommend. read more

Compassionate as I needed to put my elderly dog down. Kind in dealing with my dog and me at this tough time.

I took my cat in there for an emergency and they said they weren't able to see me because I had a existing bill of $320 for a euthanize ation of a male cat that was 20 years old and cremation when I never had a male cat I asked them if they had ID the person when they brought the cat to match the records on the computer they said no I told them it had to have been their fault on their end because again I never had a male cat so therefore they would not see me unless I paid half of the bill. They reduced it down to 260 and told me that that was the best they could do so I had to pay it because I needed my cat to be seen as soon as possible they told me the best option was to euthanize my cat because it can be lifelong problems I did not agree with that answer so I took her to another vet and they said to not consider that and to get her surgery done. So I feel like they only told me that because they want their money for a euthanized cat that was not even mine. I wish I could give zero stars. read more

First off this is NOT A ONE STAR rating. It IS A ZERO but it makes me pick at least one, unfortunately... Took my dog who had been suffering seizures. Vet didn't seem very comforting. Started script for pheno & then said "do u have the $110 for the office visit?" Obviously I had it! Never filled his script there just had me pay and sent me on my way. Never called for a follow up. Were to email me and estimate within a day for further stuff he needed done. I had to call them to get it. Twice. Got the "estimate" which said "tech fee" and "pheno" script. Which I obviously started him on that very day. Never took any time to go over ANY side effects he would have once starting this very intense med. Never suggested bloodwork. Never offered to start him on meds in office which EVERY vet I kno does that! NO COMPASSION, ZERO bit of caring. I will NEVER take ANY animal back to these people. They care ONLY to be done w work for the day and NOTHING else! Called a vet closer to home to care for my baby who actually HAS COMPASSION. Also had him at AVETS the very next nite & they were SHOCKED saying River's almost always writes an MRI referral and sends patients to them for a seizure patient! So then I got even more pissed off! Worthless place. They may be "cost effective" but I had an unlimited amount funds to work with & they acted as if I was broke and wouldn't pay them to treat my baby who is literally my life. He suffered a seizure on the way home before I was able to get his script filled, which may have had longterm effects... praying with everything in me that he's ok, and if River's would have just started his med or filled the damn script maybe that wouldn't have happened! They CLEARLY do not care about animals. read more

the good: Every member of staff and vet was warm, professional and caring. At the end of the day my cat got the care he needed and the price was not crazy the bad: I understand that triage may put others before my pet but hearing others being told it was first come first serve and my spot was bumped more than a dozen times for others. Yes the cat with a broken leg or a dog with labored breathing should get priority but there were others that were less urgent. At the start I was told the wait was apx 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. I sat there from from 9:20 until 2:15 and then another 1/2 hr in a room. I would suggest that they are more consistent and transparent with policy, Some people were told they could drop pet off and sign off that vet would see it without owner and others were told that they could come back. Some were told to rush down and sign up in person to secure a spot and others were told that they would hold a spot if they were on the way. the ugly: I wish that the cremation company could deliver the ash packages in a more discrete way or after hours and they were not in the main area, I may be over sensitive but it was upsetting having them process them and displayed right there. read more

Very caring and expensive experience. They were extremely busy, however I got the last spot. I wasn't aware there were "spots" at an urgent care, but apparently there are. My usual vet was closed, and I had to get treatment for my cat. I felt that although the prices were quite high, the vet tried to get me to spend more than necessary for other tests. They helped my cat when he needed it, so any cost inconvenience really didn't matter. They were very caring and took great care of my baby! read more

This was my first time coming here and this will be my LAST. The only nice people were the technicians, for at least they were kind, welcoming, and didn't rush me. I wasn't a big fan of the vet however. She would come in for a minute or less to tell me what she would do or my pet's condition and then leave. I have had other vets in the past and they have been compassionate and empathetic. This vet LACKS any of these. I have never felt more uncomfortable talking to a vet about my concerns. Btw she also suggested right away to euthanize my boyfriend's cat based off of diagnosis that wasn't definitive and because there was "no" cure. Had it had been mine I would have taken her home and get a second opinion elsewhere but due to cost my boyfriend couldn't afford more vet care and so euthanasia was the option he went for (which was very difficult to go through!). I come to find out later upon researching after her death that the condition that she had could have been treated (they were trial meds but still) and I ultimately regret euthanizing my baby girl! The only hope I have left is that she is no longer suffering. Seems like to me the vet was in a rush and didn't want to deal w/ another animal! It would have been at least nice to receive some form of palliative care first as opposed to just euthanizing her right then and there (which she vehemently recommended). Not to mention that she must have not been aware of these trial treatments. I will NOT be back and I will make sure that in the future, I will do my own research extensively before making life or death situations. read more

Dr. Thornton incorrectly diagnosed my dog with a belly ache and she almost died as it turns out she had rat poisoning (unknown where she got it. I've never bought it or had it in the house). When her symptoms got worse, I took her to a different facility (PVSEC - far better care and skill) and they identified it immediately based on THE SAME symptoms Dr. Thornton saw, just worsened obviously. I'm not sure if this mistake was due to incompetence or negligence, but I would not recommend this facility to anyone. It was a waste of money, testing, and precious time that could have cost my dog her life. I've asked Rivers for an explanation but have not been given one. read more

As much as I dislike their protocol for appointments (I've waited over 4 hours to be seen), I continued to go there due to the compassionate care of Drs. Thornton and Neihaus. However, at a follow-up after a few days in the hospital due to chronic kidney disease, Dr. Dutka displayed zero compassion, in fact a somewhat scolding manner that made me feel I had done something wrong, as she coldly told me my dogs bloodwork results and that I would need to give her an IV everyday for survival (a painful process due to her scar tissue from months of IVs). As I tried to ask questions about alternatives or every other day etc. she said, "Yeah, that's not going to cut it" as she walked off. I sat there sobbing on the banquette, wondering if she was coming back or was the appointment over? She never came back so I had to figure out for myself that I had to euthanize and I would not be able to ask any more questions or get any answers. Truly a bedside manner that made an already agonizing situation ten times worse. Thanks,Dr. Dutka!! read more

I am very grateful that this type of walk-in urgent care vet clinic exists and that I was able to take my dog who acquired a UTI while we were en route to and traveling through the area. The front desk was super helpful by phone (even though they were super busy) and explained their walk-in procedures. I arrived shortly after they opened and it still took a little more than an hour to be seen (we were in line behind the true early birds) and an hour more (at least) til we were all finished there but we walked out with some antibiotics and they sent out a culture. All that at a reasonable cost. Such a relief! But after that, my dog and I moved on in our travels and after the culture results came back, Rivers contacted me because there was a different antibiotic better suited to fully treat this particular infection. Brittany really went above and beyond in communication to help me find a pharmacy option in rural Michigan to fill this somewhat tricky prescription before the previous prescription ran out. I contacted several drug stores and several different vets and Brittany made sure that I had the key info so as soon as I found a local option, she was ready to fax in the prescription so that my pupper had continuous medication. Even though I was just traveling through and Rivers was actually done treating my dog, they really followed through. If I needed veterinary urgent care in the Pittsburgh area, I would not hesitate to go to Rivers. read more