My complaint with this service has nothing to do with the quality of their work. It has to do with their blatant bill padding. When a kitten is brought in for a booster shot after having an exam weeks before, it doesn't need another $63 dollar look over. It's easy to charge people more than they should be charged when you tell them they need services they don't need. Common practice, but not appreciated. read more

Making the decision to end a beloved pet's suffering is agonizing. Having come to the very difficult decision I braced myself for the grief and loss I would experience. Nothing could have prepared me for how terribly I was treated by the vet. The callous, critical and self-righteous chastising was downright cruel. I had been using the practice since I rescued my pet and his records as well as my recent visits were proof (as if I should even need to require it!) to the constant care I had given my failing pet. The way I was treated was simply unconscionable. read more

Dropped off my kitten for initial visit. Expected to be able to talk to the vet, but maybe my expectations were too high?? I wanted to understand better the vaccination and testing protocols. I spoke to a nurse (or medical assistant?) who was unable to answer my questions and commented that doctors and vets commonly "butt heads," hitting her fists together. She then offered to ask the vet for me and said will get back to me. I thought I would have a chance to at least meet the vet. Without that, there's really no reason to start a relationship with this clinic vs going commercial to Petco which is cheaper. Also, when my kitten was ready for pickup, they called my boyfriend's number, who was listed as a second contact. I put my name and contact info down as the primary caretaker and don't understand why they didn't call me since I was the person who dropped off the kitten. I didn't have any missed calls. Update: the veterinarian did call me later and was very nice and professional, and patiently answered my questions. read more

From the moment I walked in with my kitten, they treated her like she was a precious baby. Dr. Mansfield was so caring and gentle with my kitten and answered every question I had no matter how small or silly. Had almost no wait time, and the vaccine schedule and follow ups were laid out for me perfectly. Thank you Monique as well who was super sweet and helpful. Thank you all for showing my Luna so much love!!! We'll see you in July And anotgThank you to Dr. Mansfield for letting me know I was doing a good job-it's not easy raising a fur baby and you were very kind. Follow up-I think I may have misunderstood a name! My doctors are Dr.East and Dr. Weber. read more

They have cared for my dog (Baldur!) for the last 8 years. With honest love and affection. He has to drop in every time we pass the darn place. He loves them. If that ain't a 5 star review from him - then I don't know what to tell you. Sometimes they are crazy busy. Be patient and they will love you extra for it. read more

Riverside Veterinary Care on Columbus - Baldur loves Riverside Vets! They have cared from him since he was just 8 little pounds. - Veterinarians Near Me - New York, New York

I have been coming to Riverside for about 25 years. Phillip Raclyn has maintained a high level of quality in his staff which has been unwavering over the years. The doctors, the client service, vet tech, admin have really always been there when I've needed them and of course through out all the routine things. As someone who has worked in animal care and as a dog owner I am very comfortable recommending them to people. Many businesses claim a family like staff, Riverside actually has one. I am on my 3rd dog, the second was adopted from the clinic and the third I was able to adopt from a rescue group with the clinics recommendation. There isn't a single vets office in NYC that doesn't have its detractors but as someone who can be tough as hell to impress and is skeptical and not trusting in medical care in general I do not waver my faith in these guys. read more

Riverside Veterinary Care on Columbus - Goblin, Riverside client and friend - Veterinarians Near Me - New York, New York

I am new to the area, and was worried about finding a vet I liked and could trust. I spoke with several (SEVERAL!) vets before solidifying my appointment with Riverside. Their annual exam fee is competitively priced with other practices in the area, but not unreasonable by any means. The receptionist took her time listening to my dog's symptoms before promptly scheduling me for an appointment. Upon arrival and completion of paperwork, I was seen within minutes of my scheduled appointment. Dr. Georgia Weber couldn't have been better. She didn't seem in a rush which was refreshing. She talked me through everything she was doing, explained the quote of services in great detail, and she even gave me training advice and practiced a few techniques with us! Every single member of their staff was kind, patient, and sweet. I received a follow up email first thing the next AM checking in on my pup. Albeit a new patient, I can confidently recommend both Dr Weber and Riverside Animal Hospital South to my fellow UWS neighbors. read more

Excellent! They took my cat in, on a holiday when they were already full, for an emergency. Dr. Whittington is extremely smart, experienced and so kind- and so patient with me at a very stressful time. Dr. East, whom I saw a different time, was also extremely smart, caring and compassionate. The Vet techs were so deft, and yet gentle with my cat. The support staff is very polite, upbeat, and very professional. I also loved the clean well organized office. They even worked with me on the bill. You want all the tests, but sometimes have to budget and prioritize. They didn't push for costly extra things, or shame me for asking to do for now only the most necessary things. Their bright, experienced kind professional care, and being extremely accommodating, patient and supportive of me as well as my beloved cat- makes this a definite Five Star vet center. read more

I have been going here since I adopted my first two cats in 2016. It was okay in the beginning, but as soon as Dr. Weber and Dr. East took over (maybe 2 or 3 years ago), I only made great experiences. Dr. East takes time to look at our cats, is patient, and very sweet. She has been helping us through so many health crises from a bottle-fed cat that almost died to our cat with severe neurological problems. She is always there for us, takes her time with us as well, and I always feel heard, understood, and helped. I feel like she sincerely cares about her furry patients and their parents. read more

On November 21st I brought my 6lb chihuahua to have her nails cut. She was happy, running around, wagging her tail. A vet tech took her to the back to trim her nails -- I was in the waiting area, and after a while I heard a pained yelp. I sent the receptionist in , they were scurrying and wouldn't come out . I kept hearing My dog whine. I went to go in and they wouldn't let me . I told them I wanted my dog and forget about cutting her nails . One person came out and told me they didn't know what happened; they suggested maybe she had something in the bottom of her paw; OR she was already hurt when she came in; OUR tools are DULL so it could never have done THAT! (DULL tools really! )Ok, well, done...what?? I looked on the bottom of her paw and her pad was cut (basically there was a chunk missing!). It was very fresh and the vet tech that did it was nowhere to be found. I was speaking with the other vet tech and I said My dog never cries like that, and she had the audacity to tell me, "all dogs cry when they are scared. Everyone thinks their dog is special." Hello, any apology?? Even the manager who came out never offered an apology or empathy, just saying "she must have moved, it could have been anything." The vet tech never came out. Someone should have taken responsibility, and offered an apology - Instead, they just bandaged up her foot, and sent us on our way. This was beyond so unprofessional. They even sent us out without an antibiotic in case of infection. This leads me to feel it's a sub-par clinic, and I feel compelled to warn fellow pet owners -- BEWARE! read more

Riverside Veterinary Care on Columbus - Her second wrap from a different vet to have everything looked at and taken care of . - Veterinarians Near Me - New York, New York

This place is the absolute worst ! I have never felt so cheated and ripped off.. Their prices are the highest I have ever seen (higher than London, Hong Kong, San Fran). Doctor pushes unnecessary tests to make money. What kind of doctor does that?! They have also cancelled appointments last minute multiple times on me and all administrative and counter staff are down right nasty. I feel so ripped off... Please save yourself the aggravation and money and go to a vet that you can actually trust.. I am also filing with the better business bureau and NY state about this place. read more

I don't know who the hell Jane D is who wrote that last review but she's on crack! Riverside Veterinary Group has been such an incredible place for my little Captain Hazel Murphy. They love him to pieces (and who wouldn't). They treat him and myself with respect and patience. I HIGHLY recommend this vet office for your dog, cat, mongoose, wolverine, chia pet, etc. All I know is Captain Hazel Murphy is healthy and he's not afraid of going to see the doctor. :D read more

I recommend this practice highly! Dr. East, Dr. Ratcliff, Eliza the practice manager, and all of the staff are a fantastic team. We have been with the practice for years, with our elderly cat and dog (we had to euthanize our dog last year), and now with our new puppy who has had numerous issues. They are always patient and available to help. The office is never crowded because they only make appointments that allow them to keep a calm, quiet, efficient, waiting area. Do not confuse this practice with Riverside Animal Hospital at 108th Street, which has had issues. This office is wonderful! read more

CRIMINALS! this place sucks!! i tried this place out after adopting 2 rescue dogs. their prices are by far the highest in the area( which is saying a lot for the upper west side, impossible to get anything done for less the $3-400), they cancelled appointments at the last minute because the vet was not in the office after i had taken off early from work, the people at the counter are extremely rude and unhelpful, they mark up the pills at the counter 5-20x what they cost online, push unnecessary procedures and tests. they also promised me that i would not have to pay an $92 appointment fee/dog for a follow up set of shots then went back on their word claiming i waited too long which was only 1 week after they sent an email reminder and was during xmas/new years. also they DO NOT help any dog/cat rescues or offer any sort of discounts for when i was fostering a dog. they claim they had an internal rescue program but when i asked about which dogs were available for adoption they refused to respond. so many good vets out there, no reason to use this one read more

I have been taking my three west highland terriers for a few years now. We have always have had great service. The ladies in the front for the most part are amazing. I was very surprised when they remembered all three of my westies and when asked how they were doing with their allergies. Recently one of my westies got sick while Riverside was closed. We ended up at an emergency vet clinic when we got back at 11pm I emailed them. I was shocked that i got a response within 20 minutes. I have the say this place is amazing. Especially Drs Freedman and East and the ladies in the front Sierna and Jodi. They have always been great to us. I will continue to bring my three dogs here and any other pet I have in the future. read more

We've been taking our new puppy here since we got him. And it was a bumpy road of health issue the first month. Riverside vet was there every step of the way. Every panicked phone call, drop in visit, they were there to help us. They call us after every visit to check in on our pup. Every price is laid out ahead of time, I never feel cheated or overcharged. We can usually get an appointment for the same day we call if needed. One doctor even stayed 45 minutes after closing because my pup needed fluids and he didn't want to make me go to a vet emergency room. Overall I'm very happy with riverside vet. read more

I see some old neg reviews but our experience here was positive even tho as expected it ended with my gf having to put her sick cat down. Dr Weber was compassionate and knowledgable and spent time going over everything with her. Co-workers all friendly and upbeat. It was a sad day yesterday but I would recommend RAH. read more

I adopted my darling Lily from this office about five years ago after she had been left in a box on their doorstep. They neutered her, fixed a hernia and basically brought her to great health before putting her up for adoption. We've been in love ever since (5 years and going strong) She recently had a cancer scare and the Animal Hospital was with us every step of the way. They reviewed blood tests, next steps and possible outcomes in a comprehensive and professional manner and were available any time I needed them. Yes, they provide an estimate when you request services and before the charges accrue but I value this approach. At that point you have an opportunity to decide what you really need, want or can afford. I work in the medical field so I am very familiar with recommendations by doctors whether it's for procedures, tests or medication and I can honestly say I was never pressured to buy anything I didn't want. I always discussed options, benefits and risks and was very comfortable with their suggestions. It's a warm, caring place with excellent doctors (Dr East and Dr Weber are very kind and smart!) But there is no substitute for being a knowledgeable consumer. And by the way, Lily is doing great! read more

Riverside Animal Hospital has been caring for our cats for many years now. Our cats presented both subtle, difficult problems and extreme illnesses. The wonderful vets and staff have given our cats extraordinarily careful and sensitive care, and we, as the cat's caregivers, felt supported and grateful. read more

I just relocated to New York City and brought my 16 year old baby here. He was extremely sick and anemic. He was admitted for 5 days and I thought we were going to lose him. After extensive treatment I am happy to say he is back to his normal, happy self! If it wasn't for Riverside Animal Clinic our baby wouldn't be with us today. Every single staff member was very caring and friendly. By far the best experience I've ever had at an animal clinic!!! read more

This is one of the possibly worst vet group I've had the unfortunate experience to deal with. In medicine, we have a saying, "do no evil." If you cannot assist an animal, then at least do not hurt it. My adopted cat has an issue of scratching (to the point of self-mutilation). I came to the Riverside Vet Group to find an answer. I felt in my initial exam, I was told to give my cat a number of shots - antibiotics, a steroid shot, and a test for bacteria. This made me a little suspicious. Usually, vets do tests first before subscribing shots. I felt that I was being ripped off. In fact I asked what the side effects are for the shots, and was told smugly that ever shot has side effects. Yes, of course, but what are they? I picked a bacteria shot but was told to do a steroid shot instead (because that is a short term solution to prevent scratching and so they can justify that they did something positive). I was told the culture test is going to come back and tell me the real answer. My cat's culture test for bacteria was contaminated during sample handling and was inconclusive / false positive. I was advised to do more shots. When I complained the lack of capabilities, I was asked, "Did your cat's symptoms somehow resolve?" The symptoms still exist, but this is the vet that gives your animal as many shots as they can justify (TO MAKE MONEY) and they hope and pray that the issue goes away. This cannot be the right way to do treat animals. The unsuspicious owners will be duped and the victims will be their animals who cannot speak. Their plan for my cat is to subscribe as many shots as possible till the symptoms go away, or the animal falls deathly ill due to side effects. I have no plan to let that happen. I am filing an ethical complaint against this group at the New York State. Do not take your pet here. It will be worse off. --- The vet wrote a response that comes to the gist that I was confused. I pointed out that the email proves that the doctor was pushing shots onto my cat when such shots are not warranted. The vet said the test was no contaminated. I told them that I have a voice message from Google from them recorded that they said it is contaminated. This happened Facebook. They then decided to deleted their responses to my messages on Facebook when they realized that it was obviously they did wrong. They refused to provide their license issued by New York State when I am fully entitled to their license and they are required to provide BY LAW. read more

Ever since the wonderful and caring Dr. Green (Greene?) left the practice about three years ago, this clinic has been going downhill. But it was only recently, after Riverside merged with another group, that we have become unhappy enough to take our dog and business elsewhere. We go to the 79th St. location and, like patients at the 100's location (see, e.g., http://www.yelp.com/biz/riverside-animal-clinic-new-york and http://www.yelp.com/biz/riverside-animal-clinic-new-york#hrid:jzBFXCD98y38bMosXnMD7Q), have noticed a HUGE increase in the number of recommended tests and treatments. I'm annoyed about the prices, but more so about the health effects on my dog. Instead of just prescribing a topical cream for my dog's minor hotspot, for instance, the vet we saw gave our dog an injection, topical cream, antibiotics and a tube of bacterial supplements to replace the 'good bacteria' that the antibiotics kill, all very expensive, of course. I would completely understand the intensive response were this a horrible, huge, hard-to-treat hotspot, but this was not really very severe at all. Worst of all, we were NEVER (and have never been) consulted about treatment options. We are just told that XYZ is the course of treatment, NOT given an option to opt out or seek alternative treatments, and aren't even told about prices until we go to the front to pay the bill, which is usually extremely high even by NYC standards. I understand vets are businesses, and like every business, they need to turn a profit to survive. But medical businesses still need to act in the interests of their patients, in this case the animals, and NOT see only the bottom line. We are now convinced that Riverside no longer sees anything but the bottom line. Pros: Good availability for appointments, including weekend and after work hours. Good reminder system for appointments and vaccinations. Very nice veterinarian assistants and office staff. Cons: Major overtreatment and overtesting, overemphasis on turning a buck. Refusal to allow pet owners to remain with pets during most procedures, including routine ones like injections. Pet owners are not allowed to stand by their pets to help calm them down, which is very different from very good vets we've been to (like Dr. Andrew Kaplan, whose wait list is unfortunately as long as the NYC phonebook). read more

I worked here. If you knew the truth about Dr. Raclyn and what goes on behind the scenes, you'd never bring your pets here. I went into vet medicine out of a true love for animals and unfortunately that's not true for all veterinarians. If you want your pets in the hands of knowledgeable, caring and honest professionals, and not a scamming and greedy bullshit artist, go elsewhere. Sorry to not provide the grim details, but I don't want my identity revealed. If you see Dr. K you should be okay, but no one else. I'm not writing this out of any employment-related bitterness or anything like that. Just trying to spare innocent animals and their owners of deception and poor care. *It seems that most of the truthful reviews here have been filtered. read more

RUDE SERVICE ( I mean the receptionist, not the doctor)! When I say rude I mean VERY RUDE. I am very dissapointed with the service that this vet offers me! They RIPPED me OFF. and even worst, so after I found out that they are ripping me off, I asked them to send my dog medical report and they REFUSE to send it over right away. WHAT A FUCKING RUDE SERVICE THEY HAV. Plus, I bring my dog for a checkup once, they gave me a medicine that makes my dog coughing day after. So that at the end they can CHARGE me AGAIN for another check-up before giving vaccine to my dog. I am such a fool to ever step my foot to this vet from the first place. PLEASE, IF YOU LOVE YOUR PUPPY, DO NOT REPEAT MY MISTAKE BY COMING TO THIS VET. read more

Jane D, if she exists, must be confused or delusional. I have been taking all of my pets to this group since they opened----which turns out to be many, many dogs and cats. (My last dog, a stray, came to be pregnant, and had 9 puppies, all of which received their first 3 months' treatment and inoculations here.) I am most familiar with Dr K, about whom I cannot say enough positive things. His knowledge is only surpassed by his caring and concern for the pet and the human. His combination of holistic and traditional practices allows the best of both worlds to be part of your pets' care. All of the vets who are presently at this practice are fabulous. AND THE OFFICE STAFF IS AMAZING! They too are knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating. As with all NYC vets, they are expensive. But, unfortunately, owning a pet is expensive, and part of the package one accepts when one becomes owned by one's pet. From the beginning of your pets' life until the end, I cannot imagine a better veterinary practice for animal and human. Susan Y read more

My experiences with Riverside Vet Group honestly couldn't get any better. My dog Finn had an accident a few weeks back and Riverside Vet Group took the best care of our little pup. He was treated quickly, effectively, and the vet's and vet techs were especially kind. I couldn't have been happier with deciding to take Finn here. We had numerous checkups and every time the entire office knew who Finn was and made sure he felt comfortable being at the Vet's office. I would recommend anyone with a pet to Riverside Vet Group. Our experiences were truly top notch. Thanks again for taking such good care of Finn! :) read more

Great vet, although my dog has always been pretty healthy. I have gone for routine vaccines and random issues (e.g. over-drinking/over-peeing). The staff is friendly (except for one rude person who works there - I think her name is Vanessa) and helpful, and the offices are very clean. I have never really had to wait for my appointment more than 10 minutes. read more

I've had pets all my life and I can confidently say this vet is the best I've ever been to. I've worked with Dr. East and Dr. Weber, both are thorough, compassionate, and dedicated. My cat gets terribly nervous whenever leaving the house, but the doctors at Riverside Animal Hospital South always try to make her as comfortable as possible. I found this vet by chance and now I recommend them to every pet owner I know. read more

I love this practice. I've been bringing my greyhound here for years. It is a clean, relaxed environment and Dr. Freedman is great. The staff, Serena and Jody, are wonderful and really on top of getting everything you need. I think the pricing is standard for NYC. They also have a great dental special Feb/March. Great place and me and my greyhound are happy customers. read more

STAY AWAY!!!!! I would give negative stars if it was possible!!! This is the worst Vet I have ever been to in all my existence!! I have this to warn people that Riverside Vet Group on W. 79th Street almost killed my cat. They basically refused to care for him over night when he was very ill and said he was fine to go home - and this is after I spent thousands of dollars over the past few weeks having him treated there and staying occasionally over night. I pleaded with them to watch him as I did not think he was ready to come home and they basically forced me to take him. Long story short 8 hours later in the middle of the night I have to rush him to emergency and $14,000.00+ later (YES over FOURTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS LATER) and 3 weeks of him being hospitalized and needing surgery he is finally healthy. Needless to say I did not bring him back to Riverside Vet Group, I found a much more caring vet that seems to want to cure animals to try and kill them. THEY ARE DESPICABLE AND YOU SHOULD ALL STAY AWAY from these crooks and butchers. read more

Love Riverside vet group they are super caring with your pet and follow up on how they are feeling afterwards the facility is nice and conveniently located the personnel is super friendly and they help you with all the paperwork Dr Friedman who is my vet is super nice and caring I highly recommend the group read more

Riverside has provided fantastic service for our new puppy, and have never tried to gouge us or slight us in the cost of any of their services. Very happy with this vet! Dr Webber is the best! read more

This is the BEST Veterinary Practice in New York City!! They have an incredible group of doctors (Dr. Freedman is my personal favorite)! The doctors are up on the latest medical procedures, drugs etc. Elizabeth, Doctor's Assistant, is always very sure to get all pertinent information about the visit and gives a thorough pre-exam. She is also very good about keeping the pet calm and fearless. All the ladies in reception are friendly, polite, keep you updated and all aim to please you. I wouldn't dream of trusting any other practice with my pets. read more