River Valley Animal Center

River Valley Animal Center is a veterinary clinic in Suffield, Connecticut, located at 616 South St. It has a 4.1/5 Google rating from 275 reviews. Recent feedback includes praise for knowledgeable veterinary care and attentive staff, along with complaints about communication and billing expectations.

Services

•Veterinary exams for pets (mentioned in the context of vaccination visits and general care)
•Vaccinations for cats (rabies vaccination discussed in reviews)
•Ongoing care for dogs (one reviewer visits at least twice a month for two dogs)
•Management of chronic conditions (thyroid issues mentioned)
•On-site grooming and bathing (grooming services referenced; a groomer named Jess is mentioned)

Pricing

No published pricing information is available; reviewers describe prices as above average, and one review cites an exam fee of $100 per pet in connection with rabies vaccination.

People

Reviews mention Dr. Sachdev, as well as staff members Katie and Jenna, and Jess (groomer).

Reviews

Google reviews show a 4.1/5 rating across 275 reviews. Positive comments describe kind and caring veterinary attention, knowledgeable doctors, and attentive front-desk staff, with variable wait times that some reviewers attribute to emergencies. Critical reviews raise concerns about communication around appointment expectations and costs (including exams prior to vaccines), and one review describes a dispute involving payment timing and receiving medication.

Reviews for River Valley Animal Center

Note: Showing the 5 most recent Google reviews out of 275 we track in total. Recent reviews may not be representative of overall sentiment.

mo hassan

1 month ago

Money hungry place. I brought my pet and he was very sick. After the exam, I got the bill and realized I didn’t have enough so I begged them to understand and I’ll pay in a couple of days but he wasn’t having it. I offered to leave something of value and will return but he said no and refused to give me the medicine. He took back the medicine so I borrowed the money and when I returned they were closed. I had to wait 2 days to get it. 4 days later my loving animal died. 😢😢😢. Avoid this place.

Amy Ouellette

2 months ago

I loved it here

Judy N.

5 months ago

Dr Sachdev is not only an intuitive veterinarian but a kind, caring man dedicated to helping people care for their pets. I started with him back in the mid ‘80’s, with a plethora of pets over the years; left for a while due to time/ location but am so grateful to be back over the last 8 years. Dr’s experience & skillset helped me keep my DaisyMae (with chronic thyroid issues) healthy till it was time for her to have eternal rest at 18.7 years old. Huge shout out for Katie and Jenna who are always on their game despite the busy and often chaotic front end, they do the hard work with dedication to pets and their owners. We adopted Marco, a shelter/rescue kitty they had housed for a year and we look forward to continuing our journey there at River Valley.

Mark

6 months ago

Upon entering the facility you will see the massiveness of the structure. I visit the facility at least twice a month as my two dogs are taking very well care of. The staff at the front desk is very attentive to your needs and are very quick to get you into an exam room. I think this is because there is no seating in the lobby area which is confusing as there is enough space for a lot of seating. Once you're in the exam room wait time is variable I guess it all depends on what's going on with emergencies which is understandable. But 95% of the time the technician arrives Within 5 minutes. The doctor's very very knowledgeable and with ever -changing medical advances I can see that they're eager to learn, follow up, and provide as much knowledge as they can. Price wise as with any medical practice prices are going to be high. The staff is very attentive for my pets needs an offer to them dignity and respect that one believes is necessary. One thing to note with the ongoing big companies buying up veterinary clinics and hospitals this facility is still owned by a single doctor. Also a big perk is they have on site grooming and bathing which I have to say is very beneficial having it at a vet's office just in case. Jess the groomer is the best I have a special needs dog it doesn't get along with anybody but Jess has been able to gain control of her.

Stefan Lubinski

7 months ago

Not great with communication! I booked an appointment to get 2 cats vaccinated and after waiting 15 min a room with no one telling me they would be runnnig a little behind, I was informed that the cats would first need an exam. I explained I did not need an exam and only needed the vaccinations. I was then told it is STATE LAW that they perform an exam (For $100 each!!) before they can administer a rabies vaccine. A quick Google search proved that FALSE! They also failed to mention this cost when I booked the appointment. I am sure the vet services are fine, but I recommend asking upfront what they plan to charge you. Had I not asked, my visit would have been almost $300!!