Riverside Animal Hospital

Dr Payson unfortunately retired from Riverside Animal Hospital and because of such; there is no reason to ever go back to this hospital.

I reluctantly decided to go to the office with a visit with their new vet Dr. Hannwacker. Upon arrival to the office, one of the three receptionists who happened to check me in and out was extremely rude and unwelcoming. As soon as I walked in and approached the front, she said, "Do you have an appointment?” I replied yes and gave my dog's name. She asked if I was a new client and I told her no but I haven't been to the office in a few years (isn’t this information in your computer?). So she gave me some paperwork to fill out (without a pen - but luckily I had one on me). After I updated the client information I was called back to an exam room "Ma'am come this way". The exam room was clean (they charge you a standard “biohazard” fee of 5$ for room cleaning, without the use of needles) and the tech that came in to get my dog's weight and temp was very friendly and nice. The Dr. came in and I explained to him I was there because I knew my dog needed a dental and had to come in for an exam prior. He looked over my dog’s BW from a few months back and stated it was fine. He then examined my pet’s mouth and saw a small growth on the gum near the back molars. He then stated “ wow that does not look good”. Very concerned by his immediate reaction, I inquired for more information. He stated the growth would have to be removed with a scalpel during the dental and sent out for a histopath. He said that growths are sometimes benign but because of the location and color of the growth – he would send it out and upon the results we could “then discuss options for your dog”. He was such an alarmist I proceeded to leave the office very upset. I checked out with the same girl who had checked me in (there was no communication between herself and the Dr what I would need to schedule surgery for my dog and which he was stating could be a cancerous growth). After I paid for the visit ($59! For a regular routine exam), the receptionist says, “You’re all set”. I told her I would like to schedule sx for my dog and asked for an estimate stating they could call me back whenever was convenient. She scoffed and stated “dentals are usually $360”. I went on to explain a growth removal would be included and she cut me off “ I cannot give you an estimate on a growth removal”. I then added how the Dr rec. the growth be sent out for a histopath and I would like to know how much to expect. She scuffed again and said she would speak with the Dr and call me back, stating again “you’re all set”. I said thank you and proceeded to put my wallet in my purse and untangle my dog’s leash, less than 1 minute and she states AGAIN “YOU’RE ALL SET”! So rude!! Being pregnant and being that my dog is a family member more so than a pet, I left the office in tears and very concerned. I proceeded to get a second opinion from another office- who stated the growth was DEFINITELY not cancerous and was merely a gingival hyperplasia. They also quoted me (without me asking) 400$ about for removal and dental. When I called back Riverside to cancel sx and said I was going elsewhere, they then gave me the estimate of over $700 from Dr Hannwacker! Please stay far away from this vet and go elsewhere.

Don't ever underestimate how important experience is. Dr. Payson was able to quickly narrow down and confirm what was happening to my very sick cat.

I have lived in several cities with many pets and I can honestly say that Dr. Payson is one of the most knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate Vets I have ever gone to. The rest of the staff was also very kind to me.