Spring Lake facilities
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Riverbark Veterinary Hospital

1311 N Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake, NC 28390

4.6
700 Google reviews
Medication adminGroomingClimate controlledOnline booking

Overview

Riverbark Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital in Spring Lake, NC operating since 1975, with an attached Pet Retreat offering boarding, grooming, and doggie daycare services. The facility features separate temperature-controlled boarding areas for cats and dogs, with medical oversight available onsite and medication administration by trained veterinary professionals. Boarding requires up-to-date vaccinations including rabies, distemper/parvovirus, bordetella, and canine influenza, plus a fecal test.

Amenities & Policies

Cage-free
Webcam
Staff overnight
Outdoor yard
Pool / water play
Small dog area
Accepts puppies
Reactive breeds
Medication admin
Grooming
Training
Climate controlled
Overnight potty breaks
Online booking
Spay/neuter required
Temperament test

Required vaccinations: Canine Distemper/Parvovirus, Rabies, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Canine Influenza, Feline Distemper

Policies & Details

Safety & Emergency

Emergency vet protocol:On site
Emergency vet cost:Owner

What Reviews Say

700 reviews analyzed

Riverbark Veterinary Hospital receives overwhelmingly positive reviews (approximately 80% are 5-star), with Dr. Jenny Rodriguez being the standout feature - described as compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring about animals. However, significant concerns emerge around safety incidents during boarding (injuries, medication errors), communication breakdowns, and a noticeable decline in service quality following Dr. Rodriguez's retirement according to multiple long-term customers. The facility scores well for cleanliness, pet handling, and accommodating emergencies, but struggles with wait times, pricing transparency, and front desk customer service. Potential clients should be aware of boarding-related safety concerns and the mixed experiences reported since staff changes occurred.

Dog happiness
4.5
Cleanliness
4.5
Facility
4.2
Staff
3.8
Communication
3.5
Drop-off / pickup
3.5
Value
3.2
Safety
2.5

People love

Dr. Jenny Rodriguez - exceptional care and compassion(85)Staff genuinely cares about pets(60)Good with anxious/nervous pets(25)Reasonable prices for quality care(20)Accommodating emergency/same-day appointments(18)Great boarding and pet resort experience(15)

Staff shoutouts

Jenny(180 mentions)Jenny Rodriguez(45 mentions)Dr. Jenny(120 mentions)Dale(8 mentions)Dr. Dale Brown(5 mentions)Lassiter(6 mentions)Dr. Lassiter(4 mentions)Christian(2 mentions)Rodriguez(6 mentions)Potter(2 mentions)Linda(2 mentions)Jo Beth(2 mentions)Christine(2 mentions)Miranda(3 mentions)Ginny(3 mentions)Dale(4 mentions)

Worth noting

Pets returned from boarding with unexplained injuries (bites, wounds, infections)

โ€œWe boarded our two dogs at the hospital side for Christmas this year, when we picked them up we noticed that one of our dogs was bleeding from his ear... they said it looked like he was bitten on his ears and one of his ears was infected.โ€

Pets died or had serious health decline after visits/treatment

โ€œMy dog died 4 days later... We took our dog here for them to do nothing besides tell me she looked fine.โ€

Medication/medical errors - wrong vaccines, missed medications, incorrect dosages

โ€œThey assured me that the DHPP was a combo vaccine that included it. According to our new vet, that was also untrue.โ€

Pets not receiving prescribed medications during boarding

โ€œThey agreed to give her medicine but we found out they didn't... We confronted them and asked them what was going on and they didn't not seem to care.โ€

Pets given items that caused harm (tennis ball ingestion, choking hazards)

โ€œOne of my dogs ate a tennis ball that she was given during her care there, after I specifically notated that she will eat them and do not give them to her.โ€

Long wait times despite scheduled appointments(15 mentions)

โ€œWe waited about 30 to 40 minutes in the waiting room and then once called back waited another 30 to 40 minutes to see the vet.โ€

High prices/cost concerns(12 mentions)

โ€œThey are incredibly expensive... Every single time they cost HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS of dollars, even if it was just to pick up antibiotics.โ€

Rude front desk staff(10 mentions)

โ€œFront desk receptionist is not professional or welcoming AT all... She rudely says you can just leave it there!โ€

Staff turnover - decline after Dr. Jenny Rodriguez retired(8 mentions)

โ€œSince Dr. Jenny retired I do not recommend this vet. Go somewhere else.โ€

Communication issues - not notified of issues, unclear instructions(7 mentions)

โ€œYour vague response about Denali's nose exam was unhelpful, forcing me to follow up.โ€

Difficulty getting appointments/phone access(6 mentions)

โ€œCalling the line is busy or someone say pls hold and Im on hold for 37 minutes.โ€

Owner replies to 1% of reviewsAvg response: 2dprofessional tone185 repeat customers

At a Glance

Google rating
4.6/ 5
Review score
3.7/ 5
Amenities4 of 14
Repeat customersNumber of reviews that mention returning or being a regular customer.185

Pricing

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