Riverbark Veterinary Hospital
1311 N Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake, NC 28390
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
Required vaccinations: Canine Distemper/Parvovirus, Rabies, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Canine Influenza, Feline Distemper
Policies & Details
Safety & Emergency
What Reviews Say
700 reviews analyzedRiverbark 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.
People love
Staff shoutouts
Worth noting
Pets returned from boarding with unexplained injuries (bites, wounds, infections)
โWe 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
โMy 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
โThey 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
โThey 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)
โOne 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)
โWe 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)
โThey 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)
โFront 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)
โSince Dr. Jenny retired I do not recommend this vet. Go somewhere else.โ
Communication issues - not notified of issues, unclear instructions(7 mentions)
โYour vague response about Denali's nose exam was unhelpful, forcing me to follow up.โ
Difficulty getting appointments/phone access(6 mentions)
โCalling the line is busy or someone say pls hold and Im on hold for 37 minutes.โ
At a Glance
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