Riverside Animal Hospital

This veterinary clinic is the perfect model for a Systematic Scam. I was quoted $89 to $100 to examine my dog. The scam goes like this: the clinic takes you to a separate waiting room where helpers quote you a low examination fee; the helper then separates you from your animal to be seen by the vet in another area (you never get to see or speak to the vet until she's finished treating your animal which provides her time to add expensive services she has not first cleared with the animal owner). I fully expected the veterinary assistant or the vet herself to provide the cost for any additional treatment other than initial assessment. I did not see the vet until AFTER she performed treatment that I did not first approve. The clinic staff made it clear upon my arrival that the doctor refers out most all procedures and that blood tests and vaccinations are done to facilitate referrals, so I didn't expect an invoice for much higher than $100 as the case was being referred out after a blood test. So, here is what I consider to be the scam. The vet does not see the animal Owner (at all) until AFTER she returns your pet, tells you what she did (without first providing Informed Consent thereby neglecting the owner from being able to decide whether to move forward with treatment or decline further treatment after the initial evaluation). The vet then swiftly disappears into her office before the vet assistant then presents you with an absolutely outrageous bill. Do not let a clever response to this review say that I was anything other than a gentleman during my visit or that I was simply emotional over a dog. In MY OPINION, This is a Scam. After I was hit with a bill of over $850, I told the assistant that the veterinarian should have presented me with a quote for any charges over the basic "$89 or $100" fee for initial evaluation and examination, ESPECIALLY AFTER she said that they refer out most all procedures. Avoid this vet clinic if you can. If not, ask the veterinarian for a detailed treatment plan with all included costs, before allowing her to touch your animal further. Better advice is to see another vet clinic. I do not know who regulates veterinary clinics in the State of Florida, but they will SOON hear from me regarding this occurrence. Avoid this Vet at ALL COSTS because it might just cost you dearly. Not an honest clinic.

posted: 05/19/2023

Couldn't ask for a better Vet's office. Everyone is so nice and caring. Dr. Colombo was excellent at explaining things, the staff is excellent. Our dog, Apollo wasn't even nervous about being there. 5 stars isn't enough! Highly recommend.

posted: 02/03/2023

Liz, Kevin and Dr. C. are the best ever... I have been to other Vet Offices and have never felt better about being there. My dog doesn't even know it's a Vet Office and wants to go it.

posted: 06/30/2023

So thankful that I switched my animals to Dr. Colombo. She saved my cat who suffers from Megacolon and now she is helping us with our dog that has an awful ear infection. Her staff is wonderful too! They are all very communicative and extremely helpful. AND Dr. Colombo spends time with you- she doesn't rush the visit.

posted: 10/22/2022

After several interactions with Dr. Columbo and her staff, Liz and Kevin, I feel it necessary to to recognize them publicly as caring, professional, cordial, personable people. I feel that my dog gets the best attention from this affectionate and honorable staff. Dr. Columbo is thoughtful in her advice and recommendations. She does her research and advises accordingly. Liz is great with her handling of information and always follows up on any any action taken. Kevin is great with my dog. I really value my dog. So it means a lot when I say I trust him and Liz and Dr. Becky with the handling of my boy. I have no worries about any of the staff. Everyone there treats my boy as if he was their own. Animals are the best, and so is this office.

posted: 07/15/2021