VCA RIVER - Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals

07/26/2025

In early June, we proudly shared our story with LIFE FORCE and celebrated a historic achievement—critical care air transport services that will soon be available for working K9 officers that are ill or critically injured.

As one of the local ER and specialty hospitals designated to receive these incredible K9 heroes, our team has been actively involved in both giving and receiving specialized training to ensure we're fully prepared.

We’re honored to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and can’t wait to share more with you soon. Stay tuned! 🐾🚁🐕‍🦺

07/24/2025

🔔 Tova Rang the Bell! 🔔
We are honored to celebrate sweet Tova’s completion of chemotherapy! 💖

Tova was diagnosed with a**l gland adenocarcinoma in March and underwent chemotherapy with the support of our amazing internal medicine team.
We had the honor of watching her ring the bell to mark the end of her treatment — a moment of strength, hope, and resilience. Getting to know Tova, her family, and her sweet, gentle spirit has been a true privilege.

We’re so proud of you, Tova! 💪🐾

07/22/2025

💙🐾 Did you know? 🐾💙

In veterinary medicine, our incredible assistants and technicians wear many hats to provide top-notch care for every patient.

They’re not just assisting in exams — they’re also lab technicians, X-ray techs, pharmacy technicians, surgical nurses, dental hygienists, and so much more, all rolled into one!

Their skill, versatility, and compassion make them the true backbone of our hospital. We appreciate our veterinary assistants and technicians more than words can say!

👏✨ Thank you for everything you do! ✨👏

07/20/2025

🐾💙 Specialty care with a personal touch! 💙🐾

Specialty consultations with Dr. Amy Holford, our internal medicine specialist, always come with extra belly rubs and plenty of smiles!

Whether your pet needs advanced diagnostics or help managing a chronic condition, Dr. Holford is here to provide compassionate, expert care — and make every visit a positive experience.

✨🐶🐱 Because at VCA River, we believe every patient deserves to feel loved and supported!

07/18/2025

💙🐾 Heart health matters! 🐾💙

Our radiologist, Dr. Emery, performs echocardiograms to help assess and monitor your pet’s heart health. An echocardiogram is a safe, non-invasive way to get a detailed look at how your pet’s heart is functioning — and it can be an important tool in diagnosing or managing cardiac conditions.

Echocardiograms can be performed right here at our office whenever Dr. Emery is available, and by referral from your primary veterinarian.

❤️✨ Ask your veterinarian if an echocardiogram could benefit your pet — and learn more about this vital service today!

07/16/2025

👨‍⚕️✨ Dr. Wearing Spotlight ✨👨‍⚕️

Our incredible Medical Director and surgeon, Dr. Wearing, is the skilled hands (and compassionate heart) behind so many of the advanced procedures we offer here at VCA River.

From complex orthopedic repairs to intricate soft tissue surgeries and management, Dr. Wearing is dedicated to helping our patients get back to living their happiest, healthiest lives.

🩺💙 Surgery services are available by referral — ask your veterinarian if your pet could benefit from Dr. Wearing’s expertise!

07/14/2025

🌟 Employee of the Month Spotlight! 🌟

Join us in celebrating Emily Nash, LVMT our incredible Employee of the Month!

Emily has been an essential part of our VCA RIVER ICU weekend team for almost a year. Her passion for patient care, eagerness to learn, and drive to grow new skills make her a perfect fit for this role — and an irreplaceable part of our team.

When she’s not hard at work, you’ll most likely find her loving on any cat or lab she can get her hands on. 🐾💙

Thank you, Emily, for all that you do. We’re so lucky to have you!

07/12/2025

🎉 It is our great honor to congratulate Dr. Breanna Walden on completing her small animal rotating internship!

We’re even more thrilled to announce that she will be staying on with us as an emergency veterinarian. It has been an incredible year of learning, teaching, and growing together — and we couldn’t be more excited to officially welcome her to the RIVER family.

Here’s to the next chapter, Dr. Walden! 💙🐾

07/11/2025

Finish out the rest of the summer prepared. From now through July 15, enjoy 50% off an Emergency Care exam* at select VCA Animal Hospitals. Keep peace of mind by claiming your coupon today: https://bit.ly/4mWwpWS

07/10/2025

Celebrating these little ones with big personalities today - Happy National Kitten Day!

07/10/2025

🎸✨ Introducing Megan's July Rehab Rockstar: Stella! ✨🎸

Stella has been absolutely rockin’ her rehab program over the past several months, making a legendary comeback worthy of a world tour. She’s now strutting her stuff without assistance, back to supervising her humans and mentoring her foster pups and kitties with sage, soulful wisdom.

She credits her success to the holy trinity of rehab: the underwater treadmill, Cheerios, and endless TLC from her devoted momma.

✨ Stage names: Ma-Moosh, Stell Bell, Stella Louise
🛋️ Green room demands: pup cups on ice, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, a licensed canine masseuse, and exclusive rights to the futon (diva perks!).
🎶 Musical inspirations: Stevie Nicks (obviously), The Eagles, and Aerosmith—because every queen needs a power ballad and a little edge.

Keep on rockin’, Stella—you’re an inspiration to us all! 💫🐾

07/09/2025

In a world full of mixed messages, here’s what our veterinarians are proudly on board with — free first exams, belly rubs, and a little sassy side-eye.

07/08/2025

07/06/2025

With hot temperatures and summer safety in mind, 🚨 Don’t forget! Our ER coupon is still available — but only until July 15!

Be prepared for any unexpected pet emergencies this summer. 🐶🐱

✅ Claim your coupon today: https://bit.ly/4n8qCNX

07/03/2025

The 4th of July means BBQs, sunshine, and celebration—but not all the festivities are fun for your pet. Watch now for tips to keep your pets safe and stress-free this Independence Day!

06/30/2025

While having fun in the sun, be sure to watch out for summer hazards. We’re offering pet owners a 50% off an Emergency Care exam until July 15 at participating VCA Animal Hospitals Emergency Care locations. Claim your coupon now: https://bit.ly/4mWwpWS

06/27/2025

With Summer heating up here is a gentle reminder: It’s safest not to leave your pet alone in a parked car. Even brief moments can be uncomfortable for them.

06/26/2025

Wishing you a worry-free 4th of July celebration! Kick off the summer season with
confidence and keep your pet protected from these common risks.

Find emergency care near you: https://bit.ly/3HGNbcn

06/25/2025

The sounds of summer—like fireworks and loud gatherings—can be stressful for your pet. Watch this video for simple tips to help your pets stay calm and enjoy a safe, happy summer.

06/24/2025

VCA Animal Hospitals is here to help you keep your pets safe, cool and healthy with our 2025 Summer Hazards Playbook — packed with tips on everything from heatstroke and fireworks to BBQ mishaps and water safety.

Plus, we’re offering:
- 50% off one ER exam for all pet owners
- Unlimited exams as part of CareClub, including ER exams

Download the playbook and claim your offer at participating locations from now until July 15. Let’s make this summer safe and stress-free for pets and their owners. https://vca.mobi/4niKpKH

06/18/2025

While the cause of most strokes is unknown, there are signs that can help identify if your pet is experiencing one.
Swipe through to learn what to be on the lookout for.

06/16/2025

It's Take Your Pet to Work Week, and our office pets are taking their jobs very seriously (especially the napping part). Meet the coworkers who brighten our day every day!

06/15/2025

Today we’re celebrating all the fathers, caregivers and everyday heroes. Thank you for teaching kindness, patience, and the joy of a good belly rub. Happy Father's Day from all of us at VCA.