In my experience (2.5 years with RVV, no longer) the doctors were very good. The care was not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but the staff treated my dog with love and care, which is why I stayed there for 2.5 years. However, after a time, the constant sales pitches and pressure to buy additional vaccines, food, ointments, chews, toys...wore thin. Example...my dog hurt skinned his paw pads on some hot concrete one summer. I called in to see what I should be doing for treatment...willing to describe the injury, send pictures or video and accept any charges (I was out of town). They would not simply tell me how to care for my dogs wound...they "needed" to "see him" to be certain. I get the fear of malpractice...but that sums up their medical practice...all about the $$$$. I need good advise from a professional to care for my baby, and I had to talk to an out of town vet to get the care my dog need. RVV made a stressful situation even worse. Another example...they offer various vaccines other than typical core doggy vaccines. They prey on your lack of medical knowledge, position it so that your commitment to obtain vaccines shows whether or not you really love your dog. It was impossible for them to give me straightforward, real-world advise, without offering to sell me something. Overall, good Docs...but if you love constant sales pressure and are ready to spend...they will sell you all the animal care you can afford!!

All the staff at River Valley treat us and our pet like family yet very professional. They've been our choice of vet for many years. Our pet is family and an exceptional vet hospital/clinic is as important as our own doctor and clinic. Many of our friends also rely on River Valley for their pets. Never heard any bad feedback.

River Valley has taken such good care of our pug Paisley over the years. Each time we go, we get a warm greeting at the front door, a thorough once-over by the techs who are great listeners, and the best care from the vets. Dr. Aliano has been great with Paisley medical needs, but also understands us as people and that a lot of factors go into decisions about your pet's long-term care. We are also thrilled that they added RV Groom and Board to the building. It is a small, clean, friendly environment with great staff who take such good care of Paisley even though she is high maintenance. They even accommodate her medication schedule, even though it doesn't quite fit with their routine schedule. I can't say enough good things about this clinic. Visit and see for yourself!

When we moved to Prior Lake we needed a new local vet. I'm really glad I saw River Valley as I drove down highway 13. They're great! The building is clean and modern, and it's obvious that the staff loves animals of all kind. They're very tech savvy with an online "pet portal" and e-mail reminders for upcoming appointments, but still have a very personal touch. When's the last time your vet wrote a handwritten notecard thanking you for your business? Our vet at River Valley did. I highly recommend them for the care and well-being of your animal family members. 2014 update: We've been going to River Valley for the past three years now, and I can't imagine taking our pets anywhere else. All of the staff is fantastic, the care for our pets is top-notch, and they've been able to see our pets nearly immediately without an appointment when there have been serious, sudden issues. Thank you to all of the wonderful doctors, vet techs, groomers, and receptionists who have taken such good care of our "kids". If you're looking for a vet in the Prior Lake area, you will not find anything better than River Valley Veterinary Service.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the care and concern you have given to Bailey and Jake over the years. The Doctors and Staff at RVVS are exceptional at every level. It is a great comfort to know that we can trust you for the best care possible, and to know that those who are caring for our four legged family members love them as much as we do. Everyone there goes out of their way to make us, and them feel comfortable, even in the difficult situations. We greatly appreciate how you make us feel that our pets are your most important patients. We are especially grateful for all you have done for Bailey “the bionic beagle” to extend and maintain his quality of life. He would not be with us today if it were not for your thoroughness and thoughtful diagnostics. I have often used your practice as the perfect example of customer service when talking to others in the business community. The follow up calls, the referral rewards, extended hours, the knowledge and experience of the doctor team, the professional and compassionate staff, the broad range of services, and the newly expanded facility make River Valley Veterinary Service “man’s best friend’s best friend”. Every aspect of your practice is top-notch. Everyone that we have referred has also echoed the same experience. We are very thankful that we found you and will continue to recommend RVVS to every one of our friends with pets. Sincerely, The Schmidt’s Steve, Jackie, Bailey, and Jake