Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Norwich, VT
Founded in 1985, River Road Veterinary Clinic has been dedicated to providing consistent, quality medicine and surgery for large and small animals. Our team of experienced veterinarians and technicians creates a clean, friendly environment focused on compassionate care and understanding. With expertise in traditional and alternative treatments, including acupuncture, we serve Norwich, VT, and surrounding communities. Recognized as the Upper Valleys Best Veterinarian for five consecutive years, we prioritize the human-animal bond and offer 24/7 emergency services. Our comprehensive care includes wellness exams, dental services, reproductive care, and exotic animal treatment, ensuring pets receive personalized attention.We emphasize preventative medicine, nutritional counseling, and behavioral management to maintain optimal pet health. Our staff combines decades of experience with a passion for animals, reflected in our dedication to both clinical excellence and client education. From farm calls to advanced diagnostics like ultrasound, we adapt to diverse animal healthcare needs. The clinics commitment to excellence extends to its flower garden and welcoming atmosphere, making visits comfortable for pets and owners alike.
Services
Dentistry
Surgery
Spay And Neuter
Microchipping
Vaccinations
Wellness Exams
Nutritional Counseling
Parasite Prevention
Emergency Services
Exotic Animal Care
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary services with on-call doctors.
- Our team includes award-winning veterinarians with decades of experience.
- We combine traditional medicine with alternative therapies like acupuncture.
- We provide care for both small pets and large farm animals.
- Our staff prioritizes compassionate, personalized attention for every animal.
What people say
VIP treatment
Amazing staff
Caring
Excited about visits
Saved my dogs life
Services
Dentistry
Dental care prevents heart, liver, and kidney issues caused by untreated dental disease. We treat 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years old suffering from dental problems. Our services include cleanings, extractions, and preventative care to maintain oral health.
Emergency Services
Available 24/7, our emergency services include blood work, digital radiographs, IV therapy, and surgery. Doctors meet patients at the clinic after hours for critical cases like trauma or poisoning, ensuring immediate care for pets and livestock.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect pets from preventable diseases like rabies and distemper. We tailor vaccine schedules to each animals age, health, and lifestyle, ensuring compliance with local regulations while prioritizing individual wellness.
Exotic Animal Services
We treat reptiles, birds, rabbits, and other exotic pets with specialized wellness exams, nutrition plans, and emergency care. Our team addresses unique health needs of pocket pets and uncommon species through tailored treatment plans.
Surgery
Our surgical services include spays, neuters, mass removals, and emergency procedures like gastrostomies. Advanced monitoring equipment and pre-anesthetic testing ensure safe anesthesia and recovery for all patients.
People
Christine Pinello
Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Pinello founded the clinic in 1985 and specializes in acupuncture and botany. She graduated from Cornell Veterinary College and has won five consecutive Upper Valleys Best Veterinarian awards.
Chris Dutton
Veterinarian
Dr. Dutton focuses on large animal medicine and dairy management. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, he combines academic experience with clinical work to serve Upper Valley pets and farms.
Deborah Higgins
Veterinary Technician
Deborah brings expertise in animal handling and breeding. A former track athlete, she shows Rhodesian Ridgebacks and contributes hands-on care for small animals and exotic species at the clinic.
Mary Brouillette
Veterinary Technician
Mary specializes in dental hygiene and equine care. With a background in animal science, she teaches riding lessons and provides technical support for surgical and wellness procedures.
Carol Barraby
Bookkeeper
Carol manages inventory and finances while leveraging her veterinary technician training. She balances part-time nursing with clinic operations, supporting diverse species care since 2011.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
We provide 24/7 emergency care with on-call doctors for critical cases, including surgery, blood work, and digital radiographs.
Do you treat exotic animals?
Yes, we care for reptiles, birds, rabbits, and other exotic pets with specialized wellness exams and emergency treatment.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Request appointments online or by phone at (802) 649-3877 during business hours (M-F 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-1pm).
What preventative care services do you offer?
We provide vaccinations, dental cleanings, nutritional counseling, and parasite prevention to maintain long-term pet health.
Do you offer acupuncture for pets?
Yes, Dr. Pinello incorporates acupuncture and herbal remedies alongside traditional treatments for pain management and chronic conditions.
Reviews (4)
My Princes
Nov 24, 2021
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We are decades long patrons of River Road Veterinary clinic. Out most recent emergency had us at the clinic on a Saturday at 8 pm with our cat who had a prolapsed rectum. He was immediately brought to surgery to make the repair and they were nice enough to clip his nails while he was under. After a couple of days in their care for fluids and after care he is back home with us and we are forever thankful. Given the circumstances the bill was very reasonable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them everyone.
Sandra Paquin
Sep 21, 2021
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I was informed that the surgery needed on my animal would be covered by the insurance they highly recommend. When in reality it was not covered. I was not informed of an estimated cost for said surgery, due to again the insurance would cover it. Next thing I know I am hit with a $800+ bill due right then and there. I was basically shamed for asking about a payment plan. I was also informed my animal was very misbehaved and "naughty" due to needing more medication during surgery. I find this highly unprofessional. I should have been given an estimate for the surgery and not assured that insurance
Joanne Lazzaro
Sep 03, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Reliability,Responsiveness
Most caring, compassionate vets and staff we've ever had. Dr Pinello was wonderful! She and Dr Dutton took wonderful care of our dog when she was acutely ill and treated her like their own. They took the time to explain everything to us, were very considerate, and put us at ease when our dog had to stay overnight.
Most caring, compassionate vets and staff we've ever had. Dr Pinello was wonderful! She and Dr Dutton took wonderful care of our dog when she was acutely ill and treated her like their own. They took the time to explain everything to us, were very considerate, and put us at ease when our dog had to stay overnight.
Alexis Mcguiness
Aug 14, 2021
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Positive:Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Christine Pinello and her staff are a kind and caring team who demonstrate compassion and kindness for the pets they treat.
Christine Pinello and her staff are a kind and caring team who demonstrate compassion and kindness for the pets they treat.
