Little River Veterinary Clinic

Well, I finally cracked. After years of taking my dog to this vet (and loving it), I have finally had enough. Dr. Downs (the owner) is the most obvious money grabbing vet out there. If you want to support a place that has no regard for your pockets, this is the place for you. If you want a vet that cares about you and your pet, while trying to save you the most money possible, this is NOT the vet for you. The rest of the vets at this practice are great. Shame on you Dr. Downs. more

I have been taking my dog there for 3 years. My dog has a seasonal skin allergy problem. I've seen every doctor at the practice and spent hunderds maybe thousands of dollars at that place, and none have been able to cure the cause. I spent tons of money on medications that didn't work. To go along with the hundreds on medications I also had to pay for recheck fees because, I had to keep going back. Then when one doctor couldn't figure it out my dog was passed around like an experiment. Nothing they did eliviated my dog from the endless days and nights of itching, all they did was clean out my wallet with no good results. Needless to say I got frustrated and took my dog elsewhere. I took her down the street to town and country and they were able to solve the problem almost immediately and for a cheaper price. The facilities are also larger and a whole lot nicer. I had an awful experience at Little River Vet Clinic and will never go back, I wouldn't even recommend this place to my worst enemy. It was nothing but, a money pit and a headache. Do yourself a favor and go down the street to Town and Country. They have better doctors and a nicer waiting are and nicer exam rooms. more

Do NOT take your pet to Little River Veterinary Clinic, particularly its boarding facilities. \r 1. We have never spent so much on vet bills. Ever. I feel they went out of their way to make our visits as expensive as possible.\r 2. Our dog picked up a bacterial infection while boarded there over a weekend. Rather than own up to the problem, they charged us more. Now that his symptoms are back they want to charge another exam fee. I don't think so! We'll take our business elsewhere and I suggest you do to.\r 3. Not overly impressed with the staff. Takes forever to check out. more

Very Expensive for the work they do. We told them the symptoms of the cat, and got no results. If you have a cat that can be a bit agressive...do not take him/her here. They do not handle them well. And if you do go here, make sure they clearly understand what you are telling them... and make sure that the tests they run fit the symptoms and not test to rake up the $$$. more

The vets here are terrific and really knowledgeable. I can't say enough that is good about this place. My dog had diarrhea and after not being able to find out the cause at two other hospitals, Dr. Downs figured it out and there has been no turning back. Diarrhea is gone and my pet's are in terrific health. She even did an ultrasound that ended up saving my cat's life. They are really high tech. The front staff is really nice and informed. Best yet, while the hospital is a little old looking from the outside, it is hi tech and inside it is CLEAN. I highly recommend them!!!! more

The vets here are terrific and really knowledgeable. I can't say enough that is good about this place. My dog had diarrhea and after not being able to find out the cause at two other hospitals, Dr. Downs figured it out and there has been no turning back. Diarrhea is gone and my pet's are in terrific health. She even did an ultrasound that ended up saving my cat's life. They are really high tech. The front staff is really nice and informed. Best yet, while the hospital is a little old looking from the outside, it is hi tech and inside it is CLEAN. I highly recommend them!!!! more

My great dane was in heat. I called to get her spayed since she would not keep diaper on. They told me to wait two weeks. I took her there and she died the next morning after surgery. I spoke to other vets later and was told more time was required after heat before operation. Especially with large dogs. My family's heart was broken. Subsequently purchased new great dane from same parents. \r Dog is health and spayed elsewhere. Little River would not pay costs for new dog. they sent a sorry card. more

My cats and dogs have been under the care of Dr. Downs and Dr Marshall for years. They are terrific and incredibly caring. They take their time to explain what is wrong with my pet and answer all of my questions. Not to mention it, but their staff is just as great. They truly make you feel like family. I have never thought twice about their charges because they have always taken great care of my pets. Its care that counts. Even my labrador was really sick and vomiting and there were no available appointments, they managed to see my pet. I might have to wait a little but I know it is because they are being thorough. They care and they show it and I would highly recommend them!! more

I'm a college student so veterinary bills can be expensive to me. However, this place was just ridiculously over priced! I came home from school and took my dog here for her vaccines. The building and everything in it was old. I got mediocre service from the doctor. Then when I got the bill I could feel my jaw drop. The bill was over $250, just for a health exam and vaccines. I got my dog spayed, boarded for a weekend, and dewormed for that price at Burke Vet Clinic. I was sure glad I didn't get all the extra services they were trying to push on me. I will not return, and advise any price conscious more

My experience at this veterinary practice was just terrible. I arrived to a run down clinic with very uncomfortable seating in the waiting area. I was on time. However, I had to wait 20 minutes in the waiting room, just to wait 10 more minutes in the hot, uncomfortable exam room for Dr. Downs. She offered no real apology for her tardiness. She then tried to push unnecessary vaccines on me, trying to make me feel like an irresponsible pet owner for not getting them. Then I got the bill! I would expect such prices from a nicer facility but, this place isn't exactly state of the art. The prices were so high! Their was definitely some bill padding going on. Not only was I charged for the vaccines and their disposal but, I was also charged an administration fee. I will never go back, and I recommend everyone else stay away as well; unless your pockets are lined with money you're dying to spend! more

Exorbitant prices/Bizzare additional fee. Definately don't feel my animal got nearly the treatment we paid for. Will never board with this clinic ever again. more

I've Been coming to this clinic for along time now, going on 7 years, with multi-pets. And the standard of care has always been excelent and the staff have always been very friendly. Would reccomend to anyone looking for the best animal care.? more

Excelent Vet! Very caring and helpful. Charming little clinic off Burke Station Rd. Excelent recptionists, took the time to make sure I understood how to give all the medications. Didnt just hand me some pills and push me out the door like my last vet. more

I love my dog and I want the best for him. I read some reviews here and there about this place and I said I would try it. They have friendly staffs for sure and good doctors. The thing that makes me put this bad review is that just like the other review mentioned, they are bunch of money huggers. I have yet to see a vet to push you to get your dog vaccinated and give you a lot of misleading information to get you to give your pet the shot. I just moved to VA and am not familiar with these shots that they offer. First they told us that it?s best of to get the shot and made you believe that my dog would need the influenza shot. We told the vet our dog showed signs of allergic reaction to the rabies shot even after that she said for the booster shot any tech in the office can give the booster shot. Once we went to get the booster shot, the vet never mentioned that there is an extra charge. Then they told us the tech cannot give the shot because he has allergy to ?shots? and on top more

I have been taking my pets to Little River for a number of years and although they are nice enough to me and the pets, the over riding emphasis of their pet care is to add on more procedures in order to pad their billing. The most recent incident involved mandatory canine influenza vaccines. The Center for Disease control says "The number of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small." The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says, "In veterinary, boarding and shelter facilities, the canine influenza virus appears to be easily killed by disinfectants commonly used in these facilities," Furthermore the AVMA is not announcing an epidimic anywhere or even list Virginia as a state where there has been a recorded outbreak of Canine influenza. Nevertheless LRV "requires" the vaccination. One can only assume that LRV is padding its bills by requiring the vaccine. more

If you value your pet's health take him/her somewhere else. All they are in for is the $$$$\r \r I took my 7 year old dog with intestinal problems to this Vet. They ran a battery of tests totalling $1,000 telling me they could not find anything, yet he had diarrea and was lethargic. I took him back two days later still the same issue, I asked "can your facility help with this or should I take him to another vet?" I was reasured by Dr. Downs the owner that they had the expertice. I was called the next day by a young Dr, and was told my dog was ready to go home and that he was fine. \r \r Picked up my dog and he died in my arms 1/2 hour later in front of my kids. I went back to the vet and Dr. Downs had the nerve to ask me to pay more money for disposal of the dead animal. more

My parents take our pets here when I'm away at school. The veterinarians are amazing and I have full confidence in their skills and the medicine they practice. The office is cute, clean, and in a great location. My only complaint comes about their management staff- we had our cat euthanized their and they lost her remains. We were barely offered any consolation and it was difficult to reach any of them to solve the problem. I was very disappointed that our loss was not treated with more respect, and our cat was never found. more

We took our cat to the Little River Veterinary Clinic and we were really impressed. The nurses were very kind, patient and answered all of our questions without rushing us. Even though we hadn't become an actual patient yet, the nurses still spent time with us on the phone making sure all of our questions were answered. All pet care is expensive, so while they are expensive, they are certainly reasonable compared to other similar places. I highly recommend them. more

Over the years, our family has taken many of our pets to Little River Veterninary clinic. All our experineces have been positive. They are caring and loving to all pets in their care. I highly recommend them. PROS: very caring and compasionate CONS: none more

When I'm back home in northern virginia, this is where I bring my pet. The head doctor Dr. Downs is very caring to all the patients. Boarding the patient of just a check up is not too expensive. Dr. Downs genuinely cares about all her pet patients and that's why I would strongly recommend her. PROS: Very caring employees and veterinarin CONS: none more