Julia Goodman DVM in Mecosta County

Back story we adopted out pup on 6/23/20. He is a German Short Hair/Boarder Collie mix. We do not have human children, so he his consider to be our kid. Therefore we take his health very serious.We moved to Montcalm County, and decided to take him to Riversbend. His first visit I was taken back to an exam room, then my pup was taken to the back. I had never been to a Vet where the Veterinarian does not do the exam in the room. I did not feel comfortable but I thought if they did a good job it would be ok. That same appointment a vet tech recommended I put him on anxiety medication because he was nervous to get his nails trimmed.8/9/2022 I was home with my pup, when he had a seizure. This terrified me, he has never had one nor have any of my previous dogs. So I loaded him up in the truck and rushed to the vet. On my way I tried calling numerous times, with no answer. Finally someone answered and said, "could you please hold." I said no and proceeded to tell them what was going on. Their response, "well I guess if you are on your way you can bring him in."I arrived and spoke to client service representative, Jennifer Kailing. Jennifer was rude from the beginning and tells me they do not have an appointment until 2, it was 1215 at this time. I wasnt happy but I understood. Jennifer proceeded to say, "I could go run errands" during my wait time. Yes, I am going to go to Meijer, leave my pup in the car, just after he had a seizure, not to mention it was 85 degrees out. Again, I was concerned for my pup and asked if he could have gotten into something that caused the seizure. Jennifer responded with, "I DONT KNOW, COULD HE HAVE GOTTEN INTO SOMETHING?" Clearly that statement alone made me extremely upset. I may have asked the question wrong but for her to be completely dismissive and incredibly rude, when you could clearly tell I was upset, just shocked me. I said I wanted the appointment and we went out to my truck and sat in the air until 155.We walked back in and Jennifer says, "I will get you checked in." Well pet after pet is taken back to exam rooms. 245 we are still waiting and finally Jennifer comes over and says, "Im sorry something happened with the computer and I did not see you were still sitting here". Finally it is our turn, they weigh my pup, he was 58 pounds. (this will be important later)My pup sees Dr. Joseph Scott, never had him before. And again my pup is taken to the back to have an exam completed. Dr comes in talks about my pup and said his blood work came back normal and he is healthy. In my 2 hour and 45 minute wait I was able to do some research. Dr says it appeared my pup had epilepsy because of his breed. One seizure and he determines epilepsy. I asked if it could have been an outside factor, such as a strong smell. Dr says it could but "dont jump to conclusions." I thought to myself, isnt that what he is doing? I check out and they took 60 dollars off my 260.00 dollar bill and a free nail trim voucher, "because I waited so long". I would have preferred kind and courtesy service.Moving forward my pup had his yearly visit scheduled for 8/23. I did not want to keep this appointment, as I had already found a new Vet. But that appointment was not until 9/8/22, so I wanted to get his heart worm medication. I called Riversbend and asked them to get the heart worm medication ready and a family member would be picking it up. I get home the medication is for up to 50 pounds, my pup is 58 pounds.8/26/22 I go to Riversbend to get the correct medication. They refuse to give it to me because their records indicate he is 45 pounds. I was told I must go by their scale and if I want different medication I would have to bring him in. So my visit on 8/9/22 not only did I have to wait 2 hours & 45 minutes, get treated with pure disrespect, they also can not chart my dogs weight appropriately.I never write reviews and I know this is long winded but I am truly disappointed in the professionalism at Riversbend. If you chose to go to this Vet Office, I truly hope your experiences are better than mine.

So amazing! Staff was knowledgeable and kind! Highly recommended

This vet is very respectful and friendly, my mother called to ask if they had any experience with parrots and it turns out they have one vet that works with parrots. I plan to take my cockatoo Moxxie in for a checkup, I know theyll take good care of Moxxie.

Best animal hospital I’ve ever been in. Staff very friendly and welcoming. Very quick and efficient. Had our pet feeling better and back to us same day.

I am so thankful for you guys! My CaliKing Snake was eggbound, this was the only vet short of Grand Rapids that would even look at her. They were friendly, economic, quick, and efficient!

In the 13 years taking our schnauzer to Riversbend, we have always felt we received the best care. The staff were always so nice, especially Dr. Scott who was very knowledgeable about the breed and always gave us breed-specific care and advice. After moving downstate and trying other vets, we came back to Riversbend, where our dog was diagnosed with several chronic issues that other vets couldn’t identify. When it was time to put our dog to rest, Dr. Scott and Riversbend was the only vet I trusted to provide personal and compassionate care.

Greedy company that does not care about the health of your dog, only getting clients in who they can take money from. We needed specific food, only available from the vets, and they refused to give it to us unless we see them “every year.” On a holiday weekend with no other options. They would not accept records from another vet, we had to be giving them money as patients. EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE GIVEN THE FOOD TO US BEFORE! So their reasoning of “not having a proper license” is inaccurate or they wouldn’t have legally been able to give it to us previously. Our reliable, usual vet, told us we could pick up food from other veterinarian facilities if we ever needed to and for years we have never had a problem until I encounter this vet. Heaven forbid there’s a shipping issue and my dogs food is delayed. DONT RELY ON THIS COMPANY FOR HELP! They won’t care unless you’re giving them money already. :)…and let’s be serious. It’s DOG FOOD not controlled narcotics.

I lost my bird Cricket recently.. I brought his body to Riversbend to be cremated (it happens in GR, but Riversbend does handle stuff outside the actual cremation). The staff at Riversbend were wonderful with how they handled things. They were so polite, and they offered to give me a minute to say last goodbyes before his body would be taken. They showed me a lot of kindness on a devastating day. I will be going to them for any pet care needs I have for my dog Kallie in the future.

Thanks for scheduling an appt. for my little girl Gracie immediately. I searched high and low for a hospital like yours. I cant express how much I appreciate your wonderful service and reasonable rates. My love goes out to all the workers at Riversbend.

They provided professional and quality care to my cat princess! They were very affordable as well. Thinking about switching this to our regular vet.

Woke up and my dog was having real serious trouble breathing. Looked at thier reviews and called. I was told no openings for 2 weeks. Might as well gave my dog a death sentence. Just how good can the docs be if they cant take emergency calls? Never call this place for emergencys, their about booking for your money not emergency care for your pet ! Worthless!

We were referred to riverside by our vet for some imaging diagnostics to get to the bottom of why our dog wasn’t feeling good. It was a tough day as our dog had progressed cancer and we had to make the decision to end his suffering. Your office was so gracious with us giving us time to say our goodbyes and letting us ask questions. We didn’t feel pushed to make a decision so your office could move on with the day. Thanks.

Everyone in this office was nothing short of amazing. We brought our puppy there for a second opinion after getting no results from the quack of a vet at pleasant view and dr Scott did everything that could be done to save our baby but by the time we got him there too much damage had been done and they cldnt save him. But the kindness and support we received from the start was great. Thank you so much to everyone in this office for the caring and support you showed us. You truly have a great team.

Ever since this office moved to Big Rapids the customer service has gone downhill. I tried to order more heartworm pills for my dog on the online store and was denied. So I figured she was due for a test and called to schedule an appointment. They werent able to get her in for a month and so I asked for one heartworm med to get her through 2 weeks she would be over due for the med. The person on the phone told me that she would be fine going over the two months and that if I were to give the med and she did have heartworms she could die. I told her shes been on the med all winter so she wouldnt have them and then she asked where I got the meds (from your office!I asked that my dogs records be transferred to a different vet clinic. Now today, were at the new clinic and this vet office said shes not due for a heartworm test for two more months!! What is going on Riversbend?

Sweet staff that are very helpful and informative. Switched to this vet recently because they have fair pricing and are great. I’m glad I made the switch! I definitely recommend them.

Thanks you guys not have an emergency vet my dog passed away I will leave a very nasty review This is something that should be standard practice you all should be ashamed of yourselfI wont be leaving my dogs life in your hands .Im adding this here based on all the other reviews Im sorry that you all lost loved ones because of this

Extremely disappointed in emergency service. My Husky has a seizure, 1st one ever and 1st time weve ever seen a dog have one. I managed to call the office number in my phone while it was happening. I got put on hold TWICE. A lot of condescending "yeah 1st seizures can be scary" like its normal and Im overreacting. Also told me they recommend he be seen after a seizure like that wasnt exactly why I was calling. Then told no one available in Big Rapids, clean him up and drive him to a place weve never been to in Grand Rapids. An hr drive not knowing if it will happen again. Did not take him, slept with him on the couch and called again when they were open. No appts available, call if it happens again. More concerned with making sure I know there will be an emergency fee if I do have to call. No information on what it could have been from, no what to watch for, no lets see when we can fit him in specifically to address the seizure. But they could schedule his yearly check up in a month. Not concerned at all and no explanation for why not.

I just moved to Big Rapids and having a good vet is extremely important to me as I do rescue and have many pets. This one was highly rated, so I scheduled an initial appointment in hopes of having a cat neutered. I took my cat in to see all staff and most pet owners not wearing any masks at all. What in the world, this is supposed to be a medical establishment! I was very uncomfortable and left. Very disappointed, but will look for a more professional vet for my furry family members.

I love how this place makes you feel comfortable when bringing a pet in! They explain in detail on what they are doing and the staff is very friendly! I highly recommend this place

Best veterinarian in the area. Very professional! Kitties love the doctors, who have an obvious passion for taking good care of my furry friends. Now if only someone could tell me why they chase their tails and randomly meow at dark, empty corners? :D

Last month when I took my cat in for a check-up, I noticed that none of the employees (I could see at least 5 from the lobbywere wearing masks. When I asked about it, the receptionist told me "its personal choice". As a nurse with more than 20 years of experience reviewing medical research and determining best practice policies for patient care, I was shocked. Face coverings and social distancing are simple recommendations to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. I dont believe that a medical facility that refuses to follow expert recommendations to protect their employees and clients can be trusted to make the best decisions in the care of my pets. I have been a client of Riversbend for 9 years with 4 pets but I cancelled my appointment and I will not return. I would not recommend this facility.

We have been using Riversbend since Dr Scott was in the old building and always thought we were in a good place .Our dog was attacked by another dog in our yard and had to be looked at and a have couple wounds cleaned ,this was during normal hours .We were put on hold during this very stressful time and then referred to a clinic 50 miles away .I have been told businesses have no loyalty to their customers these days ,I didnt believe it until today .Needless to say we now know how important our pet and our business is to the new age Riversbend .Wish Dr Scott was still working because whoever took over is in it just for the money ,you will get none of our in the future .Thank you Dr Gilbert for taking care of our emergency ,our dog is sore but looks like he will recover no thanks to Riversbend .

I will always take my animals to Riversbend. We had to put my dog down due to cancer and I could not have asked for a more loving, compassionate, and patient staff. Ive since taken all my pets there and will never go anywhere else - the doctors there are THAT good. Truly a one-of-a-kind premier animal hospital. Thank you, Riversbend team!

Staff refuses to wear masks and obviously dont care about the well being of their customers during a pandemic so how can they be trusted to care for our animals? They claim the owners of Riversbend have made it optional to wear masks, so no one does. When nurses were asked why no precautions were being put in place (6 foot distance, keeping owners in their cars while they take the pets in, etc.), they got bratty with my grandfather. Never taking my pets there again.

Staff is friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We followed Dr B to this practice because he is the best around. The prices are very reasonable as well. Time management of appointment times may need improvement, however, I appreciate that we are given adequate time to get our questions answered, therefore, I can overlook this.

We started going here because dr. James Scott was outstanding with both us and our animals. Since he stopped seeing patients here we havent been as happy. Lots of miscommunication between the support staff. The new doctors seem a little rushed and it takes longer to get an appointment. Weve switched vets recently.

By far the best Veterinary office around. They are very considerate of not only my animals but me as well. Our lab had a no so good experience in the past with a previous vet and the Vets at Stone Hill are so calm and patient with him. Hes getting older and our pup she just loves everyone so its nice to be able to take them somewhere where I dont have to be nervous about taking them.

Clean and modern, separate waiting rooms for dogs and cats, tidy exam rooms, seating is generous, so your fur buddy can sit with you. Friendly staff, willing to spend the extra few minutes on questions or comments. Lots of information on pet services, classes, prevention and products. Lastly, reasonable prices.

Just moved out here and I was worried about finding a new vet for my dog and my new puppy. However the staff was so friendly and the vet listened to all my concerns and answered all my questions. Best veterinarian I have ever been too!

This place was great until they denied my fiance our cats prescription to chewy. We moved over an hour away, and the lady my fiance talked to was rude and her attitude sucked.

Great staff, very professional and quality care.

Staff is very friendly and helpful. Vets are caring and compassionate. Very pleasant environment.

All my animals go there. The staff are real friendly and caring. They treat you like a member of the family and it shows.

Awesome staff, took care of our injured Lab while we were visiting and at 430 on a Thursday afternoon . Thank You!

Have been going here for 11 years. Im sure there are cheaper vets but my dogs deserve the best care and thats what they get here. They were extremely compassionate when we had to put one of our dogs down a few years ago. The staff is so nice, kind and caring.

We had a couple stray dogs come in to our house. They helped us by scanning and taking info. Really wonderful office staffPs the dogs did get home

Absolutely wonderful veterinary clinic. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and always puts your pets needs first. They provide excellent care and always keep you in the loop as to whats going on with your pet. They will even show you x-rays and other findings so you can visually see whats actually going on. Couldnt be more satisfied with how they run their business. I would 100% recommend taking your animals here!

Ive taken my dachshund to them twice. They have been above and beyond my expections. I have nothing but praise for the doctors and staff!!!

When 19 Mile Vet Service closed and referred clients to Riversbend, I was disappointed as I loved 19 Mile. However, Riversbend has proven to also be great. Extremely friendly and my dogs love going there. Dogs know...

I took my puppy to an Obedience Training Class at Riversbend, and it was great. Hes quite timid, but Debbie and Glenda were very patient and compassionate with both my puppy and me. I recommend Riversbend highly!

We cant say enough thanks & appreciation for seeing our dog on such short notice, giving her great care & reassurance to us.

Taking my puppy there to see my vet who moved her practice there. The staff are friendly and attentive. We have our puppy enrolled in training now. Well see how it goes.

Love Riversbend Animal Hospital in Big Rapids! My male Boston Terrier, Wrigley, was born with a couple birth defects and Dr Scott has been awesome! He especially loves ALL the women here too! ❤️🐾🐾❤️

This place is very clean and tidy looking. There are separate waiting areas for cats and dogs which is a very good thing.Very knowledgeable, helpful, nice, friendly staff too. My pets were anxious but the doctor really helped relieved some if the anxiety.Pricing for treatments are typical in my opinion.I live two blocks from a different vet but this is where I go even though its across town. I trust them with my pets plain and simple.

Love them!! Always so good to my fur babies. Coco is there often and she is always treated very well. They always work with my crazy work schedule too! You guys are the best 😊

They are the only ones I will take my animals to. Dr Scott is very good with our babies. And the staff are very caring.Thanks all of you

My husband and I are new to the area and our dogs being city dogs have had some rough patches in the last few weeks. First our male tried to introduce himself to our local porcupine. The Dr and staff were so kind and helpful. They treated him quickly and explained everything to us as they went. A learning experience for all of us. Our female was involved in a horrible accident yesterday. We rushed her into their office and they dropped everything to rush to her aid. The Dr explained everything and was very compassionate. In a time of crisis it is reassuring to have such a professional and caring group of people ready to help.

My ferret is dead because of them. This vet office is horrible. They would not have the vet come in to look at our ferret who was incredibly ill and is now passed away because they would not see him. Ferrets health goes down hill incredibly fast and now hes gone. The vet said raw food is bad for ferrets but theyre obligated carnivores and need meat.

Great place to take your pets. Very compassionate about what you & your pet needs are. Staff is wonderful & always there to help you. They really care about their patients.

We love Riversbend Animal Hospital. We have had our kitty for two years and love bringing her to Riversbend. Staff is wonderful and nice! We had a sick kitten about a year and a half ago, who ended up passing. Riversbend was great through the whole process. If you are in the area and need a vet, Riversbend is where you should go.