Preventive Care for Pets You Love - Because They Deserve a Lifetime of Health
PROGRESSIVE VETERINARY CARE, LONGER VISITS, AND LOCAL ADVANCED SERVICES IN SOUTHPORT, NC
Proactive Veterinary Medicine | Specialized Vet Services in Southport | Personal Attention
Do you feel like your vet visits are rushed, reactive, or stressful?
LOW STRESS VETERINARY CARE IN SOUTHPORT
At River Road Animal Hospital, we believe every pet deserves a low-stress, positive experience. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life – but without regular preventive care and early detection, small issues can turn into emergencies. That’s why we focus on longer appointments and proactive wellness plans that keep your pet healthier for years to come.
When your pet needs advanced care, you don’t have to drive to Raleigh, Charleston, or Charlotte – advanced services like veterinary oncology, cardiology, and dermatology are available right here in Southport.
Advanced veterinary medicine. Without the travel.
Low-Stress Veterinary Care For Every Pet
Your pet’s comfort matters just as much as their health.
That’s why we:
- Use gentle, low-stress handling and calming techniques
- Offer a cat-only intake system so feline patients avoid a lobby full of dogs
- Provide pre-visit phone calls for cat owners so they know what to expect
- Supply calming aids when needed to keep pets comfortable
- Take time to introduce new pets to their doctor in a calm, thoughtful way – and if it doesn’t go smoothly, we revisit the process until it does
Pets like it here – because we’ve designed our care around reducing stress at every step.
Our Veterinary Services: Preventive and Advanced, Care in One Place
Every pet deserves care that prevents problems, eases pain, and supports a long, healthy life. Beyond our proactive, wellness-focused care, here are the extra ways we help your pet feel better, stay healthier, and thrive.
On-Site Veterinary Diagnostic Services
- Digital X-rays – Fast, detailed imaging that provides answers quickly so your pet can get the right treatment without delay.
- Ultrasound – Essential imaging that helps detect and diagnose your pet’s health issues with accuracy and precision.
- Advanced in-house laboratory – We don’t have to wait 24 – 48 hours to start your treatment.
Comfort & Healing Therapies For Your Pet
- Veterinary Acupuncture – Gentle treatment to relieve pain and discomfort, helping your pet move with ease and feel better.
- Therapeutic Laser – A pain-free, non-invasive option for your pet to reduce inflammation, treat skin conditions, and speed recovery.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – Uses your pet’s own healing cells to reduce pain, speed recovery, and restore mobility.
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapy – Advanced, non-surgical options that help repair joints and tissues so your pet can stay active and comfortable.
Veterinary Preventive & Corrective Care
- Dentistry for Pets – Comprehensive dental cleanings and procedures that protect your pet’s comfort and overall health.
- Penn Hip – Brunswick County’s only Penn Hip provider, helping detect hip dysplasia early so your dog can stay active and avoid long-term pain.
Veterinary Surgical Care
- Surgery – In-house veterinary surgical procedures performed with strict safety standards to keep your pet safe and cared for.
- Specialty Veterinary Procedures – When needed, we bring in a board-certified surgeon to perform complex procedures right here in our hospital.
Advanced Veterinary Services
River Road Animal Hospital fills the gap in specialty veterinary care between Raleigh, Charleston, and Charlotte – so your pet can get advanced treatment close to home from the doctors you already know and trust.
- Cancer Care for Pets (Veterinary Oncology) – Early cancer detection and personalized treatment that give your pet the best chance for more comfortable, healthy years.
- Heart Care for Pets (Veterinary Cardiology) – Advanced screenings and treatments that protect your pet’s heart and help them live a longer, more active life.
- Skin & Allergy Care for Pets (Veterinary Dermatology) – Diagnosis and care for skin conditions that restore your pet’s comfort and improve their quality of life.
Community & Wildlife Support
- Wildlife Medicine – Offered in partnership with licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialists to provide care for injured or ill wildlife in our region.
How River Road Animal Hospital is Different
|
|
River Road Veterinary Experience |
Typical Veterinary Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Care | Longer appointments with thorough, unrushed care. | Short appointment times, minimal discussion. |
| Your Pet’s Experience | Low-stress handling, calming aids, cat-only entry options, and a thoughtful new-pet introduction system. | Pets are often stressed in crowded lobbies or rushed through exams. |
| Early Detection | Preventive screenings and early detection protocols. | Issues are often caught late during emergency visits. |
| Clinic Atmosphere | Warm, eclectic team with a welcoming and personal feel. | Standardized, corporate environment with little personalization. |
| Doctor Consistency | Consistent, personalized care from the same three trusted doctors who know your pet. | Care is often split between many doctors, inconsistent communication. |
| Access to Advanced Care | Advanced-level services available locally in Southport from the same doctors you know and trust. | Advanced care requires travel to larger cities. |
How to Get Started
1. Schedule a Wellness Exam – We’ll get to know your pet’s health history and current needs.
2. Get a Customized Preventive Care Plan – Tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle.
3. Enjoy More Healthy Years Together – Proactive care means fewer emergencies and more happy memories.
What Our Patients are Saying
"We used to drive hours for specialty care. Now we have it right here."
"The team takes the time to explain every step – and my pet loves coming here."
Don’t Wait for a Crisis – Give Your Pet the Gift of More Healthy Years
Every pet deserves care that prevents problems, eases pain, and supports a long, healthy life. Beyond our proactive, wellness-focused care, here are the extra ways we help your pet feel better, stay healthier, and thrive.
Wondering if You Are a Good Fit for River Road Animal Hospital?
Take this short quiz to see if our preventive, specialty-level care is right for you and your pet.
#1. Do you want your veterinarian to spend more than 10 minutes with your pet during a visit?
#2. How important is early detection and prevention to you?
#3. Would you prefer to get specialty care like oncology, cardiology, and dermatology locally instead of driving to another city?
#4. How do you feel about wellness plans that reduce the risk of emergency visits? (These plans may cost more upfront, but can save you money – and stress – in the long run)
#5. Is a warm, personal clinic environment with consistent doctors important to you?
Results
Mostly “Yes” answers
You’re a perfect fit for River Road Animal Hospital! Our preventive approach, local specialty care, and personal attention will keep your pet healthier for longer.
Mostly “No” answers
You may prefer a standard veterinary clinic, but if you ever want a more personalized, preventive approach, we’ll be here for you.