WRITTEN BY: Anna Holton-Dean | PHOTOS BY: Cindy Alvarez
River Trail Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge was designed with fun in mind. That’s why the pet lodge experience is as much a passion for the River Trail team as the hospital side.
“The pets’ perception is what’s important to us,” says Ron Hooley, DVM and cofounder of River Trail Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge. “Pets can’t see the medical equipment or our credentials; they just know their experience. It makes it easier for all of us if we have a pet who is happy when it comes in for a checkup or not feeling well.”
Having the fun, comfortable environment of the pet lodge connected to the hospital was a vital component of River Trail’s vision.
“We wanted to have all the services in one—a place where dogs could come to have fun, not just for medical needs, but a place they could play and stay, where it’s a vacation for the pet too.”
The facilities were designed for constant interaction between pets and people. Dog runs are made of glass instead of bars so there are no visual barriers. Pets never feel isolated from human contact, which is an important aspect for the River Trail team.
“People take their pets to the vet, and many dogs don’t want to go in the door,” Hooley says. “We want to focus on the pet’s experience, not only the human, but we want the pet to have a good, fun time.”
Judging by the positive reaction of many returning customers, River Trail staff is continually accomplishing its goal. “It’s common for dogs to love coming to River Trail,” Hooley says. “The dog gets all excited when they pull up. Some of that is due to the wonderful staff, but it’s also that they’ve been to the pet lodge and made friends with other dogs. They had a good experience, so they are anxious to come back. Without the pet lodge connected to the hospital, we wouldn’t have that exact dynamic.”
With a focus on play, River Trail features large play yards where pets can interact with attendants or other pets. All dogs have at least two play times a day at no extra cost.
“I’ve been to places as a vet where sometimes they offer play time or bedding as an extra cost,” Hooley says. “None of those are an extra cost option because we feel like it’s a necessity. … It’s critical that they all exercise. Every owner has the option for their pet to play with other pets in a play group. It’s a very positive experience for the pets to get their heart rate up and have some excitement and fun. Of course, for dogs who don’t want to interact, we don’t make them.”
Ultimately, it all goes back to the individual pet’s experience and ensuring positivity.
“We like to see dogs wagging their tails when they come in and also happy to see their
owners when they go out. That’s how they tell us we provided them with a good experience,” Hooley says.
River Trail hasn’t forgotten about their feline friends. Cats have their own special play area located in the front of the hospital, and all pets are allowed to bring their own food and a toy or two to make them feel more at home. River Trail is happy to offer their guests Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and comfortable bedding.
While an enjoyable pet experience is the priority, Hooley says working with pets every day is an amazing experience for the veterinarians and staff as well.
“We’ve got the best job in the world,” Hooley says. “A lot of places you have pets come in to be therapy, and we’ve got it even better. We get to come and see these happy little faces
every day. I love my job. I’ve been a vet for 30 years and don’t plan on stopping. I would miss the pets and the owners too. It’s fun to see the relationship between the owner and the pet.
“We approach the medical side of things, and the owner is the voice for the pet. We have to listen together to decide what is best for that pet. The vet and owner are a team. We want a happy pet, a happy owner and a good experience for all of us. That results in a great experience for the vet too.”
Pet owners are welcome to stop in and tour River Trail’s two locations at any time, no appointment necessary. With three full-time groomers on staff, grooming appointments can also be scheduled during your pet’s stay.
