Dr. Dennis Riordan

For generations of pet owners in the Des Moines, Iowa, area, the name Riordan has been synonymous with high-quality, compassionate veterinary care. **Dr. Dennis Riordan DVM** continues this remarkable legacy, dedicating his practice to the health and well-being of dogs and cats across Central Iowa. Dr. Riordan is a highly experienced veterinarian who earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1981, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Robert Riordan, who established the original Riordan Pet Hospital in 1951. While the practice has recently transitioned to the name Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic to better reflect its neighborhood, the commitment to treating pets like members of the family remains the same.

Dr. Riordan’s professional interests are broad, encompassing **small animal medicine and surgery**, along with an enduring involvement in **zoo and wildlife medicine** and conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of osprey and peregrine falcons in Iowa. This comprehensive background ensures a well-rounded and deeply knowledgeable approach to every aspect of pet health. The clinic operates on a core mission of providing the highest quality animal care, with a special emphasis on preventative medicine and fostering a long-lasting, trust-based relationship with clients and their pets.

The practice is renowned for its exceptional bedside manner, especially during the most emotional times. As countless reviews attest, Dr. Riordan is described as "THE BEST" – "gentle, kind, and so understanding." When a family has to say goodbye to a beloved pet, the level of empathy provided makes the difficult moment feel personal and respectful, ensuring owners "feel like our dog was the only one that mattered EVER." This profound compassion is a major distinguishing factor that sets the clinic apart in the Des Moines veterinary landscape.

The veterinary services offered are thorough and focused on maintaining lifelong health for companion animals. From routine immunizations to complex surgical needs, the practice utilizes modern techniques and products, including a commitment to preventative care through comprehensive dental procedures and parasite control. For Iowa pet owners seeking a professional yet deeply caring veterinarian, Dr. Dennis Riordan DVM offers a reliable and trusted resource in the heart of Des Moines.

Location and Accessibility:

The practice associated with Dr. Dennis Riordan DVM is conveniently located in the Beaverdale area of Des Moines, Iowa, a central location making it easily accessible for clients throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.

The clinic’s address is:

4418 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA.

The facility is designed with client convenience in mind, particularly regarding accessibility for all pet owners. The amenities include:

• **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:** Ensuring smooth entry and exit for all visitors.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** Designated parking for easy access to the clinic doors.
• **Restroom:** Available for client use within the premises.

To ensure every pet receives the focused attention they deserve, appointments are recommended. This allows the team to manage their schedule effectively and minimize waiting times for pet owners coming from different parts of the Des Moines metro area.

Services Offered:

Dr. Riordan and the associated clinic provide a full range of small animal veterinary services, focusing on preventative care, diagnostics, and high-quality medical and surgical treatments for dogs and cats.

• **Small Animal Medicine and Surgery:** Expert treatment covering a broad spectrum of medical issues and surgical needs for dogs and cats.
• **Comprehensive Dental Care:** Specialized veterinary dental care is a major focus, including regular dental cleaning, full dental procedures, and necessary tooth extractions to support overall pet health.
• **Preventative Health:** Key preventative services such as immunizations and up-to-date vaccination schedules, essential for protecting pets from common diseases.
• **Parasite Control:** Thorough parasite control and treatment programs, including heartworm testing and the dispensing of heartworm preventatives.
• **Diagnostics and Laboratory:** Utilizing on-site laboratory testing for quick and accurate medical care diagnoses.
• **Spaying and Neutering:** Routine spaying and neutering procedures, encouraging responsible pet ownership and providing long-term health benefits for the animals.
• **Identification and Safety:** Offering Homeagain Microchip installation as a permanent identification method to increase the chances of a lost pet returning home safely.
• **Nutritional Support:** Providing access to specialized veterinary diets and prescription pet food, along with advice on proper pet nutrition.

Features and Highlights:

The practice is distinguished by its deep roots in the community, the exceptional empathy of Dr. Riordan, and a professional commitment that extends beyond the clinic walls.

• **Legacy of Care:** The practice originated as Riordan Pet Hospital in 1951, representing over seven decades of continuous, family-driven veterinary care in the Des Moines community. This long-standing presence signals profound trust and reliability among local residents.
• **Exceptional Compassion at End-of-Life:** The most profound highlight is Dr. Riordan’s reputation for being extraordinarily gentle, kind, and understanding, especially when clients face the difficult decision of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. This is the cornerstone of his reputation in the community.
• **Specialist in Comprehensive Dental:** The strong focus on comprehensive dental care—including cleanings, procedures, and extractions—highlights a commitment to a critical aspect of pet health often overlooked by general practitioners.
• **Wildlife Conservation Involvement:** Dr. Riordan’s personal interests in wildlife photography and conservation, including active involvement with the reintroduction of native Iowa species like the osprey and peregrine falcon, underscore a lifelong dedication to animal welfare that extends beyond domestic pets.
• **Full-Service Preventative Approach:** The provision of all key preventative services—from microchipping to heartworm testing and prescription food—ensures owners can maintain their dog's and cat's health under one reliable roof.

Contact Information:

To book a consultation or for more information regarding the comprehensive small animal care services offered in Des Moines, please use the contact details below.

• **Address:** 4418 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
• **Phone:** (515) 276-3602

What is Worth Choosing:

Choosing Dr. Dennis Riordan DVM for your pet's healthcare is choosing a blend of deep-rooted experience and unparalleled human-animal empathy. For Des Moines residents, the multi-generational trust built since 1951 speaks volumes about the consistency and quality of care. What truly makes this practice exceptional is the personal touch, particularly the compassionate approach to end-of-life care, where Dr. Riordan ensures a gentle, respectful final farewell, making families feel singularly supported during their grief. Beyond the empathy, pet owners benefit from expert **small animal medicine and surgery**, with a distinct focus on **comprehensive veterinary dental care**—a necessity for long-term health. The clinic provides a complete, trustworthy foundation for your dog's or cat's health, offering everything from immunizations and parasite control to specialized diagnostics, all delivered by a veterinarian whose dedication to animal life extends from your family pet to Iowa’s native wildlife.

Dr. Dennis Riordan

4418 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA