River Road Animal Clinic Introduce
For decades, pets have been cherished members of families across Georgia, and nowhere is quality, compassionate care more important than at your local veterinary clinic. **River Road Animal Clinic** in Columbus, GA, has established itself as a deeply rooted animal hospital, serving the Tri-City area, including Fort Benning and Phenix City, AL, since the 1960s. Their mission has consistently been centered on providing **comprehensive, high-quality veterinary care** with an emphasis on exceptional client service, treating every pet as part of their family.
The clinic offers a full spectrum of services designed to keep dogs and cats healthy throughout every stage of their lives, from routine annual checkups and core vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgery, and therapeutic treatments like laser therapy. Led by local veterinarian Dr. Carol Carpenter Houston, a Columbus native who purchased the clinic in 2009, the practice places a strong focus on **client education**. Dr. Houston believes that by helping pet owners better understand their animal's health needs, they can work together to ensure long, happy, and healthy lives for their companions.
In addition to medical care, River Road Animal Clinic provides convenient and reliable **Cat and Dog Boarding services**. Their temperature-controlled facility offers spacious indoor and outdoor runs for dogs and separate, comfortable spaces for cats, giving pet owners in Georgia peace of mind when they need to travel. This blend of medical expertise and hospitality makes River Road Animal Clinic a vital and trusted resource in the local community.
The River Road Animal Clinic is conveniently situated in Columbus, making it easily accessible for local residents and pet owners traveling from surrounding communities.
- **Physical Address:** 4242 River Rd, Columbus, GA 31904, USA
- **Nearby Landmark:** The clinic is located near Columbus Technical College.
- **Hours of Operation:** The general office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM. (Note: The clinic is closed during the lunch hour and on major holidays.)
- **Planning Your Visit:** Appointments are recommended to ensure your pet receives timely and dedicated attention, though the clinic has been known to welcome work-ins and walk-ins depending on their daily schedule.
The facility is dedicated to accessibility for all clients, featuring important accommodations:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**
- **Wheelchair accessible restroom**
- **General Restroom facilities**
River Road Animal Clinic provides a broad range of veterinary care for cats and dogs, focusing on preventative medicine, advanced diagnostics, and surgical intervention when necessary.
**Wellness and Preventative Care:**
- **Cat and Dog Vaccinations** (including Core Vaccines)
- **Wellness Exams for Pets** and Comprehensive Exams
- **Animal Prevention** and Parasite Control (e.g., Heartworm Disease, Parasite Preventives, Fecal Exams)
- **Senior Pets** specialized care
**Advanced Diagnostics:**
- **In-House Laboratory** and **Veterinary Lab Testing** (Blood Work, Blood Testing, Routine Lab)
- **Diagnostic Imaging** (Digital X-Rays, Pet X)
- **Advanced Diagnostics** and **Pet Ultrasound**
- **Blood Pressure Monitoring**
**Surgery and Dentistry:**
- **Anesthesia And Surgery** (including Cat and Dog Surgery and Routine Procedure)
- **Spay And Neuter Surgery** (Cat and Dog Neuter and Spay)
- **Soft Tissue Procedures** (e.g., Mass Removal, Wound Repair)
- **Pet Dental Services** (Cat And Dog Teeth Cleaning, Dental Health, Gum Disease)
**Therapy and Other Services:**
- **Cat and Dog Laser Therapy**
- **Emergency Vet** services
- **Medication and Pet Food** provision
- **Pet Boarding Service** (Cat and Dog Boarding, Kennel, Other pet boarding) in a temperature-controlled environment with Indoor/ Outdoor Runs.
The enduring legacy and personal approach of River Road Animal Clinic offer several reasons why local Georgia pet owners choose them for their animals' healthcare needs:
- **Local, Experienced Leadership:** The clinic is led by **Dr. Carol Carpenter Houston**, a Columbus native who is deeply invested in the local community and is passionate about client education. Her long-standing connection to the area provides a personal touch to the care provided.
- **Comprehensive In-House Capabilities:** The presence of an **In-House Laboratory** and **Digital X-Rays/Ultrasound** allows the veterinary team to quickly and accurately diagnose issues, minimizing the waiting time and stress often associated with sending tests to external labs.
- **Integrated Pet Boarding and Kennel Services:** Offering reliable and compassionate **Cat and Dog Boarding** ensures that pets can be cared for by familiar veterinary staff in a monitored, safe environment while their owners are away. The facility features **temperature-controlled boarding** and runs suitable for both dogs and cats.
- **Focus on Personalized Care:** Many clients commend the staff, including Dr. Houston, for their gentle, compassionate approach, such as getting on the floor to meet nervous pets and providing detailed explanations of treatment plans. This dedication to making pets comfortable is a consistent highlight.
- **Full-Service Offering:** The combination of preventative care, advanced medical diagnostics, surgery, dental services, and non-invasive treatments like **Cat and Dog Laser Therapy** ensures that most of your pet's healthcare needs can be met at a single, trusted location.
To connect with River Road Animal Clinic regarding an appointment, medication, or boarding reservation:
- **Address:** 4242 River Rd, Columbus, GA 31904, USA
- **Primary Phone:** (706) 327-8329
- **Mobile Phone (for convenience):** +1 706-327-8329
When selecting a veterinary care provider in the Columbus, GA area, local pet owners often prioritize a blend of expertise, convenience, and genuine compassion. River Road Animal Clinic is worth choosing for several reasons that align with these priorities. The long history of the clinic, coupled with the local roots and passion for education demonstrated by Dr. Houston, fosters a sense of trust and continuity in care. They offer a one-stop solution for maintaining your pet's health, from simple, yet vital, services like **Cat and Dog Vaccinations** and **Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning** to complex care involving **Anesthesia And Surgery** and **Advanced Diagnostics**.
Furthermore, the convenience of on-site **In-House Laboratory Testing** and the ability to combine medical check-ups with secure **Pet Boarding** simplifies the demands of pet ownership. While like any established practice, there are variations in service experience, the consistent positive feedback highlights the staff's dedication to making anxious pets feel at ease and providing personalized attention. Choosing River Road Animal Clinic is choosing a facility committed to high-quality care, client education, and being a reliable, long-term partner in the health of your beloved companion animals.
River Road Animal Clinic Services
- Kennel
- Other pet boarding
- Veterinarian
- Advanced Diagnostics
- Anesthesia And Surgery
- Animal Prevention
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Blood Testing
- Blood Work
- Boarding Agreement
- Cat And Dog Teeth Cleaning
- Cat And Dog Vaccinations
- Cat and Dog BoardingOur team offers cat and dog boarding with many different amenities and supervision so you know they are well cared for while you are out of town. Call us today to book your cat or dog's boarding stay! 
- Cat and Dog Laser TherapyCat and dog laser therapy helps pets with recovery from surgery, arthritis, and wound healing just to name a few. If cat or dog laser therapy would benefit your pet, talk to our team at River Road Animal Clinic today! 
- Cat and Dog Neuter and SpaySpaying and neutering dogs and cats provides your pet with many different behavioral and health benefits as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies. Talk with our veterinarian to determine the best time for your cat or dog’s neuter or spay procedure. 
- Cat and Dog SurgeryShould your cat or dog need surgery the team at River Road Animal Hospital puts their comfort and safety first. The following surgeries are offered at our animal hospital: spay, neuter, mass removal, cystotomy and more. 
- Cat and Dog Teeth CleaningKnowing the importance of cat and dog teeth cleaning, our vet takes a proactive approach to maintain your pet's overall health. We will work with you to determine if your pet would benefit from a cat or dog teeth cleaning. 
- Cat and Dog VaccinationsCat and dog vaccinations help to protect your pet from various diseases and viruses and are important for their health. Our veterinarian will talk with you about the different cat and dog vaccines to determine what is best for your pet based on their lifestyle. 
- Comprehensive Exam
- Core Vaccines
- Dental Health
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Laboratory Testing
- Digital X-Rays
- Dog Boarding
- Ear Infections
- Emergency Vet
- Fecal Exams
- Gum Disease
- Heartworm Disease
- In-House Laboratory
- Indoor/ Outdoor Runs
- Iv Catheter
- Lab And Diagnostic
- Lab Testing
- Mass Removal
- Parasite Control
- Parasite Preventives
- Pet Dental Services
- Pet DiagnosticsOur veterinary team uses pet diagnostics to determine what is happening inside your pet. With an in-house laboratory for testing, cat and dog x-rays and ultrasound River Road Animal Hospital is the place to take your pet. 
- Pet Food
- Pet Ultrasound
- Pet X
- Routine Lab
- Routine Procedure
- Senior Pets
- Spay And Neuter Surgery
- VeterinarianCarol Carpenter Houston, DVM, our veterinarian in Columbus, GA, is here for all your dog, cat and pocket pet's needs with compassion and high quality care. 
- Veterinary Lab
- Wellness Exams for PetsOur veterinarian and team believe in the importance of preventive vet care and wellness exams. Your pet's wellness exam looks at many different aspects of their health including lumps, bumps, weight gain or weight loss, body temperature and more! 
- Wound Repair
River Road Animal Clinic Details
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Amenities
- Restroom
- Planning
- Appointments recommended
River Road Animal Clinic Photos










River Road Animal Clinic Location
River Road Animal Clinic
4242 River Rd, Columbus, GA 31904, USA
River Road Animal Clinic Reviews
babiespricesfeelquestionsreceptionisthappydeskemergency careindividualsafternoon
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1- Dr. Houston at River Road Animal Clinic is an outstanding veterinarian! Opal and Mauricio (the distinguished gentleman/huskie) love her and the entire staff. We always feel at ease during their yearly checkups and vaccinations thanks to the gentle, compassionate care they receive.The front desk is professional and always pleasant. Opal also boarded there for a few days and had a great time—she was happy and relaxed when I picked her up after a bath. It’s clear she was well cared for. So grateful to have such a wonderful clinic nearby! July 15 · lourdes franchi
- We were so excited to bring our pets here a few years ago. Dr Houston got on the floor with our pets and you could tell she genuinely cared. Something has gone horribly wrong since then. I’ve gotten emails to say my pet needed appointments and gotten it scheduled and taken time off from work, only to arrive and be told my pet was up to date. Getting medication was a hassle. They would never approve request from chewy for their medicine and their online pharmacy sucks and canceled our last order. Recently, my pet needed her vet on her worst day and she was refused service, causing us to frantically try to find someone to see her instead of cherishing our final moments with her. When we called to request our records be sent to a different vet, I was placed on hold for 10 minutes and finally hung up, being left to feel like they really don’t care about me or my pet. I will never step foot in there again and wouldn’t recommend this place to my worst enemy. June 24 · Ashley Mercer
- Been taking my animals here for 25+ years. Dr. Houston and her staff are amazing. They are so friendly, caring and compassionate. Dr. Houston takes her time answering any questions you may have and never makes you feel like you're a bother. Love her and the staff. July 20 · Michelle
- Review for River Road Animal Clinic(I know I'm writing this from a place of deep grief, but I've done my best to make this review as honest and accurate as possible.)We began using River Road Animal Clinic about two years ago, after switching from Weems Road Animal Hospital in search of quality care at a more reasonable price. At first, we were impressed. Dr. Houston was kind, attentive, and wonderful with our anxious dog, Luna. She also did great with our senior girl, Rudie, even getting on the floor with them to help them feel more comfortable. We truly believed we had found a new veterinary home for our furbabies.But on June 20, 2025, everything changed.Our senior dog, Rudie, started refusing food, which was very unlike her. That morning, she ate only half of her usual meal and some sweet potato. By early afternoon, her breathing had grown labored and her belly seemed to spasm with each breath. I knew something was seriously wrong and that she had to be seen immediately.I called River Road at 1:30 p.m. and spoke to Savannah and described her symptoms in detail. She called back around 2:00 p.m. and told me they wouldn't see her because Rudie likely needed emergency care or a quality of life assessment and they referred me to Auburn. (Almost an hour drive from our home.)I called Auburn and they warned me that Rudie might wait for hours and may not even be seen in time as a walk in. (Meaning she would lay there in pain during the drive there and then who knows how long of a wait she would have had to be seen. She would have probably died in our laps/arms in pain.)I called River Road again, desperate, begging them to reconsider. I knew Rudie was dying. I was terrified. They still refused.They were less than 10 minutes away, and it was only early afternoon. But they wouldn't make time. They turned us away when our Rudah Girl needed them most.We ended up at Northside Animal Hospital, who despite being busy; welcomed us in. Within thirty minutes they took her blood samples, took an Xray, and drew some of the fluid from her belly, they confirmed she was in congestive heart failure. They gently recommended euthanasia.We knew it was the right thing.Rudie passed away surrounded by love, comfort, and dignity but only because we found someone else willing to care.The entire process took less than 90 minutes!! And that includes the time we took sobbing over the loss of our baby!We checked in at Northside Animal Hospital at 5:05 p.m., and upon our departure my credit card receipt was time-stamped at 6:08 p.m. In just over an hour, their team made time to evaluate Rudie's condition and compassionately help her pass peacefully.River Road's refusal to help not only caused us immense emotional pain, it prolonged Rudie's suffering. I will never forget the helplessness I felt, holding her in those final hours, knowing she was slipping away and that the people we trusted to help take care of her when she was sick or in pain had chosen not to.I can no longer recommend River Road Animal Clinic. Our pets are family, and when it truly mattered, they weren't there for Rudie.No one should have to go through what we did!If your pet ever has an emergency, which they all do at least once in their lives, don't count on them to be there to help. Hopefully your dog only gets sick when it's a convenient time for them. June 23 · Sharon Terry
- I have been an extremely faithful client/mother to my furbabies at this clinic for DECADES!Dr. Houston took excellent care of our 14 year old Lab Mix, "Duke", and 18 year old Lab Mix, "Pepper" even after they both crossed The Rainbow Bridge.I now have another rescue who is my sweet girl that I am keeping safe for someone special to me.Her name was Georgia in the beginning, but we decided not to change her name. She IS able to wear a pink Auburn University collar like no one else..!!!River Road treats everyone like family. Very reliable, empathy like none I have seen before, thorough with examining and communicating about your pets' needs.Dr. Carol Houston, DVM, is WONDERFUL!!!! I trust her and the staff ENTIRELY AND COMPLETELY!!!! March 04 · H.M.B
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