About Us
Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care (RVUC) was established in 2021 to help fill a perceived gap in the Pittsburgh area in veterinary medicine. With the CoVID-19 pandemic, veterinarians were faced with an overwhelming insufficiency in emergency care and preventative care facilities. RVUC provides the walk-in model of scheduling, immediate access to exceptional care and flexibility. We are a female-owned and operated establishment, with the goal to further support our local community and other small businesses.
We are taking both new clients and patients and welcome any appointment type. Our veterinarians have extensive experience in emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, preventative care, geriatric care and alternative medicine. Our well-trained staff has been chosen selectively to emphasize the experience needed for high quality care and to embody the core values we want to portray.
What People Are Saying
“My puppy had a unknown laceration on his hind leg and no one would see him. Prices very reasonable took good care of my baby. When I called the woman said just bring him here we will take care of him abs actually sounded compassionate where other places basically were like NO. Everyone in this place working and smiling and genuinely seemed happy, which is amazing to see with how insanely busy they were. I would highly recommend this place if your pup or animal is in need of emergent services. My Gus got staples and is doing well.”
— Kristie
“I'm so happy with the experience I had here. Everyone I talked with was so friendly and helpful, and I knew my dog was in good hands. The doctors were very transparent about treatment options and costs. I was shocked by how reasonably priced they were. I would highly recommend Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care!”
— Haley
“I love the professional and veteran techs and doctors. The care and compassion is second to none. When an emergency arises you want the very best to care for your pets and this is the place!”
— Paul
“Love how they took care of my cavalier Frankie. Inexpensive compared to emergency vets. I would highly recommend Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care”
— Michele
OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Robin Dutra, DVM: Practice Owner, Veterinarian
Dr. Robin Dutra obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 1999. Following graduation, she spent a year in Holland practicing as an associate veterinarian. She later returned to the United States to accept a position at a small animal practice while working part-time at an animal emergency center in upstate New York. Dr. Dutra was drawn to emergency medicine and accepted a full-time position with an emergency animal hospital in Saratoga, New York. She simultaneously worked part-time performing spays and neuters for the Upstate SPCA and did per diem work with another small animal practice. Dr. Dutra moved to the Pittsburgh area in 2004, working with a small animal general practice and emergency veterinary hospital before joining PVSEC in 2008. In her spare time, Dr. Dutra enjoys scuba diving, skiing, hiking, sailing, and traveling to the Caribbean.
Dr. Kristen Thornton, DVM, Practice Owner, Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Dr. Thornton, a Pittsburgh native (go Steelers!) graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She performed her clinical year of school at LSU (geaux Tigers!). She relocated back to the Pittsburgh area with her two Coconut Retrievers (Argos and Addy) to pursue her dream of veterinary medicine. With experience in both corporate and private practice, Dr. Thornton recognized a need in the industry to provide high quality and affordable care; she truly wants to make a difference for her patients.
OUR TEAM
