About Us
Where compassionate care, medical excellence, and genuine relationships come together.
Our Promise
Every pet who walks through our doors is treated like one of our own. At River Valley Veterinary Service, we promise to listen carefully to your concerns, treat every pet as a member of our family, and provide same-day urgent care whenever you need us most. Our team partners with trusted specialists when necessary to ensure your pet receives the highest quality care and best possible outcome. This unwavering commitment to compassion, communication, and excellence has earned River Valley Veterinary Service the trust of pet owners across Prior Lake, Savage, Lakeville, Shakopee, and the greater Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.
Our Story
Since 1983, River Valley Veterinary Service has proudly served the Prior Lake community with compassionate, high-quality veterinary care. Founded by Dr. Bruce Viren and Dr. Cindy Sellin, our practice has grown from an equine ambulatory service to a full-service small animal hospital offering advanced medicine and lifelong care for pets and their families.
Our experienced team of eight veterinarians—including partners Dr. Laurie Miller, Dr. Alexis Wangen, and Dr. Jennifer Darchuk—provides comprehensive services ranging from preventive wellness and surgery to regenerative medicine and dentistry. We are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and Cat Friendly Certified, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care.
In 2012, we expanded to include River Valley Groom & Board, offering grooming, boarding, and doggy daycare—all under one roof. Our goal is to provide a calm, caring experience for every pet and person who walks through our doors. We believe in relationship-based care, lifelong partnerships, and doing everything we can to help your pet live the happiest, healthiest life possible.
Accreditations & Certifications
AAHA Accredited
Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) since 2010, River Valley Veterinary Service meets over 900 rigorous standards of excellence in veterinary medicine, patient care, and safety. This distinction reflects our ongoing dedication to providing the highest quality care available.
Cat Friendly Certified (Gold Level)
As a Cat Friendly Certified Gold Practice, we make every effort to create a calm, stress-free environment for feline patients. Our team is trained to handle cats with gentle techniques and thoughtful facility design that reduces fear and anxiety during every visit.
Fear-Free© Certified Professionals
Our team includes Fear Free® Certified professionals who are specially trained to recognize and reduce signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Their certification demonstrates our commitment to caring for both the physical and emotional health of our patients.
Experience Whole Life Care at River Valley
From your pet’s first visit to their golden years, River Valley Veterinary Service is here to guide you through every stage of care with compassion, professionalism, and trust. Our lifelong commitment means being there for every milestone, offering the expertise and empathy your pet deserves from a team that truly cares.