Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarian in Derby, CT
River Valley Veterinary Hospital has been dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care since its establishment in 2017. Our practice combines mobile home visits with a state-of-the-art hospital facility in Derby, Connecticut, offering comprehensive services for dogs and cats. Led by experienced veterinarians Dr. Melissa J. Moore and Dr. Christopher Celentano, our team prioritizes compassionate care, advanced diagnostics, and Fear Free-certified techniques to minimize stress for pets. We specialize in surgical procedures, dental care, vaccinations, and preventive medicine, supported by in-house digital imaging and laboratory services.Our commitment to continuous education ensures adherence to the highest standards of veterinary practice, while our community-focused approach emphasizes transparency, personalized communication, and lifelong patient wellness. With a decade of combined experience and a growing team of certified technicians, we strive to be a trusted partner in pet healthcare for Connecticut families.
Services
Veterinary Surgery
Dental Care
Vaccinations
Mobile Home Visits
Diagnostic Imaging
Laboratory Testing
Pain Management
Nutritional Counseling
Hospice Care
Parasite Prevention
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer Fear Free-certified veterinary care to reduce pet anxiety
- Our team includes board-certified specialists in canine and feline medicine
- We provide both mobile home visits and in-hospital surgical capabilities
- 24/7 emergency services available for urgent pet care needs
- In-house digital imaging and laboratory diagnostics for faster results
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified Professionals
- Cat Friendly Practice
Services
Veterinary Surgery
Our in-hospital surgical suite provides spaying, neutering, mass removals, and abdominal exploratories with modern techniques. Dr. Moore and Dr. Celentano perform all procedures using advanced monitoring equipment and post-operative pain management. Patients receive personalized recovery plans with evening follow-up calls to ensure optimal healing outcomes.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include digital x-rays, teeth cleaning, extractions, and periodontal treatment. Our in-hospital dental imaging helps diagnose hidden issues while specialized scaling tools remove plaque buildup. Preventive care plans address tartar control and oral hygiene maintenance for long-term dental wellness.
Mobile Home Visits
Concierge Critter Care brings veterinary services directly to your home for reduced pet stress. Available in 12 Connecticut towns, our mobile visits include wellness exams, vaccinations, and hospice care. This service maintains continuity with hospital records for complete medical history tracking and treatment coordination.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiography and dental x-rays provide immediate high-resolution images for accurate diagnosis. In-hospital ultrasound complements imaging capabilities for internal organ assessment. These tools enable rapid evaluation of fractures, foreign objects, and soft tissue conditions without requiring external referrals.
Vaccinations
Core and elective vaccinations protect dogs against rabies, distemper, and Lyme disease, while cats receive FVRCP and leukemia vaccines. We follow AAHA guidelines for dosage consistency and offer titer testing alternatives. Fear Free techniques ensure stress-free administration for anxious pets during both hospital and home visits.
People
Melissa J. Moore
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Graduated from Tufts University in 2006 with 15+ years of small animal experience. Specializes in canine/feline medicine and Fear Free-certified care. Advocate for continuing education and modern treatment protocols while maintaining compassionate client communication.
Christopher Celentano
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Licensed in CT and NY with internship experience at ASPCA Animal Hospital. Fear Free-certified with zoo medicine background. Special interests include exotic animal care and advanced diagnostics while focusing on client education and preventive healthcare strategies.
Sarah
Certified Veterinary Technician
Joined in 2017 with veterinary science degree and Fear Free certification. Manages surgical preparations and patient recovery. Passionate about senior pet care and community outreach programs for underserved animal populations in the Valley region.
Morgan
Concierge Coordinator
Veterinary industry professional with 10+ years of experience. Oversees appointment scheduling and client relations. Fear Free-certified with expertise in managing multi-pet household visits and coordinating complex care plans between hospital and home services.
Nina
Veterinary Technician
Joined in 2019 with associate degree in veterinary technology. Specializes in equine care and senior pet management. Coordinates nutritional counseling services while maintaining medical records systems for both mobile and hospital patient populations.
Questions
What veterinary services are available during home visits?
Concierge Critter Care offers wellness exams, vaccinations, hospice care, and basic diagnostics during home visits. Surgical procedures, dental care, and digital x-rays require hospital visits.
Do you provide emergency veterinary care after hours?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency services for urgent pet care needs with on-call veterinarians available for critical situations requiring immediate attention.
How can I schedule a mobile veterinary appointment?
Contact us via phone or email to book home visits available in 12 Connecticut towns. Our concierge team coordinates visit times that accommodate your schedule and pet's specific needs.
What payment options are available for veterinary services?
We accept CareCredit financing and major credit cards. Payment plans may be arranged for extensive treatments while maintaining transparent pricing for all services.
Are your veterinarians Fear Free certified?
Yes, both Dr. Moore and Dr. Celentano are Fear Free-certified professionals implementing specialized techniques to reduce anxiety during veterinary visits for improved pet healthcare experiences.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have in-house?
Our hospital features digital radiography, dental x-rays, ultrasound imaging, and full laboratory services for bloodwork, urinalysis, and parasite testing to support rapid diagnosis and treatment planning.
