Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Compassionate Veterinary Care in Stillwater, MN
Established in 1996, Rivertown Animal Hospital has been a cornerstone of veterinary care in Stillwater, Minnesota, for over 25 years. Founded by Dr. Ginger Garlie, who was inspired by her father's legacy as a veterinarian, the hospital combines compassionate care with advanced medical practices. Our team of highly trained professionals includes specialists in dentistry, internal medicine, and surgery, all committed to continuous education and staying current with veterinary advancements. As a Fear Free Certified practice and Gold-Certified Cat Friendly Practice, we prioritize reducing stress for pets and owners while maintaining rigorous standards in patient safety and pain management.Our comprehensive services range from wellness exams and dental care to diagnostics and surgical interventions, ensuring holistic care for cats and dogs. With a focus on community trust and personalized service, we treat every pet as if they were our own, supported by a staff recognized for their warmth, professionalism, and dedication to animal welfare.
Services
Pet Dental Care
Pet Surgery
Pet Wellness
Animal Diagnostic Clinic
Pain Relief Management
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Gold-certified Cat Friendly Practice with specialized feline care
- Fear Free Certified professionals reducing pet stress during visits
- 25+ years of experience in comprehensive veterinary medicine
- Advanced diagnostics and surgical services with state-of-the-art equipment
- Dedicated team with continuous training in veterinary advancements
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (Cat-Friendly Practice)
What people say
Exceptional staff
High-quality care
Fear Free Certified
Cat-specific needs
Life-changing treatment
Services
Pet Dental Care
Our comprehensive dental services include cleanings, digital x-rays, extractions, and oral surgery. Using advanced techniques like cold laser therapy, we address periodontal disease and dental trauma while prioritizing pain management. Our Fear Free approach ensures stress-free procedures for cats and dogs.
Pet Surgery
We perform spaying/neutering, tumor removals, gastrointestinal surgeries, and emergency procedures. With pre-anesthetic blood screening and multimodal pain management, our surgeries follow strict safety protocols. Complex cases receive referrals to board-certified specialists for orthopedic or advanced soft tissue operations.
Animal Diagnostic Clinic
Our in-house lab, digital radiology, and ultrasound capabilities enable rapid diagnosis. Services include pre-anesthetic blood work, medication monitoring, and advanced imaging like endoscopy. We partner with external labs for specialized testing and offer echocardiograms through veterinary cardiologists.
Pain Relief Management
We offer cold laser therapy, chiropractic care, and monoclonal antibody treatments for arthritis. Our multimodal approach combines medication, physical therapy, and weight management to address acute and chronic pain in pets, enhancing mobility and quality of life.
Pet Wellness
Annual exams, vaccinations tailored to risk factors, and parasite prevention form our wellness foundation. Senior pet care includes specialized diagnostics, while nutritional counseling addresses dietary needs. Early detection programs help prevent dental disease, obesity, and chronic conditions.
People
Dr. Ginger Garlie
Founder/Veterinarian
Established Rivertown Animal Hospital in 1996 after graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Specializes in dentistry and pain management, with leadership roles in the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Carrie Thorson
Veterinarian
Joined Rivertown in 2006 after graduating from the University of Minnesota. Focuses on internal medicine and lifelong learning, balancing veterinary practice with family life and National Park adventures.
Dr. Carrie Howe
Veterinarian
Transitioned from veterinary technician to doctorate graduate in 2017. Specializes in wellness care and nutrition, applying 15 years of hands-on experience to patient treatment plans.
Dr. Lacey Rutledge
Veterinarian
Joined in 2021 after graduating from the University of Minnesota. Enthusiastic about surgery, dentistry, and preventive care, with outdoor hobbies mirroring her active patient approach.
Shellie Manke
Practice Manager
Brings 35 years of management experience to veterinary operations, specializing in team development. Passionate about senior pet rescue and operational excellence in animal healthcare delivery.
Questions
What makes Rivertown Animal Hospital different from other clinics?
We combine Fear Free Certified practices with Gold-Certified Cat Friendly status, offering stress-reduced care environments and specialized feline handling techniques.
Do you handle emergency pet care?
Yes, we provide urgent care during business hours with referrals to local emergency clinics after hours for critical situations.
What dental services do you offer for pets?
Full dental care including cleanings, digital x-rays, extractions, and oral surgery with advanced pain management techniques.
How do you manage chronic pain in older pets?
We use cold laser therapy, chiropractic care, and monoclonal antibody treatments alongside traditional medication for comprehensive pain relief.
Are your services available for new pet owners?
Yes, we welcome new clients and provide wellness plans for pets at all life stages, including vaccinations and preventive care.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have onsite?
In-house lab, digital radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopy services enable rapid diagnosis and treatment planning for various conditions.
