Animal Hospital in Natrona Heights, PA
Compassionate & Expert Veterinary Care!
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Top Tier Veterinary Care in Pennsylvania That Feels Like Home
At River Valley Veterinary Hospital, we understand that pets aren’t just part of the household—they are the heart of it. That’s why every tail wag, every curious sniff, and every anxious meow that walks through our doors gets treated with the same level of care we’d give our own animals. Whether your companion needs a routine check-up or urgent treatment, you’ll find a warm, skilled team ready to help.
As a trusted animal hospital in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, our approach is simple: combine the most advanced tools in veterinary medicine with a genuine, hometown commitment to care. That balance is what keeps pets healthy and their humans confident they’ve come to the right place.
Why Natrona Heights Families Trust River Valley for Their Furry Patient
We’re not part of a big franchise. We’re a family-run practice that has served the community since 2000. Founded by Dr. Linkenheimer and his wife Kim, River Valley was built on the belief that personalized, high-quality care should be the norm—not the exception. Every team member, from our front desk to our surgery suite, is here because they love animals and believe in doing what’s right for them.
We take the time to get to know our clients, explain what’s going on, and are dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment plans that make sense. You won’t find cookie-cutter medicine here—only customized care that fits your pet’s needs and your peace of mind.
All Our Veterinary Services At RVVH
Whether your dog is bounding through puppyhood or your senior cat is starting to slow down, we offer complete care tailored to every life stage.

Preventive Wellness Treatments
- Annual wellness exams
- Vaccinations tailored to lifestyle and risk factors
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Parasite prevention and control
- Microchipping for permanent identification
- Nutritional counseling
Preventative healthcare helps us catch concerns early—before they become emergencies. We’ll work with you to create an outstanding wellness plan that helps your pet live a long, happy life.

Surgical Services
- Spay and neuter procedures
- Soft tissue surgeries
- Growth and mass removals
- Wound repair
- Dental extractions and periodontal care
Surgery can be stressful, but you’re never in it alone. We’ll walk you through the process, provide thorough aftercare instructions, and check in to make sure healing is on track.

Pharmacy
We offer a fully stocked, competitive in-house pharmacy to expedite your medication needs.

Medical Diagnostics
- In-house bloodwork and lab testing
- Digital radiography (X-rays)
- Oral exams and dental X-rays
- Urinalysis and fecal testing
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis)
When your pet isn’t acting like themselves, our diagnostic tools help us find answers quickly. No waiting days for results—just fast action and a clear plan.

Vaccinations
Proper vaccination is vital in protecting our pets from many types of diseases . It’s important to consult with us about the unique risks your pet is exposed to based on his environment. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet.

Urgent & Emergency Patient Care
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a swallowed sock, a sudden limp, or labored breathing, we’re equipped to handle emergencies during clinic hours. If your pet needs after-hours critical care, we’ll help coordinate transfer to a 24-hour facility.
We help by preventing pet health issues and being there for you when your pet needs medical attention.
Our Vision
To be the preferred veterinary hospital and set the standards for client experience in Allegheny county over the next 5 years.
River Valley’s Mission
To provide exceptional medicine and client experience and to maintain healthy pet lifestyles
We Believe In:
- Compassion: to treat all pets and their people while upholding the veterinarian’s oath
- Integrity: to perform our duties with pride and self-awareness
- Dignity: to provide every patient and owner heartfelt respect
- Honesty: to practice open, truthful, and respectful communication
- Improvement: to continuously seek improvement in ourselves and our services
- Teamwork: our ability to support our beliefs while working together
- Passion: our promise to provide quality services to our clients and their pets
- Excellence: to strive to become stronger at everything we do
- Dedication: to provide our services with a sympathetic consciousness
- Commitment to Clients: to support our beliefs all day… every day
Veterinarian’s Oath
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.”
A Veterinary Office Designed with Pets in Mind
From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice something different. Our space is calm, clean, and separated for cats and dogs to reduce stress and support pet health. We use fear-free handling techniques and always prioritize your pet’s comfort—because a relaxed animal gets better care.
We’re more than an animal hospital in Natrona Heights – we’re your partner in helping your pets live their best lives.
Meet the River Valley Team
Led by Dr. Linkenheimer and supported by a passionate team of veterinary professionals, River Valley is home to decades of experience, deep compassion, and a “never treat them like a number” mindset. We don’t rush appointments or gloss over concerns—we listen, we explain, and we treat every animal like our own.
Contact Us At River Valley Veterinary Hospital – We Are Accepting New Patients!
If you’re looking for an animal hospital in Natrona Heights where expertise meets empathy, you’ve found it. Give us a call—we’d love to welcome you and your pet to the River Valley family.
Conveniently located near Natrona Heights
Please call us at (724) 274-5575 to book your appointment
FAQs About Animal Hospitals
Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
We recommend scheduling an appointment to minimize wait times and ensure your pet gets our full attention. In urgent cases, please call ahead—our team will advise you on next steps.
What animals do you treat?
We specialize in the care of dogs and cats. If you have a bird, rabbit, or exotic pet, we can refer you to a trusted specialist nearby.
How much does a typical vet visit cost?
Pricing depends on the type of visit and treatment needed. We always provide estimates before proceeding and offer financing options through CareCredit and Scratchpay to make care accessible.
Can I be with my pet during their visit?
In most cases, yes! For safety reasons, some procedures may require us to treat your pet in a separate area. We’ll always keep you informed.
What if I need help after hours?
While we’re not a 24-hour clinic, we do offer urgent care during our regular hours. After-hours, we’ll help direct you to a nearby emergency hospital we trust.
