Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

    I cannot say enough about the quality of care I received here at Rivers Edge Vet Hospital. My "Tiny" is a family member to us. He is now 12. My vet said he would need his leg amputated 5 years ago. I decided to seek a second opinion. Dr. Karla was not convinced it needed to come off. She removed the cancerous tumor and our buddy had 5 more great quality years enjoying life. Unfortunately, the tumor returned recently. Dr. Karla and her wonderful team were with us with compassion and professionalism thru the whole unfortunate loss of his limb. It was one of the toughest decisions and experiences we have been thru. The WHOLE Rivers Edge team is on the same page, which is very unusual in any group! They follow Dr.Karla's lead and have her outlook on desired outcomes. I drive an hour to receive the best care. They are worth the drive.

    Della P.

    The vet was our first stop, after grabbing some necessities, and the staff was so friendly and supportive. We’d just adopted Max from MCHS, and we wanted to take him to someone he’d be familiar with. Dr. Jonesand his staff took the time to explain services & fees and helped ease what could be an overwhelming experience. Max did great and I’m very grateful for their care, expertise, and bedside manner! 5 star experience, from start to finish.

    Angel S.

    When another vet wouldn’t see my dog in an emergency situation, these guys were there for us. They treated my dog like family and will have my business and loyalty for years to come. Thank you guys!

    Nathan L.

    Best vet ever!! They are so kind and caring and took great care of our fur baby. They always look for ways to help out without breaking the bank. Thanks for your continued great work!

    Joanna N.

    This place is AMAZING! Brought in our rescue dog Bobo in for a first visit. They checked him and explained everything along the way especially the meds we left with! Not only are the vets great but the staff was very kind and accommodating! And they do dental care too! If you don't have a vet, I highly recommend coming here!

    Brian P.

    Dr. Jones is a very knowledgeable and kind Veterinarian. I am very thankful I have him to treat and care for my dog. I appreciate all the staff and feel they all do a great job.

    Letitia B.

    Dr. Karla is most definitely the most compassionate veterinarian I have ever used. She is also the first emergency vet I ever used. I highly recommend this animal hospital.

    Tami S.

River's Edge Veterinarian Hospital

Your pets are your unofficial children, your fur babies and your family. Just like for your human babies, you want to make sure your fur babies are getting the best care they can possibly receive. We here at River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital, Inc., in Metropolis, IL, understand the importance of high-quality veterinarian care. That’s why we want to ensure our clients walk out knowing that their fur babies are well taken care of. If you live in Metropolis area, then there is a multitude of reasons to trust us with your pets.


We Understand Pets and Animals

We understand that all pets are not created equal and come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and tail wags. Our team of trained professionals, led by Dr. Karla Cunningham, have a shared variety of experience. Our entire team, is capable of handling any of the animals that may walks through our door! We treat animals, no matter how big or small--ranging from dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, and even snakes.

Our variety of treatments and diagnoses expand far from just the normal checkup. We are prepared to treat all the problems your pet may have both minor to severe. Our services include disease treatment, nutritional counseling, laser surgery, dentistry, and dermatology.

We provide top-notch care for anything your pet may need; even if that is in-home laboratory services. We also understand that sometimes, it is impossible to get to our office for lab work. Therefore, our in-home services are here to provide convenience and comfort, for you and your pet. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you, plain and simple.

We Understand People

We here at River’s Edge believe in making a personal connection with not only the animals that we treat, but the people we help as well. We understand you may get anxious or even frightened when taking your pet to the vet’s office, even if only for a checkup. We strive to give you and your pet, the combination of medical expertise, empathy and compassion, you both deserve. We always provide quick and reliable information to answer your toughest questions.

Fear Free Practice with Dr. Russell Jones

When you and your pet visit River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital, Inc., we will strive to reduce any worry and stress. We make all of our clients, from animal to human, feel as comfortable as possible. We understand that life can get hectic and understand the need to be as flexible as your pet snake. For the best in-home or in office veterinary care in the Metropolis area, call us at 618-524-7500.

At River's Edge Veterinary Hospital, we treat your pets like the valued family members they are.

Google Review


 River's Edge Veterinary Hospital | 618-524-7500

720 Kennedy Dr
Metropolis, IL 62960

Our Mission

While striving to provide education and lifelong relationships with our clients, we promise quality medicine, thoroughness and compassion to our patients.

Free Welcome Kit!

Your first visit includes a complimentary kit valued at $20.

Meet Our Skilled Team

Learn Who We Are

  • Dr. Karla Cunningham
    Owner of River's Edge Veterinary Hospital

    Dr. Karla Cunningham is a 1996 graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband Ed live in Eddyville, Illinois with their terrific son Ethan, born in March 2010. She is very pleased to be providing medical care to pets in Massac and surrounding counties. Having served as an assistant professor for the U of I College of Veterinary Medicine from 1998 through 2007, she is dedicated to educating pet owners in the best way to care for their furry friends. When not at River’s Edge, Dr. Karla and Ed can usually be found with Ethan at a Scouting activity.

    Dr. Cunningham’s interest in pet dental care began when she started River’s Edge in 2007.  Many of her small animal patients had severe dental disease that caused them pain of which their owners were unaware.  As she started treating these animals and received feedback from their owners about how much better they felt afterwards, the desire to learn more about dentistry grew. Over the years she has participated in many continuing education seminars focused on pet dentistry and learned even more about how best to treat and prevent dental disease. River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities including digital dental radiography, electronic anesthetic monitoring devices, pain management and tooth saving procedures. These technologies along with Dr. Cunningham’s expertise will ensure that each of her patients receive superior care for their dental needs.
     
    Her favorite quote is by Henry David Thoreau. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”

  • Alisa Adkins
    Veterinary Technician

    Alisa was born and raised in Massac County and graduated from Joppa High school in 2009. She then attended Shawnee Community college for two years, and transferred to Murray State University in August of 2011. She Graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology in December of 2013, she joined the Rivers edge
    team after graduation. Alisa Loves spending time with her Pets; Cletus, Phoebe, Dahlia, Mopurr, and Journey. Alisa loves to spend time outside hiking, and camping, and loves to travel whenever she gets the chance. Alisa has been a member of the Rivers edge team since 2013, and looking forward too many more years. 

  • Ellen Aly
    Certified Veterinary Technician

    Ellen has been working at River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital since October of 2008. Prior to that, she had been a Registered Veterinary Technician for over 35 years in Indiana and Michigan. She grew up in central Illinois and moved here to be close to her parents when the opportunity arose. She is now our inventory specialist. She semiretired two years ago to care for her aging parents.

    She is married and has many pets including 4 cats, 3 dogs, 2 horses and 2 mules. She and her husband live on a farm in Pope county near the Shawnee National Forest, where they love to ride the trails. 

  • Carisa Kline
    Veterinary Assistant

    Carisa was born and raised in Massac County, and graduated from Massac Country High school in 1989. She resides in Metropolis with her husband Jack. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, her standard poodles, and playing golf in her spare time.

    Carisa was interested in going to college for an occupation in the veterinary field, however went into the banking industry and worked in that field for over 23 years. She is now enjoying an occupation that is very important to her.. taking care of pets, and educating pet owners.

  • Jerri Jenkins
    Veterinary Assistant

    Jerri graduated From Hardin County High School in 2017. She resides in Hardin County where she has 2 horses, 1 cat, and 4 dogs. She enjoys spending her time going camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Jerri joined the River’s Edge team in the summer of 2018 after completing a one semester Veterinary Assistant course at Southeastern Illinois College.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Metropolis Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed