Our Veterinarians
Professional. Capable. Caring.
Our veterinarians are committed to making sure your pets receive the best care possible. As pet owners themselves, they understand that your pets are a part of your family. It is their mission to help your pets live as well as possible, for as long as possible. They communicate closely with each client regarding his or her pet's care, whether to treat an illness, oversee broader health issues and dietary maintenance, or for general health and wellness.
Our vets are assisted by an able team of veterinary technicians and administrative support staff. These staff members have many years of education, training and animal experience, and are equally dedicated to the Riverside Veterinary Care philosophy.
Carol Gifford, D.V.M. has been practicing veterinary medicine in Vermont since 1987. In 1991, she founded her own practice, which grew to become Riverside Pet Hospital. In 2005, the practice name was changed to Riverside Veterinary Care, to better reflect our scope of services.
Dr. Gifford holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Her family’s pets include two cats, two dogs, two birds and two horses. Her special professional interests include internal medicine and cardiology.
Heath McNutt, D.V.M. lives in Dorset with his wife, daughter, three dogs and two cats. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Dr. McNutt believes everything is a little better in the fresh air. Dr. McNutt earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maine, in Orono, and received his veterinary training at St. George's University, Grenada, W.I., and the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville. Dr. McNutt's professional interests include preventative medicine, aimed at keeping pets healthy and happy longer, and critical medicine, where balancing a patient's care and comfort is of the utmost importance. He sees patients in both the Rutland and Ludlow offices.
Sandra Jex, D.V.M. grew up in Cooperstown New York and attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She moved to Vermont in 1992 after graduating from Veterinary College and has lived here ever since. Dr. Jex and her husband have three children, three horses, two dogs, and numerous other pets. In addition to caring for family and pets, Dr. Jex enjoys skiing, gardening, cooking, and reading. She sees patients in both the Rutland and Ludlow offices.
Kurt Kenney, D.V.M. specializes in small animal surgery, particularly orthopedics and laser surgeries. Dr. Kenney holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. He is a member of the AVMA and the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society. Dr. Kenney is available several times a month for special surgical procedures in our Rutland office.