Caring for Our Community Since 1959
Rialto Animal Hospital has been part of this community for more than 65 years, and the relationships we’ve built with families, businesses, schools, scout troops, and local public servants are some of the things we’re proudest of.
Below are a few of the events and partnerships that have shaped who we are — and a few ways you can be part of what comes next.
Celebrating 50 Years
In 2009, we celebrated Rialto Animal Hospital’s 50th anniversary with an afternoon of food, games, and shared memories — and we were honored to have our founding doctor, Dr. Charles Childs, his wife Carol, and their family join us for the milestone.
The day included a hospital open house and tour, a “Celebrating 50 Years Dog Show” in the play yard (with categories like best trick, most unique, and cutest), homemade pupsicles, swimming pools to keep the dogs cool, face painting, professional photos, custom dog bandanas, complimentary microchipping, and a meet-and-greet with Rialto’s K-9 Police unit.
It was a celebration of everything Dr. Childs built — and a reminder of how much it has grown thanks to the community that’s stood by us.
Partnerships with Local Law Enforcement
We’re proud of our ongoing relationships with the Rialto K-9 Police and other local police canine units. Over the years, we’ve supported events like the Inland Empire Police Canine Association’s annual K-9 Show, where our team has tabled, raised funds for Penny’s Fund, and helped celebrate the working dogs who serve and protect our community.
These dogs do extraordinary work, and supporting them — and the officers who handle them — is one of the more meaningful parts of our community involvement.
Hosting Scout Troops and Young Future Veterinarians
One of our favorite community traditions is hosting small scout troops and school groups for hospital tours and educational visits. Past visits have included:
- Boy Scout Pack 522, who toured the hospital, interviewed our veterinarians for badge requirements, and (very kindly) gifted handmade blankets for our patients
- Girl Scout Troop #334, who learned about X-rays, parasites, dog anatomy, and how to use a stethoscope on our mascot dogs Maverick and Montana — and bandaged their stuffed animals as practice
Watching kids leave saying they want to be veterinarians when they grow up is a special kind of gift.
Interested in a tour for a small group? If you lead a scout troop, school group, or other extracurricular activity for kids ages 10 and under, we’d love to host you. Please call (909) 875-6161 and ask for our Customer Service Manager to set up a visit.
Community Health Fairs and Education
We’ve also enjoyed participating in community events like the Sierra Lakes Health Fair, where our team educates families about zoonotic diseases — illnesses that can pass from pets to people — and how to keep both pets and families healthy. (The dog teeth from past dental extractions are always a hit with curious kids.)
Educating families on preventive care is one of the most impactful things we can do, and we’re grateful for the chance to do it in spaces beyond our exam rooms.
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re planning a community event, looking to schedule a hospital tour for your group, or just want to say hi, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (909) 875-6161 or contact us online.
We’ve been honored to be part of Rialto’s story for more than six decades. Here’s to many more.