A Legacy of Quality Animal Care
About Us
Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic
The Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic was founded in 1951 as Riordan Pet Hospital by Dr. Robert Riordan. In 2023 Riordan Pet Hospital moved from it's original location to it's new location and changed their name to Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic to better serve the community. BVC is a full service animal healthcare practice specializing in the treatment of mammalian companion animals. Our principal focus is the health and well-being of your pets through reactionary care as well as preventative medicine. It is our mission to create long-lasting relationships with clients and patients by fostering an atmosphere of trust and compassion coupled with the highest quality animal care. At the Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic, we treat you and your pets like members of the family because YOU ARE members of the BVC family. If you’re in need of quality animal healthcare, an appointment for one of your pets, or an answer to some animal health related question/concern, contact us today. We can’t wait to meet you and your furry companions!
Providing you with the best veterinary doctors for the best care
Dr. Dennis Riordan
Dr. Dennis Riordan received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1981. His interest in animals was inspired by his father, Robert, a Des Moines veterinarian. His professional interests include small animal medicine and surgery as well as zoo and wildlife medicine. Dr. Riordan was the consulting veterinarian at Blank Park Zoo for 18 years while he was practicing at Riordan Pet Hospital in
Des Moines.
His interests outside of practicing veterinary medicine include wildlife photography and wildlife conservation. He has been active with the reintroduction of osprey and peregrine falcons into the native habitat of Iowa. He enjoys consulting with the DNR regarding wildlife issues. He has lived in Ankeny since 1999 with his wife Carolyn and their 3 children, Conor, Deaglan, and Fiona, as well as their multiple pets. Along with supporting many Ankeny community activities, family time often involves camping, hiking, and bike riding.
Dr. Terry Riordan
Dr. Terry Riordan followed his grandfather, father, and two brothers into the veterinary profession. After graduating from Iowa State in 1990 he practiced in Phoenix, Arizona for 13 years. During that time he served one term on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AzVMA). He also served on the Executive Board of the AzVMA as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President. For 13 consecutive years he was a member of the Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice which requires a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education per year to be a member. In 2003, he was granted the Veterinary Service Award from the AzVMA for his contributions to the profession. In September 2003, Terry returned to Central Iowa and joined his brother Dennis in managing Riordan Pet Hospital and now Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic. Since returning to Iowa, he has served as Treasurer and as President of the Greater Des Moines Veterinary Association. Terry and his wife Janean have two children, Maddie and Daniel.
Dr. Kurtis Garton
Dr. Kurtis Garton received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 2013. While earning his degree, Dr. Garton worked at Riordan Pet Hospital as an assistant for 7 years. After graduation he moved to northern Missouri and worked in a shelter that doubled as a low cost clinic for the surrounding community. While there he developed an interest in surgery and wildlife rehabilitation. After working for a year and a half he was presented with the opportunity to move back to Des Moines, his hometown. Dr. Garton was excited to be working with the Riordan team once again.
During his time spent outside of work Dr. Garton enjoys time outside with family and his dogs. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, scuba diving, rowing, and hiking.
Dr. Joan Schoon
Dr. Schoon Grew up in Ankeny. Worked for a small animal veterinary clinic in Ankeny during high school. Graduated from Iowa State University in veterinary medicine in 1993. First started working as a veterinarian in Bloomington, Minnesota. Moved back to Iowa after 2 years away. Worked full time for nearly 30 years at another veterinary clinic in Des Moines. Joined the Riordan Veterinary Clinic, now Beaverdale Veterinary Clinic, in October 2021 as a part- time veterinarian.
Hobbies include gardening, canoeing, fishing, camping, tailgating at Cyclone games and traveling.