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, and his mother, Elizabeth, who tolerated the many critters brought into the house. He wasn’t the only one in the house with an animal aptitude as 2 of his brothers are practicing veterinarians, one of whom he works with at Ankeny Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Terry Riordan). 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. He has practiced at Ankeny Veterinary Clinic since 2004.
His interests outside of practicing veterinary medicine include wildlife photography (some of his photos are displayed in the clinic waiting room) 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 (the practice’s business manager) 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.
