Avian & Exotic Pet Vet
We know that caring for your exotic pet requires special knowledge and experience, so rest assured that your loved ones are in good hands.
Our exotic veterinary team is dedicated to providing birds, reptiles, and small mammals with proper care so they can have long and healthy lives. We are also here for you whenever your pets are not feeling well.
Exotics We Treat
- Exotic birds such as parrots, finches, and budgies. We are unable to see backyard poultry and waterfowl.
- Exotic mammals such as ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs.
- Non-venomous amphibians and reptiles such as axolotls, lizards, turtles, tortoises, and snakes.
FAQs for Care of Exotic Pets
At Metro Animal Hospital we provide routine wellness and preventive care services for your bird or other exotic pet. Exotic pets can also be seen for medical or behavioral concerns.
What can I expect at an avian veterinary appointment?
When you bring your avian friend in for an appointment, the vet will complete a thorough routine exam to assess the general health of your pet. We'll recommend appropriate preventive care, perform any required tests, and answer any questions you may have about at-home care.
What is an avian?
All birds are called an avian. These exotic animals vary in size, and have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with personalities to spare. Many birds are prey species in the wild and may hide signs of illness as a defense mechanism against predators, making consistent, qualified preventive veterinary care critical to their health and well-being. If you are seeing symptoms indicating illness, your companion has most likely been hiding it from you for sometime and should be seen promptly.
What can I expect at a reptile veterinary appointment?
Routine veterinary care is critical to helping your reptilian friend live a long, healthy life. A physical exam and any required diagnostic tests will be completed at each visit. Appropriate preventive care will also be administered. The veterinarian will dedicate time to answering any questions you may have about your exotic pet's health, nutrition, at-home care, or other aspects of ownership.
What even is a reptile?
Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates. They are covered in a specialized skin made up of bony plates, hard scales, or some combination of the two. Reptiles will generally shed their outer layer of skin semi-regularly. Reptiles include turtles, iguanas, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more. To provide your pet reptile with the best chance at a long and healthy life, their diet and habitat must be maintained. Additionally, preventative care is critical to addressing health issues before they become serious.
What can I expect at an exotic mammal veterinary appointment?
When you bring your exotic mammal in for a routine exam, we will assess the overall health of your pet. We will perform a thorough physical examination, recommend the appropriate preventive care, and answer any questions you may have about your pet to help ensure its health and longevity.
What is classified as an exotic mammal?
Exotic mammals are small, warm blooded animals (not your small cat or dog!) including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils. Many exotic pets are prey species in the wild and consequently can be very good at hiding the signs of illness until it is quite advanced, which is why preventive veterinary care is so important.