Exotic Pet Veterinary Care

Exotic Animal Services

Stafford Veterinary Center treats pocket pets such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, and exotic pets such as reptiles. These small animals make great pets and might not require much outdoor exercise, but they still have the potential to get sick. Your pocket or exotic pet needs regular veterinary care, balanced nutrition, human interaction, and the appropriate management of his/her environment.

We provide veterinary services for most exotic and pocket pets, including:

• Reptiles
• Birds
• Rabbits
• Ferrets
• Gerbils
• Guinea Pigs
• Hamsters
• Hedgehogs
• Mice
• Rats
• Chinchillas
• Sugar Gliders

Our veterinary care for pocket pets includes:

• Annual wellness physical examinations and time with our veterinarian to answer all of your questions
• Parasite treatment and control
• Diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, blood tests, skin scrapings, and biopsy of growths
• Surgeries for spay, neuter, growth removal and fractures
• Medications and supplements tailored to the needs of your pocket pet
• Nutritional counseling so that your pocket pet receives the balanced nutrition he or she needs
• Behavioral counseling, environment management and environment enrichment

Annual Examinations are Important for Exotic and Pocket Pets

All exotic and pocket pets need to be seen by us on a biannual basis for a wellness exam. We can check to ensure that your pet is healthy and have baseline records and baseline blood values for future reference in the event that your pet is ever sick. Depending upon the type of pet you have, we will discuss vaccination options with you. It is best not to wait until a pet is showing signs of illness for their first exam since the pet may be very sick by the time you notice the signs of illness.

We Would Love to Meet Your New Pet!

If you have acquired a new exotic or pocket pet, we recommend you have your new pet examined by us within 1-2 weeks after purchase to ensure their good health. We will discuss nutrition and behavior issues with you at your first appointment.

Exotic and Pocket Pets Are Masters at Hiding Signs of Illness

These pets are masters at hiding signs of illness. A biannual checkup is a good way to screen for problems that owners may not see. Please call us right away of your pet is showing any signs of illness, including:

• Decreased appetite
• Discharge from mouth, eyes or nose
• Loose stools
• Lethargy (inactivity) or change in pattern of activity
• Lumps or bumps
• Flaky skin or hair loss

We are highly skilled at treating and caring for many types of pets and are pleased to be able to offer care, behavioral advice and guidance. Please give us a call today to set up an appointment for your special pet.