How to Care For Exotic Pets

Pets truly come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your companion has feathers, scales or fur, the team at Wellesley Animal Hospital is here to provide compassionate care. Exotic pets can be incredibly rewarding companions, but they also have unique medical, nutritional, and environmental needs that require specialized veterinary attention and intervention. Our experienced team is proud to support a wide variety of pets.

Exotic pets are typically defined as household pets that are not dogs and cats. Some common species we see include:

• Small Mammals – rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and more
• Reptiles –
  • Lizards – bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and more
  • Snakes – ball pythons, corn snakes, and more
  • Chelonians – turtles and tortoises
  • Crocodilians
• Birds
  • Parrots -- budgerigars, cockatiels, conures, cockatoos, macaws, and more
  • Songbirds -- finches, canaries, and more
  • Pigeons and more
• Amphibians and invertebrates
• If your pet’s species is not listed above, don’t be discouraged – call us to book and ensure we can provide your pet the care it deserves!

Exotic Pet Care Services

At Wellesley Animal Hospital, we offer a full range of services for non-traditional pets, including:

Routine Check-ups

Regular vet visits are key to keeping exotic pets healthy. During these visits, we check for signs of illness, make sure your pet is getting the proper diet, and provide habitat care tips. Many exotic pets, like birds and reptiles, are good at hiding signs of illness, so these check-ups can help catch issues early.

Diagnostic Testing

If your exotic pet is acting weird or seems sick, our hospital can run various diagnostic tests. We may perform blood work, imaging (such as X-rays), or fecal exams to get to the root of any underlying health issue. Diagnosing a problem early can be key to a successful treatment for your pet.

Nutrition Counseling

Feeding exotic pets the proper diet can be tricky. Each species has different dietary needs, and the wrong diet can lead to serious health problems. Whether your pet is a bird that needs a balanced pellet diet or a turtle that requires a mix of proteins and veggies, we'll help you make sure their nutritional needs are met.

Dental Care

Dental health is often overlooked in exotic pets, but it's vital for their well-being. Pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets can develop dental problems if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. We offer dental exams and treatments to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy.

Surgery and Emergency Care

When your pet requires surgery to address a condition, we are here to help. Our veterinary team is trained in a variety of preventative and interventional surgeries for exotic pets, ranging from spays/neuters, mass removals, and beyond.

When to Bring Your Exotic Pet in for a Visit

Knowing when you might need to bring your pet in to see a reptile vet, small-mammal vet, or bird vet is important. Some signs that your pet may need to see a veterinarian include:

• Loss of appetite
• Changes in behavior or energy levels
• Unusual breathing or sounds
• Discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth
• Weight loss or changes in body condition
• Difficulty moving or abnormal posture

If something doesn’t seem right with your pet, please call us.

Exotic Pet Vaccines

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2)

RHDV2 is an emerging disease that affected pet rabbits. While not yet detected in the state of Virginia, this disease is affecting surrounding states and will likely be in Virginia within the next few years. We at Wellesley are dedicated to providing the option to prevent this deadly disease with the RHDV2 vaccine. Call to schedule your appointment and consultation!

Ferret Vaccines

We recommend our ferret patients stay up to date with their rabies and distemper vaccines to protect them against these diseases. Ferrets are more prone to adverse reactions to vaccines, therefore our team takes careful consideration into the planning and monitoring of your pet ferret when administering these vaccines. Call to schedule your appointment and consultation!

Grooming

With an up to date exam, our team is happy to provide a variety of grooming services that can be difficult to do at home. These include:

• Nail trims
• Bird beak trims
• Mat removal
• Sanitary trims

Exotic Pet Care Near You

At Wellesley Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for all pets, whether furry, scaly, or feathered. If you need a compassionate and skilled team for your exotic bird, reptile, small mammal, or amphibian, call us at (804) 364-7030. You can also book an appointment online below!