Quality Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care
Our team is dedicated to providing small mammals, birds, and reptiles with the proper care so they can have long and healthy lives.
Unlike more traditional pets, each species has very specific environmental and dietary requirements that are necessary to keep them healthy.
Our staff are well-trained in the care of most exotic pets and can give you the information you need to keep your pet as healthy as possible.
Should your exotic pet require surgery or diagnostics that we do not offer we will refer you to a specialist with the correct training to properly address your pet's medical condition.
Veterinary Care for Backyard Poultry
At Carroll County Animal Hospital we enjoy seeing and caring for chickens and other backyard poultry. Being considered food animals, our veterinarians are specially trained in their treatment and understand which medications can be safely prescribed for them.
FAQ's for Care of Exotic Pets
Our veterinarians 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.
- Wellness & Preventive Care
Much like cats and dogs, birds and other exotic pets benefit from regular veterinary care to help live a long, happy, and healthy life. Our vets are trained in the unique care and husbandry needs and veterinary treatment of these species.
During the initial wellness visit, our vet will thoroughly review your pet’s housing, nutrition, and care. A complete and thorough physical exam will be performed. Health screening tests and vaccines will be discussed and recommended when indicated. Our vet will discuss any husbandry, health, or behavior concerns with you and answer any questions you might have. Recommendations will be tailored to the needs of your pet and their family.
- What can I expect at an exotic 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 their health and longevity.
We offer these appointments as drop-offs so that we can ensure that your pet gets the attention that it needs, typically exotic pets need extra special care and any medicine that they may require must be compounded as needed, which can take time. We will meet with you both before and after the appointment and keep you informed of any important updates along the way.
- Sick Pet Appointments & Daytime Emergencies
Birds and other exotic pets with health or behavior concerns can be seen by our vet. If possible, please contact us in advance to determine the availability of our veterinarian. Additional fees may apply for emergency visits.
- What is an exotic mammal?
Exotic mammals are small animals 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.
- What is the avian species?
The avian species involves any and all things in relation to birds. We see both indoor pet birds such as canaries and finches as well as backyard poultry.
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.
- What are reptiles?
Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates. Covered in special skin made of bony plates, hard scales, or a combination of both, they regularly shed an outer layer of skin. These can include iguanas, tortoises, lizards, turtles, snakes, and more.
To give your pet reptile the best chance at a healthy life, habitat, and diet must be meticulously maintained. Preventive care is critical.
Exotics We Treat
At Carroll County Animal Hospital, we provide dedicated veterinary care for many types of exotic pets, including:
Birds
Parrots, finches, canaries, backyard poultry, and others.
Exotic Mammals
Ferrets, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and others.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, and others.