Exotic Pets & Birds
Quality Veterinary Care for Exotic Pets, Birds and Reptiles
At South Salem Animal Hospital we take care of all kinds of pets from birds and reptiles to pocket pets, sheep, goats, and pigs.
We know that caring for your special pet requires special knowledge and experience, so rest assured that your loved ones are in expert hands with our veterinary team.
Our team is dedicated to providing birds, reptiles, and mammals of all sizes with quality care so they can have long and healthy lives.
FAQ's: Caring for Exotic Pets
At South Salem Animal Hospital, we provide routine wellness and preventive care services for your bird or exotic pet. Exotic pets can also be seen for medical or behavioral concerns.
- Wellness & Preventive Care
Like cats and dogs, birds and other exotic pets benefit from regular veterinary care to help longer, happier, and healthier. Our vets are trained in the unique care and husbandry needs and veterinary treatment of these species.
During your pet's initial wellness visit, our vet will thoroughly review your pet’s habitation, nutrition, and care. A complete and thorough physical exam will be performed, after which 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 appointment for my exotic pet?
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 any appropriate preventive care, and offer advice about your pet to help ensure their health and longevity.
- Pet Appointments & Daytime Emergencies
Your vet can see you if you have health or behavior concerns about your birds. If possible, please call (914) 763-3123 in advance to determine the availability of our veterinarian. Although we accept walk-in and work-in emergencies for exotic pets, there may be an additional fee if double-booking of appointments occurs.
- 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 can therefore be skilled 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 relates to any and all things to do with birds. These small exotic animals have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with plenty of personality 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.
- What are reptiles?
Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates. They had special skin made of bony plates, hard scales or a combination of both, they regularly shed an outer layer of skin. The reptile group can include iguanas, tortoises, lizards, turtles, snakes, and more.
To give your pet reptile the best chance at a healthy life, their habitat and diet must be carefully maintained and preventive care is critical.
Exotics We Treat
At South Salem Animal Hospital, we provide dedicated veterinary care for many types of exotic pets, including:
Birds
Parrots, finches, canaries, backyard poultry, and others.
Small Mammals
Ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and others.
Large Mammals
Pot-bellied pigs, sheep, goats, and others
Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, and others.