Avian & Exotic Pets

Care for Birds, Reptiles & Mammals in Capitola

At Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to be able to provide your exotic pets with preventive care services, whether they are birds, amphibians or small exotic mammals. We also see exotic pets for any kind of behavioral concern. 

• Wellness & Preventive Care

  Birds and other exotic pets greatly benefit from routine veterinary care just like cats and dogs do. Regularly scheduled care of this nature allows these pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. Our vets are trained in the unique care and treatment requirements of exotic animal 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.

• Sick Pet Appointments & Daytime Emergencies

  Birds and other exotic pets with behavioral and health-related concerns can be seen by our vet. If at all possible, we ask that you contact us in advance in order to determine the availability of our vets. While we accept walk-in and work-in emergency appointments for exotic pets during our regular hours, there may be an extra fee if we become double-booked. 

• After Hours Emergencies

  If your exotic pet is experiencing an after-hours emergency please call Pet Specialists of Monterey or Archvet directly, or read more information about emergencies and urgent care.

Exotic Animal Hospital - Exotics We Treat

At Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital, we provide dedicated veterinary care for many types of exotic pets, including:

• Reptiles & Amphibians

  Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates that are covered in special skin made of bony plates, hard scales or a combination of both. Reptiles can include iguanas, tortoises, lizards, turtles, snakes and more.
  
  Amphibians are air-breathing animals that require lots of environmental water (and a generally moist environment) to survive. They include frogs, salamanders, toads and newts.

  To give your pet the best chance at a healthy life, their habitat and diet must be meticulously maintained. Preventive care is critical.

• Exotic Mammals

  Exotic mammals include any small mammal, from rabbits and ferrets to guinea pigs and 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.

• Birds

  Birds are small exotic pets that have become popular for people who are searching for intelligent, social and affectionate companions with plenty of personality. Pet birds are often parrots, finches, canaries and backyard poultry but there is a whole world of options beyond them.

  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.