What can I expect at an exotic pet veterinary appointment?

Exotic pets such as birds, rabbits, reptiles, and small mammals benefit greatly from regular veterinary care to support a long, healthy, and happy life. Our Orléans-based veterinarians understand the unique care, nutrition, and husbandry needs of these beloved companions. During your exotic pet's initial wellness visit, a veterinarian will review their housing, diet, daily care routine, and overall environment. Next, a thorough physical examination will be performed to assess their health from head to tail. Your veterinarian may recommend appropriate health screening tests or vaccines, depending on your pet’s species, age, and lifestyle. Preventive care is especially important for exotic pets, as they often hide signs of illness. We’ll also discuss any concerns you may have about your companion’s behaviour, habitat, or well-being. You’ll receive personalized recommendations tailored to your pet's needs, along with guidance to help you provide the best possible care at home.

Do you offer emergency appointments for exotic pets?

Birds and other exotic pets with health or behaviour concerns can be seen by our veterinarian. If possible, please call (613) 837-3881 in advance to determine availability. Health problems can escalate quickly in small animals. Do not delay in contacting an exotic pet veterinarian if your pet shows any signs of illness.

What is an exotic mammal?

An exotic mammal is a small or non-traditional pet that is not a cat or dog, but still requires professional care from a veterinarian. These beloved companions often have unique dietary, housing, and health needs that differ from more common household pets. Examples of exotic mammals include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders. Each species has its own specific requirements, and proper husbandry plays a key role in keeping them healthy. Because these furry friends can hide signs of illness, regular checkups with a veterinarian experienced in exotic care are especially important. A veterinarian who regularly works with exotic pets can help guide you on nutrition, habitat setup, and preventive care to support your companion’s long-term well-being.

What is the avian species?

The avian species involves any and all things in relation to birds. These small exotic animals have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with personality to spare. Many birds are prey species in the wild and may hide signs of illness as a defence mechanism against predators, making consistent, qualified preventive veterinary care critical to their health and well-being.

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.

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Exotic Pet Care

At Gloucester Veterinary Hospital in Orléans, our veterinarians treat all kinds of small exotic pets, including birds, reptiles and small mammals such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs.

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Veterinary Care for Birds, Reptiles & Small Mammals

We know that caring for your exotic pet requires knowledge and experience, so rest assured that your loved ones are in good hands. Because, after all, cats and dogs aren't the only companions that deserve professional care when they need it.

Our team is dedicated to providing birds, reptiles, and small mammals with proper care so they can enjoy long and healthy lives. We are also here for you whenever your pets are not feeling well.

Our staff of veterinary professionals in Orléans provides preventive and medical care for birds, reptiles and small mammals and can give you the guidance you need to keep your exotic pet looking and feeling great.

Avian & Exotic Pet Services, Orléans Veterinarians

Exotic Pets We Treat

At Gloucester Veterinary Hospital, we provide dedicated veterinary care for cherished pets of many species, 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.

Exotic Pet Care FAQs

At Gloucester Veterinary Hospital, we provide routine wellness and preventive care services for your bird or other exotic pet. Exotic pets can also be seen for medical or behavioural concerns.

What can I expect at an exotic pet veterinary appointment?

Exotic pets such as birds, rabbits, reptiles, and small mammals benefit greatly from regular veterinary care to support a long, healthy, and happy life. Our Orléans-based veterinarians understand the unique care, nutrition, and husbandry needs of these beloved companions.

During your exotic pet's initial wellness visit, a veterinarian will review their housing, diet, daily care routine, and overall environment. Next, a thorough physical examination will be performed to assess their health from head to tail.

Your veterinarian may recommend appropriate health screening tests or vaccines, depending on your pet’s species, age, and lifestyle. Preventive care is especially important for exotic pets, as they often hide signs of illness.

We’ll also discuss any concerns you may have about your companion’s behaviour, habitat, or well-being.

You’ll receive personalized recommendations tailored to your pet's needs, along with guidance to help you provide the best possible care at home.
Do you offer emergency appointments for exotic pets?

Birds and other exotic pets with health or behaviour concerns can be seen by our veterinarian. If possible, please call (613) 837-3881 in advance to determine availability.

Health problems can escalate quickly in small animals. Do not delay in contacting an exotic pet veterinarian if your pet shows any signs of illness.
What is an exotic mammal?

An exotic mammal is a small or non-traditional pet that is not a cat or dog, but still requires professional care from a veterinarian. These beloved companions often have unique dietary, housing, and health needs that differ from more common household pets.

Examples of exotic mammals include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, ferrets, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders. Each species has its own specific requirements, and proper husbandry plays a key role in keeping them healthy.

Because these furry friends can hide signs of illness, regular checkups with a veterinarian experienced in exotic care are especially important. A veterinarian who regularly works with exotic pets can help guide you on nutrition, habitat setup, and preventive care to support your companion’s long-term well-being.
What is the avian species?

The avian species involves any and all things in relation to birds. These small exotic animals have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with personality to spare.

Many birds are prey species in the wild and may hide signs of illness as a defence 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.

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Providing Veterinary Care in Orléans

At Gloucester Veterinary Hospital, we understand the needs of dogs and cats. We are dedicated to providing top-notch service. Get in touch today to book an appointment.