If you have an exotic pet you should identify a vet before you need them.
In fact, it’s advised to have a first “well visit” with your veterinarian after acquiring your new pet. Not only do you establish an important relationship early on, but a vet who sees exotics can often provide super important health care information at that first visit…helping you and Rochester the Bearded Dragon avoid problems down the road.
But where do you start? Some of my clients hear about my services because they called other animal clinics and these clinics referred them to me. Some people google “veterinarians near me” until they find a hospital’s website that lists services for exotics. Some people find my services by searching “mobile exotic vet near me” or “vets that make house calls.”
Here are a few resources that may help you cut to the chase:
Bay Area Emergency vet Hospitals
Always call the emergency veterinary clinic in advance to confirm a doctor who can treat your pet's species is on duty.
PETS Referral Center - 510-548-6684 - Berkeley, CA
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) - 925-718-7771 - San Ramon, CA
Bay Area Exotics Veterinarians
Rabbits
Dr. Molly Gleeson (by appointment), PETS Referral Center - 510-548-6684 - Berkeley, CA [also a 24hr emergency hospital]
Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz - 831-440-8590 - Santa Cruz, CA
Rabbit rescue organizations' recommended vet lists:
House Rabbit Society
SaveABunny
The Rabbit Haven
Birds
Medical Center for Birds - 925-625-1878 - Oakley, CA
Dr. Molly Gleeson (by appointment), PETS Referral Center - 510-548-6684 - Berkeley, CA [also a 24hr emergency hospital]
Dr. Cynthia Lynn, Lafayette Animal Hospital - 925-284-4412 - Lafayette, CA
Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz - 831-440-8590 - Santa Cruz, CA
The Association of Avian Veterinarians’ Find-A-Vet tool
Avian rescue organizations' recommended vet lists:
Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue
Palomacy (Pigeons)
Reptiles & Frogs
Dr. Molly Gleeson (by appointment), PETS Referral Center - 510-548-6684 - Berkeley, CA [also a 24hr emergency hospital]
Hayward Veterinary Hospital - 510-200-7280 - Hayward, CA
Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz - 831-440-8590 - Santa Cruz, CA
Dr. Nicole Captanian, Fairfax Veterinary Clinic - 415-454-8204 - Fairfax, CA
The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians' Find-A-Vet tool
GUINEA PIGS, RATS, MICE, HaMSTERS
Dr. Molly Gleeson (by appointment), PETS Referral Center - 510-548-6684 - Berkeley, CA [also a 24hr emergency hospital]
Hayward Veterinary Hospital - 510-200-7280 - Hayward, CA
Dr. Cynthia Lynn, Lafayette Animal Hospital - 925-284-4412 - Lafayette, CA
Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz - 831-440-8590 - Santa Cruz, CA
Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, Llamas
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - 530-752-1393 - you can also ask if there’s anyone they recommend in the Bay Area
North Bay Farm Vets - 707-782-8863 - Mobile practice
Pet Pigs (potbelly, teacup, mini, etc.)
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - 530-752-1393 - you can also ask if there’s anyone they recommend in the Bay Area
North Bay Farm Vets - 707-782-8863 - Mobile practice
The CA Potbellied Pig Association’s vet list
Fish
Aquatic Veterinary Services - 831-278-1081 - Mobile veterinary practice taking care of pet fish in California and Nevada, based in Santa Cruz, CA.
The American Association of Fish Veterinarian’s Find-A-Fish-Vet
Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians
These are the nutty among us who see snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs, to name a few. Use their Find a Vet button to search by zip code.
Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
This is an organization of veterinarians dedicated to advancing the care of guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, chinchillas, hedgehogs, ferrets, and other exotic companion mammals. Use their Vet Locator.
Association of Avian Veterinarians
These are vets who identify as bird vets and often attend the AAV meetings, keeping up on the latest in pet bird care. Under their Resources menu is Find a Vet, and search by city.