When it comes to your unique exotic pet, specialized knowledge isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Benefit from professional insights into animal health, medication administration (if needed), and recognizing subtle signs that require attention.

Learn about the difference professional veterinary experience makes.

Why Choose an Exotic Pet Professional?

Exotic pets have specialized needs that differ significantly from traditional pets such as cats and dogs:

• Species-Specific Requirements: Each exotic species has unique dietary, environmental, and behavioral needs that require specialized knowledge.
• Proper Handling: Incorrect handling can cause injury and/or stress to exotic pets. My professional training ensures I know the proper techniques for each species, and respecting their personal space.
• Stress Sensitivity: Many exotic animals are particularly sensitive to changes in their routine and environment. An exotic pet specialist knows how to mitigate stress while prioritizing your pet’s health.
• Quick Problem Recognition: Unlike cats and dogs, exotic pets (especially prey animals) tend to hide their symptoms. As such, it is important to hire someone with a keen eye for identifying subtle changes in your pet’s behavior and address them before they become serious. This proactive observation can be crucial for early intervention and better health outcomes for your pet.

My Exotic Veterinary Background: Expertise You Can Trust

Place your trust in experienced, professional hands. My role as an Exotic Veterinary Assistant at the local Bay Area Bird and Exotics Hospital in San Francisco provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the specialized care exotic pets require.

My professional experience involved providing dedicated care for a wide variety of animals – from reptiles like snakes, bearded dragons and geckos, to birds such as African greys and budgies, and small mammals including rabbits (ask about the baby Flemish Giant!) and guinea pigs. I’m proficient in essential skills learned in a clinical setting, including:

• Proficiency in administering medications (such as oral and topical) and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians
• Safe handling and species-specific care routines, along with gentle restraint techniques
• Detailed knowledge of normal vs. abnormal behaviors and subtle signs of illness across a wide range of exotic species
• Post-procedure monitoring and recovery support

This isn’t just pet sitting; it’s specialized care grounded in real-world veterinary experience. You can relax knowing your pet will receive attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate care, informed by professional standards and a genuine understanding of their specific needs.

What We Offer – Expert Care for Diverse Exotic Pets

My primary focus is providing exceptional in-home care, ensuring your pets are comfortable and their routines are maintained. I offer tailored care plans for a variety of exotic animals, leveraging my clinical experience to focus on their unique requirements for their environment, diet, and well-being:

Reptile Care (e.g., Bearded Dragons, Geckos, Snakes, Turtles, Tortoises)

• Expert management of species-specific temperature, humidity, and UVB/UVA lighting.
• Specialized dietary preparation (including live insects, varied greens, appropriate supplements) and careful monitoring of appetite and digestion.
• Vet Assistant Insight: Vigilant observation for subtle signs of common reptile issues (e.g., MBD, respiratory infections, shedding problems) for early awareness and proactive care.

Avian Care (e.g., Parrots, Cockatiels, Finches, Canaries, Chickens, Ducks)

• Daily provision of fresh, species-appropriate diets (pellets, seeds, fruits, vegetables) and clean water; meticulous cage and food/water dish hygiene.
• Monitoring for behavioral changes, feather condition, stress bars, and other indicators of avian health.
• Vet Assistant Insight: Deep understanding of avian stress signals, enrichment needs, and environmental requirements to ensure a calm, safe, and healthy setting.

Small Mammal Care (e.g., Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Ferrets, Chinchillas, Hamsters, Rats)

• Tailored diets including unlimited fresh hay, species-specific pellets, and appropriate fresh vegetables/fruits; constant access to clean water.
• Regular enclosure cleaning, bedding changes, and provision of safe environmental enrichment.
• Vet Assistant Insight: Experienced in recognizing early signs of common small mammal ailments (e.g., GI stasis in rabbits/guinea pigs, dental issues, respiratory distress, overgrown nails), crucial for their delicate health.

Aquatic Life & Other Pets:

• Careful feeding for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic life; observation of water quality and equipment function.
• Knowledgeable care for amphibians like frogs, newts, and axolotls, including habitat maintenance.
• Dedicated care for both feline and canine companions, including feeding, walks, litter box maintenance, play, and affection.

Animals I’ve seen and will happily care for:

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Fat-tailed Geckos
• Leopard Geckos
• Bearded Dragons
• Chameleons
• Iguanas
• Large Tortoises (We often needed a scale for dogs to measure these guys!)
• Box Turtles

Amphibians:

• Newts
• Frogs
• Axolotls

Birds:

• Budgies (often interchanged with parakeets~)
• Finches
• Parrots
• Cockatoos
• African Greys
• Chickens
• Ducks
• Conures

Small Mammals:

• Hamsters
• Rats
• Guinea Pigs
• Rabbits (from Dwarf to Flemish Giants)
• Chinchillas
• Ferrets

Aquarium Buddies:

• Fish
• Eels
• Crabs
• Snails
• Shrimp

And many more!