Avian & Exotic Veterinary Services in Tracy

About Avian & Exotic Pets

While we do not offer avian and exotic pet care services at this time, our veterinarians in Tracy are happy to share valuable information about avian and exotic pets. Find answers to questions you may have below.

Exotic Animals

Avian and exotic animals fall under three unique species classifications, 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.

Avian & Exotic Pet Care FAQs

Learn more about where to take your bird, reptile or mammal by reading through our most frequently asked questions.

• What is the avian species?

  Any and all things related to birds are considered avian species. These small exotic mammals are popular pets for individuals seeking affectionate, intelligent companions with unique personalities.

• What is an exotic mammal?

  Exotic mammals are small mammals including rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and ferrets.

  Because many exotic pets are prey species in the wild, they can hide signs of illness or injury exceptionally well until it is quite advanced, which is why preventive veterinary care is so important.

• What are reptiles?

  Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates and are covered in special skin made of hard scales, bony plates or a combination of both. They regularly shed an outer layer of skin. These can include lizards, iguanas, snakes, turtles, lizards and more.

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

• Where can I get veterinary care for my avian or exotic pet?

  Our veterinary team at Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital does not currently offer veterinary care for avian or exotic pets at this time. 

  For avian or exotic pet care near Tracy, please contact one of the animal hospitals listed above. 

• What does a veterinarian for exotic mammals do?

  Similar to cats and dogs, small mammals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and other exotic pets benefit from regular veterinary care to help them live a long, healthy life.

  These veterinarians are trained in the unique care and husbandry needs and veterinary treatment of these species. Specifically, they perform routine exams, conduct assessments and recommend diagnostics and treatment for illnesses and health conditions.

• What types of veterinary care does my exotic pet need?

  Avian and exotic pets have unique characteristics and veterinary needs.

  They benefit from regularly scheduled wellness checkups to ensure their health, housing, nutrition, care and husbandry requirements are being met. Veterinarians may also address behavioral concerns.

  These animals will also need to see a veterinarian if they become ill or have other health or behavioral concerns. Many hospitals offer specialty appointments and emergency care to assess, diagnose and treat sick exotic pets.