Care for Birds, Reptiles & Small Mammals in Kitimat
We know that caring for your exotic pet requires knowledge and experience, so rest assured that your loved ones are in good hands.
Our team is dedicated to providing birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals with the specialized care they need to live long and healthy lives. We are also here for your pets when they are not feeling well.
Our Kitimat veterinary professionals provide preventive and medical care for birds, reptiles, and small mammals, and can give you the information you need to keep your exotic pet looking and feeling their best.
FAQs for Care of Exotic Pets
At Kitimat 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.
- Wellness & Preventive Care
Much like cats and dogs, birds and other exotic pets benefit from regular veterinary care to help them live long, happy, and healthy life. Our vets are trained in the unique care and husbandry needs and veterinary treatment of these 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 behaviour concerns with you and answer any questions you might have. Recommendations will be tailored to the needs of your pet and its family.
- What can I expect at an exotic appointment?
When you bring your exotic mammal in for a routine exam, we will assess the overall health of your pet. We will perform a thorough physical examination, recommend the appropriate preventive care, and answer any questions you may have about your pet to help ensure their health and longevity.
- Sick Pet Appointments & Daytime Emergencies
Birds and other exotic pets with health or behaviour concerns can be seen by our vet. If possible, please call (250) 639-2299 in advance to determine the availability of our veterinarian. While we do accept walk-in and work-in emergencies for exotic pets, there may be an additional fee if a double booking of appointments occurs.
- What is an exotic mammal?
Exotic mammals are small animals including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, 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.
- What is the avian species?
The avian species involves anything about birds. These small exotic animals have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with personalities 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, their habitat and diet must be meticulously maintained. Preventive care is critical.
Exotics We Treat
At Kitimat Veterinary Hospital, we provide dedicated veterinary care for many types of exotic pets, 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 more.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, and others.