What is considered an exotic pet?

Exotic pets encompass a wide range of animals beyond the typical household pets like dogs and cats. At BluePearl Glendale, our avian and exotics team specializes in treating: Birds: Including parrots, canaries, cockatiels, and finches. Reptiles: Such as snakes, lizards, and turtles. Amphibians: Including frogs, toads, and salamanders. Small Mammals: Like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats, chinchillas, and hedgehogs. Some Fish and Invertebrates: Please call ahead to confirm if your species is treated. If your pet doesn't fit the typical dog or cat category, they likely qualify as an exotic pet.

When should I take my exotic pet to a specialist?

It's crucial to consult an avian and exotics veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of the following: Unusual or sudden changes in behavior. Irregular eating, pooping, or shedding habits. Signs of swelling, discharge, or breathing difficulties. Limping, falling, or lethargy. Needs for surgery, diagnostics, or species-specific expertise. A referral from your regular veterinarian.

Why is specialist care important for exotic pets?

Exotic pets often conceal signs of illness and require distinct treatments compared to cats and dogs. Specialist care is vital because: Specialists have advanced training in species-specific anatomy and diseases. They are skilled in sedation and anesthesia for small or sensitive pets. They understand nutrition and husbandry issues unique to exotic species. They can perform specialized diagnostics like imaging, cytology, and cultures. They are equipped to handle surgery and intensive care for nontraditional species. Early and accurate care from an experienced exotics vet can significantly impact your pet's health and well-being.

Exotic Pet Vet Glendale | Avian and Reptile Specialist

What qualifies as an exotic pet?

Our avian and exotics service treats:

Birds (parrots, canaries, cockatiels, finches, etc.)
Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles)
Amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders)
Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats, chinchillas, hedgehogs)
Some fish and invertebrates (call ahead for species confirmation)

If your pet isn’t a dog or cat, there’s a good chance they fall into this category.

When to bring your exotic pet to a specialist.

See an avian and exotics vet if your pet:

Has unusual or sudden behavior changes
Isn’t eating, pooping, or shedding normally
Has swelling, discharge, or difficulty breathing
Is limping, falling, or appears lethargic
Needs surgery, diagnostics, or species-specific expertise
Was referred by your regular veterinarian

Why specialist care matters.

Exotic pets often hide signs of illness – and require very different treatments than cats and dogs. A specialist has advanced training in:

Species-specific anatomy and disease
Sedation and anesthesia for small or sensitive pets
Nutrition and husbandry issues
Diagnostics like imaging, cytology, and cultures
Surgery and intensive care for nontraditional species

Early, accurate care from an experienced exotics vet can make a critical difference.

BluePearl Glendale’s approach.

Our avian and exotics service is available by referral or appointment. We work closely with your regular vet and provide detailed plans for ongoing care. From urgent needs to chronic conditions, we’re here to support your unique pet’s health.

Understanding exotic pet care at BluePearl Glendale — FAQ.

Exotic pets encompass a wide range of animals beyond the typical household pets like dogs and cats. At BluePearl Glendale, our avian and exotics team specializes in treating:

Birds: Including parrots, canaries, cockatiels, and finches.
Reptiles: Such as snakes, lizards, and turtles.
Amphibians: Including frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Small Mammals: Like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats, chinchillas, and hedgehogs.
Some Fish and Invertebrates: Please call ahead to confirm if your species is treated.

If your pet doesn't fit the typical dog or cat category, they likely qualify as an exotic pet.

It's crucial to consult an avian and exotics veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of the following:

Unusual or sudden changes in behavior.
Irregular eating, pooping, or shedding habits.
Signs of swelling, discharge, or breathing difficulties.
Limping, falling, or lethargy.
Needs for surgery, diagnostics, or species-specific expertise.
A referral from your regular veterinarian.

Exotic pets often conceal signs of illness and require distinct treatments compared to cats and dogs. Specialist care is vital because:

Specialists have advanced training in species-specific anatomy and diseases.
They are skilled in sedation and anesthesia for small or sensitive pets.
They understand nutrition and husbandry issues unique to exotic species.
They can perform specialized diagnostics like imaging, cytology, and cultures.
They are equipped to handle surgery and intensive care for nontraditional species.

Early and accurate care from an experienced exotics vet can significantly impact your pet's health and well-being.

At BluePearl Glendale, our avian and exotics service is accessible by referral or appointment. We collaborate closely with your regular veterinarian to provide comprehensive care plans for your pet's ongoing health. Whether addressing urgent needs or managing chronic conditions, our team is dedicated to supporting the unique health requirements of your exotic pet.

By understanding the specific needs of exotic pets and knowing when to seek specialist care, you can ensure your pet receives the best possible care tailored to their unique requirements.