BluePearl Pet Hospital
Tacoma
Lakewood, WA
Avian & Exotics Medicine

24/7 Emergency and Specialty
Emergency:
24/7
Specialty:
By appointment
Please call ahead before visiting

Pet avian and exotics medicine by BluePearl.

Tailored care for every pet – feathers, fangs, fur and more.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary avian and exotics team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases in birds, small mammals, reptiles and other species, and we’re here to help. 

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

A veterinarian exams a lizard

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

Whether your pet has an acute illness, chronic condition or just needs a checkup, you’ll have an entire avian and exotics team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Infections
  • Injuries
  • Dental diseases
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Metabolic disorders like kidney disease
  • Behavioral issues
  • Reproductive complications
  • Cancer

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Electrocardiography (ECG)
  • Radiography (x-rays)
  • Ultrasound
  • Endoscopy
  • Blood/urine testing

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our avian and exotics medicine team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Wellness exams
  • Dental care
  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Chronic disease management

Our avian & exotics team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our avian and exotics team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Kristin Gill

DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)
Board Certified Veterinary Practitioner (Avian Practice)

Avian & Exotics Medicine
On the job

Dr. Kristin Gill enjoys all aspects of avian and exotics medicine, particularly avian orthopedics and complex medical cases in birds and rabbits.

Education
  • Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Avian Practice)
  • Residency, Avian & Exotics, BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Tampa, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Off duty

Dr. Gill lives with three large breed rabbits, a pionus parrot, a corn snake, several bichir, and dermestid beetles. Her hobbies include ceramics, dabbling in other crafts, reading and kayaking.

Publications and articles

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the avian and exotics vet, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.