How to find a veterinarian for snakes, parrots, or other exotic animals?

Finding a qualified veterinarian for exotic animals in Calgary can be a serious challenge for owners of parrots, snakes, lizards, and other unusual pets. Unlike traditional pets, exotic species require specialized knowledge, equipment, and experience that not all veterinarians have in their arsenal. For Ukrainian newcomers who may have experience keeping a variety of animals, understanding the Canadian veterinary system and finding the right specialists is critical to ensuring the health of their exotic companions.

Unique challenges of veterinary care for exotic animals

Medical care and treatment of birds and exotic pets requires extensive and in-depth knowledge, as symptoms and conditions vary greatly between species. Exotic animals have specific needs in terms of housing, diet, and socialization, and each is prone to specific diseases that require diagnostic tests and treatments that can differ significantly from those required to treat dogs and cats.

Veterinarians who treat these patients must receive special training beyond that provided in veterinary school and have specialized equipment to meet these needs. Finding a veterinarian who has the experience and equipment to diagnose and treat these unique pets can be a difficult task. There are fewer than 100 board-certified avian specialists worldwide.

Many exotic animals are prey species in the wild and often hide signs of illness as a defense mechanism against predators, making ongoing, skilled preventive veterinary care vital to their health and well-being.

Leading clinics for exotic animals in Calgary

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic — the flagship of specialized care

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic is the only veterinary practice in Calgary dedicated exclusively to the health and well-being of exotic animal species. Address: 2308 24 St SW #1, Calgary, AB T2T 5H8 This clinic is the gold standard for exotic animal care in the region.

The clinic serves all types of exotic animals, including:

• birds
• rabbits
• ferrets
• reptiles (snakes, lizards, and turtles)
• rodents (chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, degus)
• hedgehogs
• sugar gliders
• amphibians, fish, ornamental birds, and other species

The clinic's staff is fully trained and experienced in the care of exotic animals, including:

• grooming exotic animals
• beak management in birds and turtles
• wing trimming in birds
• nail trimming
• other specialized procedures

The clinic offers complete medical and surgical services for all species of birds, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and others.

Clinic facilities include:

• high-definition digital radiology
• laboratory services
• surgery
• rigid endoscopy
• warranty examinations
• vaccinations and other procedures

Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Wednesdays until 8:00 p.m.)
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

The Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic Team

• Dr. Leticia Materi — Partner since 2005, joined the team two weeks after graduating from Western College of Veterinary Medicine (2004). Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (University of Calgary) and a PhD in Anatomy and Neurobiology (Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS).
• Dr. Nicole Sereda — a Calgary native, graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, worked in British Columbia, and returned in 2024 to join the clinic.
• Dr. Kaleigh Eichel — a graduate of the University of Calgary, completed her internship in exotic animal medicine and surgery at the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (Bothell, Washington). She joined the clinic in 2023.

Alternative clinics offering services for exotic animals

Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic

Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic offers exotic animal care as part of its services.

Services:

• Birds: parrots, corellas, conures, finches, canaries, backyard birds
• Exotic mammals: ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs
• Reptiles and amphibians: lizards, turtles, snakes

Contact: (403) 247-2737 Hours:

• Monday–Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday: Closed

Cypress View Veterinary Clinic

Cypress View Vet Clinic now offers exotic animal care with Dr. Rad as their specialist.

Services:

• Birds: wellness exams, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, laboratory work, nutritional advice, nail trimming, end-of-life care
• Small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, chinchillas, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, degus) — similar services
• reptiles and amphibians: wellness exams, treatment, consultations, end-of-life care
• large snakes: home visits available

Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital

Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital

Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital positions itself as a trusted partner in providing first-class veterinary services for small and exotic animals in NW Calgary, Alberta. They serve Sage Hill, Nolan Hill, Evanston, Panorama Hills, Country Hills, Beddington, Sherwood, Kincora, and surrounding communities. Their modern facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure the highest standard of veterinary care.

Britannia Kingsland Veterinary Clinic

Britannia Kingsland Veterinary Clinic offers medical care for animals ranging from mice to large snakes, as well as cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, pocket animals, and exotic animals. They use an integrative approach that incorporates traditional and alternative medicine, depending on what works best for each individual animal. The clinic offers same-day appointments for urgent cases.

Clinics outside Calgary with specialized services

Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital (Edmonton)

Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital in Edmonton specializes in exceptional care for exotic animals. Their veterinarians are trained in exotic animal medicine, making them qualified to treat and care for a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and pocket animals.

The team is affiliated with the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, regularly attending continuing education courses to stay current in exotic animal medicine. They create a stress-free environment for rabbits, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small animals, supporting “Fear-Free Avian” veterinary medicine.

Pulse Veterinary Specialists & Emergency (Edmonton)

Pulse Veterinary is the only veterinarian-owned emergency and referral hospital in Alberta. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and have a team of 10 experienced emergency veterinarians.

They treat gastric stasis, respiratory infections, and ear diseases in rabbits, can perform ultrasonography and surgical procedures on ferrets, and treat birds for trauma, egg binding, and husbandry issues. They can also treat gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice for various infectious and traumatic conditions.

Delton Veterinary Hospital (Edmonton)

Delton Veterinary Hospital in Edmonton has been a family practice since 1972 and provides services for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, pocket animals, and exotic animals. As VIN members, they have constant access to a vast veterinary medical library and a worldwide community of over 50,000 veterinarians, including hundreds of specialists.

Emergency Care for Exotic Animals

24-hour services in Calgary

Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital now accepts exotic animals. Located at 4110 - 5111 Northland Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2J8, they offer 24/7 emergency and routine veterinary care. Their exotic animal team is available to treat and care for your exotic pet.

VCA Calgary North Animal Hospital is open 24 hours a day and offers exotic care services. They are located at 4204-4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2K 1A2 and have a veterinarian, veterinary technicians, and support staff available 24/7 for your pet's emergency and urgent care needs.

Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital is a 100% Calgary-owned and operated emergency pet hospital open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They accept walk-in patients as well as transfers from your family veterinarian.

Specific emergency situations for exotic animals

Emergencies for exotic animal species are often much more critical than similar situations for dogs and cats. Exotic animals can deteriorate quickly, and early intervention is often key to successful outcomes.

Common emergency situations for exotic animals include egg binding in birds, gastric stasis in rabbits, respiratory distress in all species, trauma, poisoning, and seizure disorders. If your exotic animal shows signs of distress, it is important to contact a qualified veterinarian immediately.

Cost of veterinary care for exotic animals

The cost of veterinary care for exotic animals can be significant, especially for emergency services. According to a Reddit discussion about emergency vet bills in Calgary, an emergency consultation costs approximately $120, initial X-rays are around $290, and blood work can range from $90 to $200+.

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic operates by appointment, and new clients are advised to arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment time for registration. They accept cash, debit, Mastercard, or Visa at the time of discharge. A deposit for estimated fees is required for surgical procedures.

Most pet insurance providers pay between 80% and 90% of the vet bill. You may even get coverage for routine care and items such as vaccinations and dental cleanings. Pet insurance can make financial sense in the long run and also provides peace of mind.

Specialized insurance for exotic animals

Nationwide offers an “Avian and Exotic Pet Health Insurance” plan that provides comprehensive coverage for a variety of animals beyond traditional dogs and cats. Recognizing that exotic pets require specialized care, Nationwide has expanded its coverage to include certain exotic animals, such as reptiles and birds, for multiple medical problems and conditions related to accidents, illnesses, and injuries.

Petsecure, Pets Plus Us, PC Insurance, and Trupanion are among the best providers of exotic pet insurance. Each offers excellent coverage options with some add-ons. The cost may depend on several factors, such as the type and age of your exotic pet.

Preparing for a visit to the veterinarian

Transporting exotic animals

For the safety of your pet and the comfort of others, please bring your pet in a carrier or appropriately sized cage. Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic requires this for all visits. Proper transportation is especially important for exotic animals, which may be more prone to stress and injury during transport.

Medical history and documentation

If your animal is being seen for a second opinion or on a referral basis, please ask the referring clinic to email the files to the clinic's email address. Prepare a detailed history of your animal's behavior, diet, and any changes you have noticed.

Questions to discuss with your veterinarian

An annual visit to an avian veterinarian is recommended for all pet birds. The health exam should include an evaluation of diet and housing and a complete physical exam. Because birds are so adept at hiding their problems, testing such as blood sampling, fecal evaluation, or microbiological evaluation (vent or throat swabs) may be recommended.

Professional associations and resources

Association of Avian Veterinarians

The Association of Avian Veterinarians is an international professional organization of practitioners who advance and promote avian medicine, stewardship, and conservation through the education of its members, the veterinary community, and those they serve. You can find an avian vet using the AAV search query form.

Hagen Avicultural Research Institute

The Hagen Avicultural Research Institute provides a list of expert contacts specializing in avian care. They note that they cannot endorse any particular clinic or guarantee the quality of their services.

Calgary Parrot Club

The Calgary Parrot Club has an “Ask the Avian Vet” section with Dr. Leticia Materi from the Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic. This may be a valuable resource for bird owners in Calgary.

Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians

Dr. Leticia Materi is currently the Canadian liaison for the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). ReptiFiles maintains a reptile vet directory that was compiled with submissions from reptile keepers who have had positive experiences with these clinics and veterinarians.

Special Services and Procedures

Surgical Procedures

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic offers complete medical and surgical services. Southpointe Pet Hospital offers small mammal spays and neuters. Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic can perform various surgical procedures for exotic animals.

Diagnostic services

Many clinics offer in-house high-resolution digital radiography, laboratory services, and other diagnostic tools. Pulse Veterinary has even performed multiple CT scans on rabbits to better assess their oral pathology.

Grooming and maintenance procedures

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic has staff who are fully trained and experienced in exotic pet grooming, including beak management in birds and turtles, wing clipping in birds, and nail trimming. Southpointe Pet Hospital offers avian beak, nail, and wing trims.

Tips for choosing the right veterinarian

Experience and qualifications

Look for veterinarians who have specific training and experience working with your type of exotic animal. Veterinarians who treat exotic patients should receive specialized training beyond what is provided in veterinary school.

Equipment and facilities

Make sure the clinic has specialized equipment for diagnosis and treatment of your type of animal. This may include:

• specialized radiology equipment
• laboratory facilities
• emergency life support systems

Accessibility and emergency services

Consider the proximity of the clinic and their availability for emergency situations. Exotic animals may require immediate medical attention, and having accessible emergency care may be vital.

Recommendations and reviews

Read online reviews and seek recommendations from other exotic pet owners. The Calgary Parrot Club and other local exotic pet groups can be excellent resources for recommendations.

Conclusion

Finding a qualified veterinarian for snakes, parrots, or other exotic animals in Calgary requires research and planning, but options are available.

Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic remains the gold standard for specialized care, but several other clinics also offer services for exotic animals.

For emergency situations, several 24-hour facilities now accept exotic animals. The key is to find a veterinarian with the right experience, equipment, and commitment to care for your exotic pet's unique needs.

Regular preventive care, combined with access to emergency services when needed, will ensure that your exotic pet receives the best possible care in Calgary.