Exotic and bird vets near Palo Alto

Exotic pets need vets with specific training. A rabbit's gut, a parrot's lungs and a bearded dragon's need for heat and light all work differently from a dog's. In Palo Alto that is a problem. Both general practices in town say they see dogs and cats only. We did not find an exotics-only practice in the city.

So this guide broadens to Los Altos, Mountain View and San Jose. Every practice below says on its own website that it sees exotic animals. We do not rank vets. Because only some doctors at mixed practices see exotics, always call before you go to make sure someone is on duty for your species. This page is informational only. If your pet seems seriously ill, call a vet now.

Practices that see exotic pets

Adobe Animal Hospital, Los Altos

Adobe's exotic pet page says some of its doctors see birds, chickens, chinchillas, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, turtles and more. It is candid about the limits. Not every doctor sees exotics, some only see certain species and the doctors on duty are not board-certified exotics specialists. It asks owners to call (650) 948-9661 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to confirm a suitable vet is working that day. When one is, it can support urgent cases such as GI stasis in rabbits and guinea pigs that have not eaten in more than 12 hours, breathing problems and wounds. X-rays, bloodwork and surgery for exotics happen only in daytime hours when an exotics vet is on duty. Adobe's medical boarding does not take exotics for now.

Miramonte Veterinary Hospital, Mountain View

Miramonte, near the Los Altos border, describes its patients as all creatures great and small that can come through its front door. Its veterinarian, Dr. Kenton Taylor, lists memberships in the Association of Avian Veterinarians and the Association of Amphibian and Reptile Veterinarians. He is also accredited by the USDA to sign health certificates for all species, which matters if you are moving a bird or reptile across state lines. The practice has short hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays and closes Sundays. For after-hours care it names MedVet Mountain View. Our Mountain View guide covers the area.

VCA Orchard Plaza Animal Hospital, San Jose

This VCA hospital on Cottle Road in south San Jose says it is one of the only hospitals in the area that sees birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals. It is a long drive from Palo Alto, roughly 25 miles, but it is an option when closer practices cannot fit you in. Check its own page for hours and booking. Our San Jose guide covers the city.

Routine care for exotic pets

Many exotic pet problems start with husbandry: the wrong diet, cage, temperature or lighting. A first checkup soon after you bring an animal home is the best time to ask about setup. Rabbits and guinea pigs need constant access to hay. Their teeth grow throughout life. Birds need a varied diet rather than seed alone, plus safe toys and time out of the cage. Reptiles depend on correct heat gradients and UVB light. The bulbs lose strength over time. Bring photos of the enclosure and a list of everything your pet eats to the appointment. Ask how often your species should be seen. Many exotics vets suggest a yearly exam, since these animals hide illness so well.

Exotic pet emergencies

Exotic animals often hide illness until they are very sick. A bird sitting fluffed up at the bottom of its cage or a rabbit that stops eating needs help quickly.

Veterinary Emergency Group at 3903 El Camino Real, on the corner of Ventura Avenue, is open 24 hours a day and says it treats all pets, including birds, reptiles and other exotics. It recommends calling 650-999-3505 on the way. MedVet's network lists an avian and exotics specialty, but its Mountain View hospital page does not list that service, so call before taking an exotic pet there. Our emergency vets guide covers all three 24-hour hospitals near Palo Alto.

Signs that need a prompt call

• A rabbit or guinea pig that stops eating or stops passing droppings
• A bird that is fluffed up, sitting on the cage floor or breathing with its tail bobbing
• A reptile with swelling, a soft or misshapen shell or jaw or trouble shedding
• Bleeding, a broken blood feather or a fall
• Any pet that may have eaten something toxic

Finding more exotics vets

• House Rabbit Society. Its list of rabbit-savvy Bay Area veterinarians is compiled from owner recommendations. Some entries carry notes about new clients, so confirm current details with each practice.
• Shelters. Pets In Need and the Peninsula Humane Society adopt out small animals and can often suggest local vets who treat them.
• Your regular vet. Even if a dog and cat practice cannot treat your bird, it may know who can.

What you can keep in California

California restricts many animals. The list sits in Title 14, section 671, of the California Code of Regulations. The Department of Fish and Wildlife says anyone who imports, transports or possesses a listed animal needs a restricted species permit. The permit types it describes are for zoos, breeders, researchers, aquaculture and similar uses, not ordinary household pets. Ferrets are the best-known example of a pet that is legal in most states but not in California. Check the list before you buy or adopt any unusual animal. Check it again before you move one here from another state.

Wild animals are a separate matter. Picking up wildlife or keeping it is illegal without a permit. For injured wildlife in Palo Alto, call Animal Control at (650) 329-2413. The Peninsula Humane Society's wildlife line is (650) 340-8200, extension 414.

Adopting and supplies

Shelters take in rabbits, guinea pigs and birds as well as dogs and cats. Pets In Need lists small animals for adoption at $40. The Peninsula Humane Society lists small animals plus exotic and farm animals, with rabbits at $40. PHS adds a reminder that turtles can carry bacteria that make people sick, so wash your hands after handling them. Our pet adoption guide has details.

For supplies, Pet Food Express on Middlefield Road carries food and supplies for small animals and birds. Petco at 1919 El Camino Real in Mountain View lists bird, reptile and small pet supplies plus an aquatics department. Our pet supplies guide covers both.

Frequently asked questions