Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Exotic Pet Veterinarians in Raleigh, NC
Since 1996, Avian & Exotic Animal Care has been the Triangle's only veterinary hospital dedicated exclusively to exotic pets. Our team of specialized veterinarians collaborates to provide comprehensive care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, exotic mammals, and invertebrates. With decades of combined experience, we prioritize continuing education to stay at the forefront of exotic animal medicine. Our practice offers house calls, emergency services, and species-specific boarding to accommodate diverse client needs. We maintain a calm environment free from traditional pet clinic stressors.Our doctors contribute to global advancements through research publications, textbook contributions, and international lectures. We host veterinary students and professionals seeking to expand their expertise in exotic animal care. Our commitment to compassionate treatment is reflected in our personalized approach to each patient. We emphasize client education through care sheets, videos, and direct consultation. Our facility includes in-house laboratory services, imaging capabilities, and a pharmacy for immediate treatment needs.
Services
Emergency Care
Boarding
Grooming
Surgery
House Calls
Wellness Exams
Diagnostic Imaging
Acupuncture
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Pharmacy Services
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency services for exotic pets
- Specialized care for birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals
- House call services available for in-home treatment
- Collaborative team approach with multiple specialists
- Exceed twice the required continuing education hours annually
Services
Emergency Care
Our 24/7 emergency services provide immediate care for exotic pets requiring urgent medical attention. Specialized equipment and experienced staff handle critical cases involving birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals. We offer rapid diagnostics and stabilization for trauma, poisoning, and acute illnesses.
Boarding
Species-specific boarding accommodates exotic pets with tailored enclosures, diets, and enrichment activities. Daily health assessments by veterinarians ensure safety during stays. Services include medication administration, weight monitoring, and emergency veterinary care when needed.
Grooming
Professional grooming services for exotic animals include nail trims, beak maintenance, and species-appropriate bathing. Our staff ensures safe handling techniques to minimize stress during grooming sessions for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Surgery
Advanced surgical capabilities address complex medical conditions in exotic species. Our facility features specialized equipment for procedures ranging from tumor removals to orthopedic repairs. Post-operative care includes pain management and recovery monitoring.
House Calls
Veterinarians provide on-site medical services for exotic pets in their familiar environment. This service reduces stress for sensitive species and accommodates clients with mobility challenges. House calls include diagnostics, treatments, and wellness assessments.
People
Dr. Dan Johnson
Founder
Graduated from NCSU-CVM in 1992 and established North Carolina's first all-exotics practice. Diplomate ABVP in Exotic Companion Mammals with international recognition for contributions to exotic mammal medicine.
Dr. Christine Eckermann-Ross
Veterinarian
Specializes in avian medicine and acupuncture with certifications in herbal medicine and palliative care. Adjunct professor at NCSU-CVM and frequent conference lecturer on exotic animal medicine.
Dr. Salina Locke
Veterinarian
Diplomate ABVP in Avian Practice and Certified Aquatic Veterinarian. Published researcher in exotic animal medicine and current Chair of the Association of Avian Veterinarians' Education Committee.
Dr. Sara Sokolik
Veterinarian
MPH holder specializing in disease transmission between species. Completed specialty internships in exotic animal medicine and focuses on medical-surgical problem solving for exotic pets.
Dr. Alissa Tepedino
Veterinarian
Certified Aquatic Veterinarian with research focus on amphibian and aquatic animal medicine. Lectures nationally on exotic animal surgery and contributes to peer-reviewed publications on aquatic veterinary practices.
Questions
Do you provide emergency care for exotic pets?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency services for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals.
What boarding options are available for exotic animals?
We offer species-specific boarding with tailored enclosures, diets, and enrichment activities for exotic pets.
Can you treat all types of exotic pets?
We specialize in birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, exotic mammals, and invertebrates at our dedicated facility.
Do you offer house call services?
Yes, our veterinarians provide in-home medical services for exotic pets to reduce stress and accommodate client needs.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have?
Our facility includes in-house laboratory services, imaging equipment, and specialized surgical capabilities for exotic species.
Reviews (5)
Cheryl Davis
Jan 26, 2022
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I went to Avian and Exotic when my pet was sick. I trusted them with an exotic because they claim to be very knowledgeable, however they made a terrible mistake that cost my pets life. Instead of owning up to it, knowing malpractice, they acted like it was a rare incident that was my pets fault. In my grief I was still billed over $800 for their mistake. Do not recommend them at all. I would caution against taking any pets their during crisis or anything beyond routine checkups. If I could give zero stars I would.
John Szymankiewicz
Jan 14, 2022
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Ive been taking my reptiles and exotic pets to Avian and Exotic for 20+ years. The vets a re professional and caring, the support staff are excellent. Would highly recommend if you have an exotic or non-traditional pet (or are considering one). Dr Dan even coached me on caring for my very first bearded dragon before I got him back in ~2001 (and he lived to an extremely old age - for a beardy anyway). Always appreciate everyone here. Keep up the great work!
Bradley Ypma
Jan 05, 2022
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This office did an exceptional job of caring for my little dude on what was probably the worst day of his life. They were able to schedule me in for an emergency appointment to see him immediately and performed his life-saving surgery directly after his exam. His post op care and suture removal also went quickly and easily. They have my eternal gratitude. If you have birds, take them here if you can. I haven't found anyone better to keep their health in top form.
Elle Cez
Jan 02, 2022
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My Leopard Gecko had a bit of stuck shed in his eyes so that meant a quick trip to the vet. This was our first visit here and if anything comes up again, it wont be our last. He was able to get the shed removed and had a full physical. They were so gentle with him despite his skittishness. They took great care of him and we were able to leave within half an hour. Thanks!
Leydis Spence
Nov 21, 2021
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I adopted my mini pig Charlie 2 months ago, he just turned 4 months old. He started having seizures about 4 days ago and I called everywhere and everyone and they all turned us away. Finally I was able to reach A&E and they got us in right away after hours. I traveled 2 hours and Dr. Dan and Mrs. Sandy waited for us until we got in. They were very attentive and showed they genuinely cared for Charlie and I, since honestly I was a mess- anxious and worried about my baby. They took the time to examine and provide him the attention he needed. They sent us home with everything Charlie needed and showed
