Our office can provide veterinary care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals in the Santa Clarita area on Sundays during our regular clinic hours.
Veterinary Services for Your Exotic Pet
At Valencia Veterinary Center, our exotics veterinarian provides routine wellness and preventive care services for your pet on Sundays during regular office hours. He can also see your exotic pet for behavioral or medical concerns.
Our exotics veterinarian, Dr. Cody Sorce, is well-trained in the care of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. From routine prevention with vaccines and physical exams to sick pet care and day-to-day at-home care, Dr. Sorce can help ensure that exotic pet owners have what they need to care for their animals.
From small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, to birds, reptiles, and reptiles, exotic pets are becoming more and more popular. We know they require specialized knowledge and care, so you can be certain that your companion is in the right hands.
Hours for Exotic Veterinary Care
If you are looking to book an appointment for your exotic pet, please note that Dr. Sorce is in the office between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm on Sundays.
FAQs for Exotic Pet Care
Below are some questions that our exotic animal veterinarian is commonly asked:
- What is the avian species?
The avian species involves any and all things in relation to birds. These small exotic animals have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with personality to spare.
Many birds are prey species in the wild and may hide signs of illness as a defense mechanism against predators, making consistent, qualified preventive veterinary care critical to their health and well-being.
- What should I do if my bird is sick?
If your bird becomes sick, there are several things you can do to help them regain their health, including making sure they are eating and drinking properly.
Separate sick birds from other pets in your house and ensure they stay warm. We also recommend putting birds that have fallen ill on cage rest while they recover to prevent stress, and to give them about 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness every day.
Take your bird to your veterinarian for an exam if your avian friend is displaying signs of illness. Seriously ill birds will need to be hospitalized, while those that are only mildly sick or are still eating and drinking may be treated at home by their owners, with a veterinarian's direction.
- What characteristics do reptiles and amphibians have?
Reptiles and amphibians appeal to many people who would like something different than the traditional furry pet. They require unique environments and preventive care to thrive.
Turtles, snakes, lizards, iguanas, tortoises, and more fall under the reptile classification. These air-breathing vertebrates are covered in a specialized skin made of hard scales, bony plates, or some combination of the two.
Amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders and newts, and worm-like caecilians. These cold-blooded vertebrates lack scales. They spend part of their lives in water and part on land.
Your veterinarian can tell you about these animals' special dietary and housing needs.
- What housing needs do exotic mammals have?
Exotic mammals have specific care and behavior requirements, and people thinking of purchasing one should check their local laws and regulations regarding ownership.
For example, ferrets have earned a reputation as escape artists so should be housed in a large cage that's well-ventilated, securely closed, and locked. These intelligent, curious, and socially interactive animals require a "ferret-proof" play area or room to explore and investigate under supervision.
A hedgehog's large, escape-proof cage should be kept away from direct sunlight, cold areas, or drafts. Since hedgehogs have sharp quills, this can make handling difficult and they will require consistent and proper care.
Talk to your vet about your specific pet's housing, nutritional, social, and preventive healthcare needs.
- What can I expect at my exotic pet's veterinary appointment?
When you bring your exotic companion in for an appointment, the vet will complete a thorough routine exam to assess the general health of your pet.
We'll recommend appropriate preventive care, perform any required tests, and answer any questions you may have about at-home care.
Exotic Pets We Treat
Dr. Sorce provides care to the following kinds of exotic pets in the Santa Clarita area:
Avian Pets
Parrots, cockatoos, finches, canaries, and others.
Small Exotic Mammals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and others.
Reptiles
Lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, and others.
Amphibians
Frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and others.