Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Exotic Pet Veterinarian in Pismo Beach
Cat and Exotic Care has been dedicated to the specialized healthcare needs of cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals since 2004. As the first veterinary hospital on the Central Coast focused exclusively on these species, we provide premium medical services and boarding in a low-stress environment designed to minimize anxiety for sensitive animals. Our facility utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and species-specific equipment to deliver comprehensive preventative care, emergency treatment, and chronic condition management. With a team of experienced veterinary professionals, we prioritize compassionate care while educating pet owners about proper exotic animal husbandry.Our commitment to innovation ensures access to cutting-edge treatments like laser therapy and intensive care monitoring tailored to non-traditional pets. By maintaining a dog-free environment, we create a sanctuary where exotic animals receive undivided attention without external stressors. The practice continues to build on its founding mission of advancing exotic pet medicine through ongoing professional development and community outreach initiatives.
Services
Boarding Facilities
Clinical Laboratory
Dentistry
Intensive Care
Advanced Diagnostics
Surgery
Laser Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer the Central Coast's first veterinary hospital dedicated exclusively to exotic species
- Our facility utilizes cutting-edge technology specifically designed for cats and exotic pets
- We maintain a low-stress, dog-free environment to better serve sensitive animals
- Our team has specialized expertise in treating non-traditional pet species
- We provide 24/7 emergency care through partnered clinics for after-hours emergencies
Services
Boarding Facilities
Our boarding facilities provide a stress-free environment for exotic pets when owners are away. Designed specifically for cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, our accommodations feature quiet spaces and species-appropriate climate control. Each guest receives individualized care plans and monitoring by experienced staff to ensure comfort and well-being during their stay.
Advanced Diagnostics
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities including digital radiography and ultrasound tailored for exotic species. Our equipment enables precise internal examinations while minimizing stress for sensitive patients. This technology supports early disease detection and accurate treatment planning for complex medical conditions affecting non-traditional pets.
Laser Therapy
Our therapeutic laser treatments provide non-invasive pain relief and healing acceleration for exotic animals. This modality effectively addresses chronic conditions like arthritis and post-surgical recovery needs. The treatment protocol is carefully adapted for each species' unique physiological characteristics to ensure safe and effective outcomes.
Intensive Care
The intensive care unit offers 24/7 monitoring for critically ill exotic pets through our emergency partners. Specialized equipment maintains optimal environmental conditions while supporting vital functions. Our protocols address the unique metabolic needs of exotic species during critical illness or post-operative recovery phases.
Clinical Laboratory
Our on-site laboratory provides rapid diagnostic results for exotic animal patients. Capabilities include hematology, biochemistry, and parasite detection tailored to non-traditional species. Quick turnaround times enable prompt treatment decisions while minimizing stress from repeated sample collection for sensitive animals.
People
Dr. Maxwell Conn
Owner/Veterinarian
Dr. Conn founded Cat and Exotic Care in 2004 after recognizing the underserved needs of exotic pet owners. With over 20 years of experience in exotic animal medicine, he specializes in avian and reptile care while leading continuing education initiatives for the veterinary community.
Jennie Bonaficio
Veterinary Assistant
Jennie brings 8 years of specialized experience working with exotic mammals and reptiles. She focuses on patient handling techniques that minimize stress while assisting with clinical procedures and educating clients about proper habitat maintenance for their unique pets.
Jennifer Wright
Veterinary Technician Assistant
Jennifer supports both clinical and administrative operations with her dual expertise in veterinary care and client communication. She has developed specialized protocols for monitoring vital signs in exotic species during routine wellness exams.
Megan Rottenborn
Veterinary Assistant
Megan specializes in avian care and nutrition, having worked extensively with both companion birds and exotic avian species. She assists with dietary consultations and behavioral enrichment programs for boarding birds in our facility.
Maya Clark
Veterinary Assistant
Maya focuses on small mammal care, particularly rodents and rabbits. She has developed gentle restraint techniques for stress-free examinations and provides detailed husbandry guidance to new exotic pet owners during follow-up consultations.
Questions
What exotic animal species do you treat?
We specialize in cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals including rabbits, rodents, and ferrets. Our staff has expertise in the unique medical needs of these non-traditional pets.
Do you offer emergency care services?
Yes, through our partnership with Central Coast Pet Emergency Clinic. Emergency services are available after regular business hours and weekends at our affiliated facility.
Are your boarding facilities suitable for reptiles?
Our boarding accommodations include temperature-controlled environments specifically designed for reptiles and other exotic pets requiring specialized climate conditions.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have?
We offer digital radiography, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory testing adapted for exotic species. Advanced cases may be referred to specialists with appropriate equipment.
How do you handle stressed animals during exams?
Our facility is designed to minimize stress with quiet exam rooms and species-specific handling techniques. We use calming approaches tailored to each animal's natural behaviors and sensitivities.
Reviews (4)
Josh Erdman
Mar 03, 2023
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Helpful staff and not a long wait. My son is very pleased with them guiding him with the care of his tegu lizard.
Conveniently located in. A shopping center right off of highway 101.
Conveniently located in. A shopping center right off of highway 101.
Emily J.
May 13, 2022
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All of the staff is great! They take the time to answer all of my questions and treat my rabbit with care. If I need something asap, they do their best to accommodate me. I am always happy with their services and they always call to check up on my rabbit after appointments. They are also one of the only places that sees rabbits. I highly recommend this facility!
Jacqueline Plumey
Mar 25, 2022
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I've been taking my cat there for many years. They are Friendly & respectful staff. The Dr. Called me to discuss problem & solution. They give me an estimate, and I never I've been overcharged for anything. And appointments are easy to get as well. They're very caring and nurturing towards my cat Malcolm when I drop him off.
Kira Kelley
Mar 23, 2022
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Cat and Exotic Care has reasonable prices, a kind staff, and an obvious and genuine care for animals. They went out of their way to schedule our rat quickly when we were concerned about him, which we really appreciated. Dr. Conn is knowledgeable and approachable, and I definitely trust him with my pets. Thank you all!
