Business Details
Emergency
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Your Trusted Veterinarians for Avian & Exotic Animals in San Diego
We are a primary care and referral veterinary practice dedicated exclusively to birds and exotic animals. Since our founding, we have built a reputation for innovative, high-quality care that addresses the unique needs of avian and exotic species. Our comprehensive services include routine medical care, advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, emergency care, vaccinations, grooming, and boarding. Our team of specialized veterinarians and technicians brings decades of combined experience in avian medicine, exotic animal care, and wildlife treatment. We prioritize client education through detailed resources on animal husbandry, nutrition, and disease prevention.Our facility handles a diverse range of species including birds, reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, and even insects. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a commitment to continuing education, we provide evidence-based treatments aligned with the latest veterinary research. Our hospital manager has maintained operational excellence since 1993, ensuring seamless care coordination. We offer after-hours emergency services with clear instructions for urgent situations. Through our dedication to both animals and their owners, we strive to be a trusted partner in exotic pet healthcare.
Services
Avian Medicine
Exotic Animal Surgery
Emergency Care
Pet Boarding
Diagnostic Testing
Grooming Services
Wildlife Treatment
Vaccinations
Reptile Care
Rodent Health
Highlights and features
- We offer specialized care for over 20 exotic animal species
- Our team includes board-certified avian medicine specialists
- We maintain 24/7 emergency services with clear after-hours instructions
- Our facility houses advanced diagnostic equipment for exotic species
- We provide detailed husbandry education resources for pet owners
Services
Avian Veterinary Care
Specialized medical treatment for all bird species including parrots, raptors, and songbirds. Our board-certified avian specialists perform wellness exams, disease diagnosis, and surgical interventions using species-specific protocols. We address common avian emergencies like respiratory distress and egg binding while providing preventive care education for long-term health.
Exotic Animal Diagnostics
Advanced diagnostic capabilities tailored for exotic species. We conduct bloodwork, radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopic procedures adapted for unique animal physiology. Our in-house lab processes urgent samples quickly while maintaining accuracy for critical cases involving reptiles, small mammals, and wildlife patients requiring specialized handling.
Emergency Animal Services
24/7 emergency support for exotic pets with clear after-hours instructions. Our team manages critical cases like trauma, poisoning, and acute illness through immediate stabilization and targeted treatment. We maintain emergency equipment calibrated for exotic species and provide triage guidance via recorded messaging system during non-business hours.
Pet Boarding Services
Secure, species-specific housing for exotic pets during owner travel. Our boarding facility accommodates birds, reptiles, and small mammals in climate-controlled environments with species-appropriate enrichment. Daily health monitoring and medication administration available. We maintain strict biosecurity protocols to prevent cross-contamination between different animal types.
Wildlife Medicine
Medical treatment for injured or orphaned wildlife with rehabilitation focus. Our team handles native species following legal protocols for permitted care. We provide surgical repair, nutritional support, and habitat-specific treatment while coordinating with local wildlife agencies. The hospital maintains specialized enclosures for raptor recovery and small mammal rehabilitation.
People
Jeffrey R. Jenkins
Veterinarian
Internationally recognized avian medicine specialist with Diplomate status from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Lectures globally and publishes in peer-reviewed journals. Oversees complex surgical cases and medical protocols at the hospital.
Amandine Gillet
Veterinarian
Graduated from St. Georges University with clinical training at Louisiana State University. Focuses on exotic animal medicine and routine care. Brings expertise in both domestic and international exotic pet healthcare standards.
Lisa Jenkins
Hospital Manager
Has directed hospital operations since 1993. Coordinates staff activities and ensures quality control across all departments. Maintains the practice's reputation for exceptional service through rigorous administrative oversight and client communication protocols.
Latisha Zamora
Senior Laboratory Technician
Manages in-house laboratory testing since 1994. Specializes in exotic species hematology and microbiology. Ensures accurate diagnostic results through specialized handling techniques adapted for non-traditional veterinary specimens.
Amber Joubert
Veterinary Technician
Registered Veterinary Technician since 2009. Implements treatment plans under veterinarian supervision. Combines technical expertise with specialized knowledge of exotic animal handling and restraint techniques during procedures.
Questions
What exotic animal species do you treat?
We treat all bird species, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals (rabbits, ferrets, rodents), hedgehogs, sugar gliders, small primates, exotic cats, fish, and even insects and spiders.
How do I access emergency care after hours?
Call (619) 260-1412 and follow the emergency message instructions. Our on-call team provides urgent care guidance and triage information for critical situations.
Do you offer boarding for exotic pets?
Yes, we provide species-specific boarding with climate-controlled housing, daily health checks, and medication administration. Our facility accommodates birds, reptiles, and small mammals with appropriate environmental enrichment.
What diagnostic capabilities do you have?
Our in-house lab handles hematology, microbiology, and parasitology testing. We use digital radiology, ultrasound, and endoscopic equipment adapted for exotic animal physiology and size variations.
Are your veterinarians specialized in exotic care?
Yes, our team includes board-certified avian specialists and veterinarians with advanced training in exotic animal medicine. We maintain continuing education in species-specific treatment protocols and surgical techniques.
How do you handle wildlife patients?
We provide permitted wildlife rehabilitation with specialized enclosures for raptors and small mammals. Our team follows legal protocols for injured/orphaned wildlife while coordinating with local conservation authorities.
Reviews (6)
Andrea Hinton Bigler
Jan 13, 2024
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I can NOT rave about this place enough. We have been going to them for 14 years and they have never not taken good care of our bunnies. Today they went above and beyond. Dr Jenkins knew how much my daughters bunny meant to her and did everything to save her life. Shes now home happy as can be.
Phyllis ONeal
May 25, 2022
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I had to take my chicken to vet. she was egg bound which could have been fixed but also had free bloody fluid in her abdomen. Problem in reproductive system. After talking to vet I decided on euthanasia now. Dr Gillet very knowledgeable and kind. I had never been there before but she and staff made me and Ruby comfortable. Not close to me but I would go back if I got another chicken. Cost was reasonable for emergency visit. I would highly recommend. Dr. Gillet made a sad thing to do a little better.
Cool Guy
May 20, 2022
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I took my guinea pig here for an emergency appointment, and I highly recommend! My guinea pig had a nasty respiratory infection, so I really needed her to be checked out and fast. I wasn't even there for an hour, and I got everything I needed. The staff was very gently and professional handling my guinea pig, and she honestly looked relaxed. Very cost friendly, too.
James E. Monley
May 01, 2022
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I came to see them today they were quite quick and compassionate And probably saved the life of one of my backyard chickens who was stung by countless bees. me and my family can't Thank them enough.
Mark L.
Dec 05, 2021
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This is the worst place to board your bunnies. If I can give a ZERO I will give it. We had our bunny examined by Dr Gillett back in Oct 2021 and we asked if she checked on our bunny's ears for any mites or disease assuming its part of the general exam she said yes but me and my wife didn't see that she did. Then on Nov 2021 we had to board our bunny for 10 days and Bailey A. and Shelly M. were the front desk receptionist and are so unempathetic, inpatient and unprofessional on handling our concerns for our bunny.
It was our first time and will definitely be the last. The staff got upset when we inquired on the basic questions about how our bunny was doing. They have uncaring and unprofessional practice especially to us first time boarding bunny parents. Would not recommend this place to anyone.
It was our first time and will definitely be the last. The staff got upset when we inquired on the basic questions about how our bunny was doing. They have uncaring and unprofessional practice especially to us first time boarding bunny parents. Would not recommend this place to anyone.
Lindsey Smith
Aug 20, 2021
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I'm so thankful that they could see my bunny on such short notice! Friendly staff! They informed me on everything to follow up care at home. Thanks!
