Avian & Exotic Clinic

I love this clinic. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Wells are amazing. The laser treatments that my pet gets here has been very helpful. The staff is always friendly and it’s nice to see the same people every time I go in.

Just had to take one of my rabbits here today for a check up due to sneezing. I’ve posted a previous review, but I’m so pleased with them that I need to post this update. I’ll break it up in categories.
1) FRONT DESK STAFF: We called late Friday to try to book an appointment the following Saturday, and they said they were pretty booked for the weekend. They asked what was wrong with our rabbit, so we casually let them know about the sneezing that we noticed the past couple of days, no discharge and normal appetite. Immediately, the receptionist said she would squeeze us in the day we wanted to come in and schedule a «double booking» for Dr. Wells at 10 in the morning, because they were worried about my rabbit’s sneezing. Wow, I thought! Even though my rabbit hasn’t been here before (only his bonded mate has), they bent over backwards for him. The fact they cared that much for my rabbit from the get go was so great, as finding good veterinarians for our furbabies is sometimes a frustrating task for us parents.
2) APPOINTMENT DAY: As they said, they were booked and it was a pretty packed waiting room! Still, though, they tended to everyone prompty and kindly, even though there was a line of us getting checked in and checked out. I sat there and saw how they dealt with the other patients in the lobby with their individual problems (there was a turtle and a couple of birds waiting with their parents and us and our two bunnies, interesting crowd to say the least!), and again I was impressed with how nice and informative they were.
3) DR. WELLS & HELPING STAFF: By helping staff, I mean the people who helped Dr. Wells with our bunnies during the appointment. The helping staff, which I am guessing is the veterinarian technician (unless I’m wrong, but for now I will refer to her as the vet tech), was so kind and was the first one to see us, weigh our rabbit, write down his symptoms, etc. She was so kind and professional, very gentle and calming to my surprisingly relaxed rabbit who is otherwise VERY squirmish. I wish I knew her name, she deserves the praise! She really knew what she was doing. I’ve had my handful of people who lacked these qualities when going to the vet, so she was a breath of fresh air.
Dr. Wells is equally as informative, kind, and professional! Boy, do I wish she cared for cats too, because I would love for her to be my cat’s vet! She took the time to fully examine our rabbit VERY thoroughly and gently, and sharing her findings with us at the same time. He indeed had the beginnings of an upper respiratory infection, finding discharge on his front paws that we weren’t able to see when we examined him at home ourselves. She explained our options very thoroughly with us as well and price, she made sure we were well informed with the options before we made our choice too, which I greatly appreciated. I didn’t even have to ask! The last time I was at the vet for my cat, the vet pushed a computer in my husband’s face saying «this is what I want to do» without explaining any of the procedures, and when I asked for the prices she literally pointed at the computer saying «it’s all there» and walked out of the room! In NO way did Dr. Wells pressure us in picking the «more expensive» option, and you could tell she really did care solely for our pet’s health, no matter which option we picked. We went home with some antibiotics after being shown by the vet tech how to do it at home. We just gave him his first dose using her method she explained, and it was easy peasy! He’s a happy recovering boy.
I don’t remember what vet we had when we brought in our other rabbit here, but I feel like you can’t go wrong at this place. They also work directly with rabbit adoptions/​pet sanctuaries. Thank you Dr. Wells and EVERYONE we had the pleasure of seeing, you made this stressful experience of our beloved pet an actual «good» one. Such professionalism and such kindness! Anyone with avian or exotic pets, this should be where you go for your pet’s needs!
As long as we are living in Monterey County, this will be our veterinarian clinic of choice for all our rabbits’ needs, hands down. I will always recommend them.

Wish I could give 50 stars! I brought my beloved Bunnies to this wonderful clinic for 9 years before I had to move to Southern CA. (Dr. Thomas had seen my rabbits a few times prior at another clinic and did several spays and neuters for my buns) This team is the most compassionate, loving, competent staff ever. They gave my bunnies superb care and were compassionate with me when I was scared or nervous about their well being or illness. When my bunnies passed away Panda and Velvet-​Sky died they were outstanding. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Wells acted like pediatricians when it came to my babies. I owe their long and happy lives to these wonderful doctors, their attention to detail and thorough exotic care is unbelievable. Even the atmosphere in the waiting area is positive with all the other happy clients with their bunnies, birds and other critters. The bunny community in Yosemite drive three hours for the quality of care they provide.
When my service for the National Park System brought us to New Mexico it was clear into the first month that my Sweet 13 year old Sylvia-​Star was likely not to live long enough to return to California with us. On the Saturday before Easter Sylvia-Star’s hips began to collaps. Dr. Thomas talked me through it over the phone, way above and beyond the call of duty on that day and the previous week when I had the feeling that things weren’t quite right with Sylvia-​Star. I got full support from the clinic for Sylvia’s last days, even though we were not in California. On Easter Sunday Sylvia-​Star declined further and on that Monday I took her to the nearby animal shelter to be euthanized. The clinic used Facebook to send condolences for my loss.
There could never be enough space anywhere to emphasize how incredible this clinic is. I had to move to Southern California and the hardest thing about this change is not being able to take my bunny to this clinic. There are good clinics here for bunnies– though Avian Exotic of Monterey has set the bar so high, it is difficult to make the adjustment.

Everyone was really nice and welcoming for my first time here with my bunny. Good initial checkup and the wait was not long (with appointment). I found the prices to be fair. However, I am knocking one star because they gave me two different quotes for the same procedure and also failed to include anesthetic in either. I was told I could expect to pay $ 30 for my bunny’s tear duct cleanse. After asking if they would be putting her under, and how much it would cost, the more accurate quote came to be $ 120. Not bad pricing whatsoever, I just thought it was shady not to mention that anesthetic would be required and include that in the quote.
Of course I’ll be back and I do recommend them, but I also recommend asking for every detail of the procedure and any hidden costs :)

I recently got my bunny spayed and I have to say, I was so concerned about this whole procedure. My bunny Blossom, who means just about the world to me, is my first and only bunny. As soon as I entered the hospital I was welcomed by such a sweet and caring staff who seemed to really love what they do. I was also very impressed with Dr. Wells. She was so informative and knowledgeable. When I saw her examining Blossom, I saw the concentrated look of passion inside her, really inspirational as I’m considering becoming a vet myself. Before leaving the hospital, and my Blossom, Dr. Wells reassured me I was doing the right thing. This was my baby I was leaving behind! Seeing as she had so much compassion for her, I left feeling confident that she would be ok. Nearly a week later after her surgery, Blossom is back to her old self which includes everything from pooping, eating and hopping with an extra click to her heals. Thank you all for taking care of Blossom. We will be back soon!

Brought our parrot into the clinic for an assessment for he suddenly developed what appeared to be congestion. Was given take home medication to use in the intern until a stronger dosage arrived via mail.
Our parrot is 100% better! Thanks to the companionate caring people at exotic pet hospital!
Thank you for saving our birds life!!!

The first time I went to the vet hospital was when my rabbit suddenly died. They were very compassionate very understanding and we’re very helpful in determining next steps in determining what had caused her death since I had another rabbit at home. A week later the second rabbit passed away and again I came in and they were very helpful and compassionate and treated me with a lot of respect given the situation. Seems as if the rabbits died of old age and it was a very sad time but I was happy to have such a nice group of people help me through that particular situation. Very professional, knowledgeable and affordable. I would highly recommend them.

The doctors and staff at the Avian Exotic Clinic are peerless. For many years they have cared for my Amazon parrot, in sickness and in health. He died at 35, last week, suddenly, of a tumor. We had been together 33 years. The outstanding medical care and the personal hands-​on love that was given to Roger over the years, and most especially when he had to cross the Rainbow Bridge, made it easier for me to say goodbye fairly bravely. The Avian and Exotic Clinic is a superb facility and I will always be grateful to them.

My rat and budgies have gone in to see Dr. Wells. She is amazing and is a good reflection of the clinic. Gabi, the receptionist, is super sweet and enjoys her job. The staff all take time to listen to concerns and are eager to help. I am a tough critic since I too work in the veterinary field (canine/​feline) and this is an exemplary clinic. It is always well staffed and clean. And they follow through with their cases very well. I am confident my feathery and furry pets are getting top notch care here. I recommend this clinic to any one who has a pocket pet or exotic companion!

I just moved to the area and needed a vet for my bunny. She’s very important to me and runs free around my house like a dog. I read reviews and the negative reviews made me wonder if I should use this place. My bunny ended up getting her head stuck and I had to rush her here for emergency vet attention and they were wonderful! The vets were so friendly and knowledgable, they even put my bunny under the table on a towel because she’s scared of heights and gave her special Timothy hay. They fit me in within an hour of calling and I was out within an hour. I felt the price of my visit and price of my buns pain meds were also very reasonably priced! The dr has her own bunny too so I totally trust her care. I am super grateful for these vets!

I know exotic pets are expensive, but this place overcharges WAY TOO MUCH. Especially when there are several other vets in the area, I feel like I should be going somewhere else. The vets and techs here are very rude and condescending. They talked to me as if I had no idea what I was doing when I do indeed know how to care for my pet. Made me really mad to be taken advantage of financially and to be treated poorly the whole time I was there. Definitely won’t be returning.

Due to the nature of my job, I have gotten to frequent many vet hospitals and clinics across the country. I used this clinic for the two years I just spent in Monterey and this is a fantastic clinic. I recommend this clinic to all those who have avian and exotic pets and want to see veterinarians that know how to specifically treat these types of animals. While I have had appointments with all three of the vets that work here, and all are great, most of my experience is with Dr. Amy Wells. She was my go to vet for all of my pet’s care and I could not have been more pleased. Dr. Wells is very knowledgeable, never recommended unnecessary tests, and always patiently answered all of my questions. During the treatment and eventual loss of two of my pets to tumors, both Dr. Wells and Kati (one of their vet tech’s) were extremely compassionate and helpful, for which I am truly grateful. In addition, I used this clinic as my pets boarding facility. This staff does a fantastic job caring for the boarders giving me piece of mind while on vacation. The pricing for boarding, exams, medications, and surgeries are definitely reasonable and cheaper than a lot of other areas I have lived. If you want reasonable pricing and great care for your exotics this clinic is the place to go.

I have never had one of my pets treated by such a heartless and uncaring veterinarian in my life. Dr. Wells was completely unsympathetic when I brought my pet bunny to her clinic. First of all, she did not introduce herself when she came into the exam room. Then she proceeded to tell me (though it felt more like a lecture) of my bunny’s ailments, as though I were to blame. I have been a pet owner all of my life and treat my pets with love and care. After giving me the diagnosis, she asked it I wanted a Treatment Plan and the cost analysis. I did. But rather than come back into the exam room, she sent in her tech with the list of charges (over $ 1000). I was told that there were no guarantees my bunny would recover and that if she did she would need constant care and attention. It was a dire and depressing diagnosis. Dr. Wells, knowing this never returned to the exam room to discuss my options. She just left me there in my sadness and consternation. She showed no compassion, no understanding of my feelings. The dire situation I faced was made much worse by the veterinarian’s lack of compassion and uncaring disposition. I will not have my pets treated by Dr. Wells ever again.

My mother was very ill and boarded her tortoise at this clinic. Three months later my mom passed away. My family went in to collect her pet and they wanted $ 900. Now I know a business must maintain itself via bills, but this was outrageous. They made no accommodations or adjustments and even said they would sue the estate for the bill. One of the people we spoke to also said they could sell the tortoise for good money.
It was hurtful and in bad taste. Every company I have had to close business with for my mom has waived fees or made same sort of adjustment given the circumstance. My mom did business with this company since they began. My family is still upset at all of this. I know for exotic pet owners there isn’t much choice for anywhere else to go in the area. We just want people to be aware.

This place is amazing! The staff is so friendly and you can tell they truly care about your animals and take pride in their jobs. They took such good care of my guinea pig, Fizzgig, and even though they are specialists, they don’t charge you like they are. An affordable vet that cares. I will never take my little babies to anyone else ever again.
I took one of my other guinea pigs to a different vet and not only did they keep treating him for the wrong thing, they insisted the only way to figure out what was wrong with him was with hundreds of dollars in tests. I took in little Fizzy to Avian and Exotic and Dr. Thomas could figure out her issue with no fancy tests, plus it turns out it was the same issue my other guinea had. The other vet only cared about money, and I went in expecting to spend hundreds here also, but surprisingly left spending less than $ 60! Plus, had my other guinea pig cooperated, I could have had them both checked for the cost of just one office visit. Not many vets will do this.
I look forward to taking them both in for a visit in two weeks. They make you feel so welcome there! I may have to drive all the way there from Salinas, but it is so worth the trip! Plus the little guys get stressed on car trips, so it’s nice to arrive and not have barking dogs sniffing around my carrier, stressing them out further.
If you have a small critter, exotic, or bird, I couldn’t recommend anyone else but the staff here for your needs.

Brought in a house sparrow nestling that fell from a nest. Dr. Thomas said she was more likely pushed, as she had some vestibular problems., probably viral. I gave the critter the anti-​infective anyway, and the bird survived!

When my little Zoe Bunny took ill, they gave her top notch care without killing my wallet. They are very loving and showed great concern, crying right with me. And when I had to make the decision to put Zoe down, I received a nice sympathy card long before the bill ever arrived. Our pets truly are our family and that is how Zoe was treated at this clinic.

The Avian and Exotic Clinic, took wonderful care of our hedgie Dorian, who was brought in recently with a lump on his head. Luckily it turned out to be a abscess, and nothing serious. We were so impressed with the caring, professional and knowledgeable care he received. Everyone was so nice and helpful, from the receptionist, nurses and Dr. Thomas. The cost was very reasonable. We wish all our pets could go there!

They took EXCELLENT care of my bunny Mooby when he got very ill.
They examine your pet with you in the exam room (I’ve had some vets that just take your pet in the back) and talk to you about your pet care and answer all your questions. They were very helpful in educating me about my bunny as I was a bit naïve when I first got him. They supplied me with nutritional information so I knew what he could and couldn’t eat so we could avoid future health/​medical problems.
Staff is super friendly… Dr. Thomas and Dr. Wells have cared for my two bunnies and they are both excellent. Lisa the receptionist is always super friendly and she always tries to accommodate my schedule when I need to bring my bunny in. Melissa grooms my bunnies and she does the most excellent job, we now refer to them as «spa day» as my bunnies always come back groomed and relax.

Avian is a fantastic clinic to bring your exotics to, especially birds. Since they only treat exotics, the office is well informed and helpful with support and answering questions. It’s also nice to not have a lot of barking dogs freaking out your small pet.
We started going to Avian when the famous Dr. Murray still was actively practicing here and it seems like the focus has changed a bit since he sold the practice. During my last several visits, it seemed like many of the patients were birds.
I do really like Dr Thomas though — she’s very good with bunnies. Another bonus is that the clinic mixes their own medicines — so the prices tend to be more reasonable than the meds at other vet’s offices.