Avian And Exotic Animal Care

I feel so lucky to live close to such a wonderful exotic animal vet! I know my ball python is in good hands when I take her to Avian and Exotic Animal Care. The vets and technicians are clearly very knowledgable, and their expertise shows. I can’t recommend them enough. Also, their prices are very reasonable!

Cost comparison: I took my female rabbit to get spayed at my local non-​specialized rabbit vet and it cost $ 150, I took my other female (who turned out to be male, but they still started the spay) rabbit here and it cost $ 399.
Situation: Rabbit from shelter has deformed legs on left side. I took him to my local vet who took X-​rays to see if there were any breaks indicated to see if it was something that happened after birth, like an injury, that could be corrected. The X-​rays come back showing that his spine starts to twist at the base of the neck, and no broken bones are indicated. The vet says she has never seen this before and recommends I go see a specialist in Raleigh.
Pro:
1. The actual care such as medication, surgery, and follow up, is all done with extreme care and detail. I figure, at three times the cost, you are technically paying for it, but still.
2. The vet techs are the best part of the visit. They knew rabbits, and I appreciated that.
3. Despite the below negatives, I had complete faith in the vet’s ability to perform the procedure proficiently.
4. They have a pretty good selection of Oxbow rabbit supplies, which was great.
5. When I mentioned that my neutered boy rabbit was not territorial with my un-​spayed female, even though he had issues with other un-​spayed females, the vet looked at his private parts and said that she might be a he, which turned out to be true. His other male parts had found a little hole to tuck themselves into so it wasn’t clear what was going on.
6. The vet was able to get the rabbit in the next day for the spay, and she rolled the exams and blood work fee into the spay, which was nice considering I had brought him for an exam and not for surgery.
Con:
1. I called and made an appointment for four weeks from that day, and the vet tech said she would call my vet to get the X-​rays and medical records. When I arrived at my appointment, after driving two and a half hours, the vet tech called my vet and asked for the records and was told that they couldn’t send them because they were physical not electronic (including the X-​rays). If they had told me they were not going to or couldn’t get the records, I would have picked them up and brought them.
2. The vet had no interest in figuring out what was wrong with my rabbit. She didn’t test for feeling in his limbs, feel around on his leg sockets, or comment on his behavior (which would be an important indicator on quality of life in a disabled rabbit). Maybe this is my problem, wanting to know the why so that way I can figure out what is possible. But she said there is no way to tell without knowing the history of the rabbit and that she thinks he broke his legs (but if I had been told to bring the X-​rays, she would be able to see if any of the bones indicated a break). Even though scoliosis is rare in rabbits, if he does have that maybe a diet higher in calcium would be called for. Or, if it is a broken leg, maybe surgery could fix it. Just letting it go without asking if there is any way to make movement easier for him is hard for me.
3. She didn’t seem to really like rabbits. I guess I can’t really complain about it, but I think I would prefer someone who did like rabbits taking care of my rabbit.
4. They did not offer to allow me to keep my other rabbit, who is bonded to my disabled rabbit, with him for the overnight stay. Rabbits can form really close emotional bonds, and since the return they have been almost desperate to ensure the other is still there. Something small like that would have made it a lot easier on both of the rabbits and wouldn’t be a lot of work for the vet techs.
I would bring my rabbit back here if there was something very seriously wrong with one of them and my local rabbit vet specifically told me to come here. For general day to day care, I like my local rabbit vet best.

Caring environment for my turtles. Expert knowledge of reptiles and many other species. A truly exceptional practice.

I take both of my rabbits to Avian & Exotic and love it there! They are professional, kind, thorough, and knowledgeable, and they care very much about my rabbits. Going to the veterinarian can be a stressful time for a rabbit, but they make mine feel at ease and comfortable. All of the vets and vet techs who I have met have given me great suggestions regarding how to best care for my rabbits, which I very much appreciate. The facility itself is pristine and always very neat, and they have a great selection of items for sale. I can’t say enough wonderful things about them!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Avian and Exotic! They are incredible. Every single animal care taker, tech, receptionist, and vet provide the BEST care for our bunny. We have taken him in SEVERAL times because he is quite the trouble maker, and we have boarded him there many times. They take wonderful care of our rabbit, and address all of our concerns. We have boarded him anywhere from 1 night — to 10 nights and completely trust their care. We often give him individual play time when he boarded and they snuggle him and play with him and give him all the TLC he needs. We have been in for the simplest things like a nail trim, or an emergency because he ate his way into the sofa, or he had smoke inhalation from a fire, they handle every situation beautifully. They typically run on time, and when they are behind it’s because there was a true emergency and I don’t mind because I know they will always take the time to care for anyone’s animal properly. They are great! We see Dr. Dan Johnson and on occasion have seen the other vets. The clinic is also easy to schedule and communicate with. I appreciate that they know us, and our pet personally. We love them, and so does Wallace the bunny!

I have taken my bearded dragon to Avian and Exotic several times now. I have been very impressed with the care their staff and vets provided every time. My dragon had spinal damage and problems with constipation and the vets have helped me learn how to provide appropriate food for her for better digestion. And they helped clear her out when that was needed, even showing me how to do it myself at home.
They have truly provided excellent service and even called back after the visit to check on her.
Exotic animal care is not inexpensive, but I believe they probably saved our dear dragon’s life.

This is the BEST exotic vet around. I wouldnt consider taking my parrots to anyone else. Everyone is friendly, very insightful and so happy to help with any questions you have. They treat your pets like royalty and you can tell how much they care. They even do home visits (at a bit of a high price but worth it when you cant take a pet to them). Every time I have been there it has been a good experience for my pets and for myself. They are fantastic. Its in a bit of an odd location but once you have been there a few times it is easy to find. The best thing is you dont wait around forever to see the vet/​tech once you are there (like at many other vets where your apptointment starts 30 minutes after its supposed to) they are prompt at Avian and Exotic. I am so glad they were recommended to me !

Prices are in line with normal vets! Had a minor emergency with our cockatiel, and they were able to get us in right away. Had bloodwork and a fecal done, and all the prices were about the same as I’ve paid for my cats. Dr. Eckerman-​Ross and her assistants handled our cockatiel superbly. Absolutely worth every penny for the quality care. I’m not sure I would feel totally confident taking my bird to a normal vet, but now it won’t even be a question. Avian And Exotic Animal Care were excellent!

We adopted our 2 young rabbits from the Wake County SPCA (who are also great) and they recommended Avian and Exotic. The rabbits were spayed and neutered at Avian and Exotic before we adopted them, and the vets kept great records from even before we had our rabbits!
We have returned for 2 check-​ups since then (an initial visit and a 6 month follow up) and the staff are so great with the rabbits. The rabbits are very calm during exams and the staff are efficient. The staff and vets are very helpful, answer all of our questions and follow up with us. Their online system is great, it keeps all the records, allows us to make appointments, updates regularly!!!
It can be expensive when following their recommended care schedule (semi-​annual checkups, annual blood tests etc.) which may be more frequent than necessary. But, the check-​ups themselves are very reasonably priced, efficient, and easy to schedule.

A lot has happened since my first review. We lost our beloved boy, to a systemic aspergillus infection. Despite getting the best of care, it was a losing battle as the infection had progressed even before symptoms were apparent. We don’t have children, so these birds were our babies. The loss was absolutely devastating. This is not the first time I have faced extreme illness or faced death of a family member, and I have to say, there was more kindness and compassion and respect here than I have had in some human hospitals. Dr. Leonatti was very kind and caring, and helped me decide about the final arrangements in a tactful and caring manner. We had a necropsy done, to be sure that the illness was not something that any of our other birds may have caught, and Dr. Leonatti called me personally with the results. Even though times like this are not easy, the staff did their best to help us get through it and have been extremely supportive.
We have several birds, and are also starting a bird rescue, so I visit Avian and Exotic Animal Care on a fairly frequent basis. It is always easy to get an appointment, usually within a day or two, and always on the same day if I call with something urgent.
For excellent care for birds or any exotic pet, I would highly recommend these doctors.

The Docs here have been amazing over the last 2 years. We have been bringing a 9+ year old ferret here for treatment due to a heart condition. We have seen Dr’s Leonetti, Eckerman & Johnson and all three have been excellent. The staff is very knowledgable and make tough visits easier. If you are in need of a specialized vet, these are definitely ones to trust with your special family member.

I believe you get what you pay for. I’ve taken past pets of mine to vets all around the country, from California, to Chicago, Houston, to Atlanta. Now I’m in Raleigh.
I love it here, and my two RES Turtles love it here too.
I’ve paid from 30 – 70 for visits for my pets. Sure, a low price is great, but think about what you’re really getting. Cheaper isn’t always better, think of some of the produce and other edible goods you buy… ;)
The people at Avian and Exotic all have many years of schooling/​interning/​studying under their belts, if you go to their website, it will tell you. They all take huge pride in their work (you can tell the minute you walk in.)
When I called earlier this morning to make an appointment, I spoke with Heather and she was spot on. As far as her manners, directions, information taking. Pleasant conversation! I arrived later in the afternoon to be greeted, sat in a very clean lobby, and was able to talk and feel comfortable with all three employees that spoke with me while waiting on my vet to introduce herself. (which, only reason she was waiting was due to me filling out my pets paperwork.)
Called in and was lucky to be with Dr. Leonatti. She’s one of the most pleasant women I’ve ever met. Not just in the workforce, but in life. She was all about details with my turtle, asked me what supplies and such I have for her, how I care for her, my turtles environment. Listened extremely well, and we had a great time! You can tell all of the employees love their job, and have a passion for it. They don’t have that dragged down feeling that most people have at their 9 – 5.
I believe that for the professionalism I received, the easy access and location, the care that me and my pet got, and the knowledge that they feed you, I got more than what I paid for. I will be back, no doubt.
Go here. you will not be disappointed.

After two years of lobbying and a PowerPoint presentation making her case, we finally gave in to our 13yo and agreed to get her a cavy. While on a business trip on April Fool’s Day, I get a text from the 13yo. It’s a photo of a guinea pig. I text back: too cute. She texts back: thanks, mommy. Wait, what?! With three dogs already, we tell ourselves that it would be a good experience for her to take care of a guinea pig since she wants to be a veterinarian. So now we are the proud grandparents of a too stinkin’ cute guinea pig.
Three weeks later, we notice what looks like a fungal infection on one of his ears. Petsmart referred us to Avian and Exotic Animal Care. I called for a same day appointment and they were able to accommodate us at the time I wanted. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Reception was very welcoming. The vet tech was super nice and knowledgeable. She gave us advice on diet, etc. Knowing that our 13yo was researching guinea pigs for two years, a lot of the advice aligned with the information we came across in her research. Dr. Dan was easy going and attentive. The total bill was reasonable. They are 10 minutes away from home. I like the mobile app that you can sync with your pet profile on their website. It keeps a record of appointments, medical history, prescriptions… and can order refills?! So far we’re quite pleased with Avian and Exotic.

We borrowed a very special goldfish for a science project that ended up getting sick. I felt very funny about taking a fish to the vet but when I walked in, everybody there made me feel comfortable. There is something to say when you walk in somewhere and you feel like you are at home. This is the place you want to bring your pet. Dr. Dan was our vet. He was very nice, kind and understanding. He gave me a very thorough plan of action. When I needed more help, he communicated with me on a regular basis via email. I was also able to pick up medicine without making another appointment. I feel that everything was very reasonable and the care was outstanding. I would recommend this place to anyone that has an exotic pet. I don’t think you can get better care. Not only is our fish (well, my sister’s fish) on the road to recovery, we have many funny fish stories to tell everybody. Thank you Dr. Dan!

I have seen al 3 veterinarians and love them all! Dhona is the best vet tech with EVERY species of pet. Go here if you love your exotic pet!

Kellye is spot on.
The vet was knowledgeable, the staff was nice, and it was nice to be at a place for exotics only (for many reasons), but they are really, Really expensive. The appointment fee itself was not so over the top, but the meds, on-​site treatments, and products they suggest were 50−150% over what I have found at other places. So, you think the price isn’t too bad based on the consultation charge, then, Wham!, the bill with the other services arrives.
There were some downsides, too. The office was very noisy since they leave the door to the birds area open, which was scary to my pet. It also had a bit of a «factory» feel” as it seemed like they were more interested in moving on than addressing my issues with the treatment options (no one knows your pet like you do and those quirks can make all the difference in treatments).
Anyway, they aren’t bad, but there is definitely room for improvement.

They are great vets. They know what they’re talking about, what to test for, etc with exotics. However, they are extremely overpriced, especially in an area that has quite a few exotics vets because of State. They are good if they are located near you and you don’t mind spending the extra bucks. For those of us in the Chapel Hill area who might need to save a few extra dollars, you can get the same great, professional care locally and for cheaper.
I give it 3.5 stars because yes, they know what they are doing, for sure. However, their prices seem a bit too steep for me to give 4 stars. I would recommend them if you’re stuck, but otherwise there are other places.

They are now located at 8711 Fidelity Blvd. I brought my lovebird here and they were impressively professional. They dont treat dogs or cats so its a safe and comfortable environment for your bird or small animal.