Keeping unusual pets can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. However, it is important to ensure that your pet is healthy and that their husbandry requirements are met.
Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation about exotic pets. Many people need to be made aware of the unique needs of exotic pet care. Our veterinary practice is among the few that have experience and expertise in the healthcare and husbandry needs of extraordinary animals.
Vaccinations
To prevent the spread of deadly diseases, ensure that your pet receives its vaccinations on schedule. Vaccinations involve giving your pet a small injection under the skin; this method allows the body to become familiar with the inactivated disease particles so that if an exposure occurs, the body can fight off the disease.
We routinely vaccinate rabbits and ferrets in our local clinics and recommend it as an important part of their preventative health program.
Microchipping
Microchipping your exotic pet is the safest and most reliable form of permanent identification. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and stores a unique code connected to your information. This code is then registered in the national registry so that if your pet gets lost, it can be quickly reunited with you.
Surgery and Anaesthesia
Surgery is often necessary to treat a range of diseases that affect exotic pets. We reduce the risks of anaesthesia as much as possible to ensure a comfortable, safe and smooth procedure for your pet. The patients we see are unique, and having the right anaesthetic equipment and surgical knowledge is essential for optimal patient outcomes and a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Sterilisation (Desexing)
Sterilisation (otherwise known as desexing or neutering) is recommended for many exotic pets to prevent a variety of illnesses, health problems and behavioural issues later in life.
We recommend that rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and rats be routinely desexed to prevent various issues. In some cases, sterilising your reptile or bird is also indicated for preventing some diseases.
Dentistry
Our pet dental care checks for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and dragons are provided using specialised equipment that allows us to carry out a wide range of dental procedures on exotic pets to stop the buildup of dental disease and to treat impacted, overgrown, infected, and abscessed teeth. We highly recommend regular dental checks to keep plaque and tartar buildup to a minimum.
Sexing
Nail Clipping
Wing Clipping
Beak Corrections
Faecal Testing
Laboratory Testing & Diagnostic Imaging
Sexing
When people own multiple pets, they often need to determine the sex of their animals so that they can avoid breeding or allow breeding to occur. There are many different methods used to determine the sex of a pet, and these methods depend on the age and species of the animal.
Nail Clipping
We provide services for regular nail clipping for rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, many birds, some reptiles, and some rats. These pets, particularly those kept indoors, often don’t wear down their nails as they would if they were out in the wild. Nail clipping is a necessary and highly recommended practice that can prevent sharp, overgrown nails and painful curling.
Wing Clipping
Wing clipping is a service that requires careful consideration, which is why we suggest you talk to your avian veterinarian about the reasons you are clipping the wings, and what outcome you are hoping to achieve. We provide free wing-clipping with a health check consultation, or we can do it alone for a small fee.
Beak Corrections
Our beak correction procedure is second to none – we use a specialised burr that mimics natural erosion to gently and accurately sculpt the beak to its ideal state, where the top and bottom beaks meet in perfect alignment. With this technique, you can be sure that you are getting the best care for your bird!
Faecal Testing
We understand how important it is to accurately assess a pet’s health. As such, we offer four different types of faecal tests: a faecal gram stain, a faecal wet preparation, a faecal suspension, and a faecal float. By performing these tests together, we can get a more comprehensive overview of any issues your pet may be facing.
Laboratory Testing & Diagnostic Imaging
Our clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory and imaging technology, making diagnosing your pet’s health issues quickly and more efficient. These cutting-edge tools allow us to quickly and accurately assess your pet’s health, providing peace of mind and ensuring that your pet receives the proper care and treatment they need.
Dr Daniella Hsu BVSc MANZCVS (Avian Health, Unusual Pets) Dr Daniella knew from a young age that animals would play an important role in her life. Dr Dan grew up in China surrounde…
Dr William Grech BVSc MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian medicine) Dr William spent his childhood in Malta before moving to Australia in 2008. He had a keen interest in animals from…
Vet Nurse Katie Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing For the last six years, Katie has been nursing with Small Animals and Exotics, which has greatly affirmed her love of nursing of a…
Vet Nurse Lucy Certificate IV in Vet Nursing Lucy’s love of animals has been apparent throughout her entire life, and it’s always been assumed that she would find a career …
Practice Manager Allira Certificate 4 Veterinary Nursing, Certificate 3 Captive Animals Allira had a very untraditional introduction to the industry where her career began at…
Rosie began studying animals at CIT at a young age and fell in love with the industry. Rosie has a deep appreciation for the unique needs of every species and a passion for clie…
Trainee Vet Nurse Shelby (She/Her) Certificate III Companion Animal Services and working towards Certificate IV Vet Nursing Shelby has always had a special affinity with animals an…
Vet Nurse Hollie Cert III Animal Studies & Cert IV Veterinary Nursing Hollie’s journey in the veterinary industry started at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where she undert…
Dr Kelly graduated from Murdoch University and has a special interest in birds but loves all other exotic animals too! She has spent time working with a number of the leadi…
Located in Fyshwick, we are Canberra’s first dedicated exotics only veterinary clinic. When it comes to your extraordinary pets, settle for nothing less than exceptional care.
Dr Dan and the passionate team of vets and nurses are ready to provide high-quality veterinary care to your beloved exotic pet species, including birds, reptiles, mice and rats, ferrets and rabbits and guinea pigs.
We offer the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques, have a broad range of treatment options available and give special attention to each pet’s unique needs. UPV Canberra is the number one choice for exotic pet care in the Canberra region.
Our team of certified veterinarians strive to provide compassionate care designed with your pets’ needs in mind.
We ensure that our customers’ pets receive a healthy diet and environment through trusted and reliable advice.
Our Canberra clinic is equipped and supported by on-site, state-of-the-art laboratory, surgical and anaesthesia facilities.
Your exotic pet will benefit from a comprehensive network of quality veterinarians who can support all your pet’s needs.
Testimonials
Informative Service
Very nice and informative service. Lovely vet practice, will definitely recommend to others.
Joanne Marsden
Wonderful and Knowledgeable
Wonderful and knowledgable vet. Took time to thoroughly check over my rabbit and answer all the questions I had. Would recommend to other rabbit owners.