About Lorelei

Lorelei D'Avolio, LVT, CVT, VTS (Exotic Companion Animal), CVPM

Nice to meet you!

My name is Lorelei, and I have dedicated my professional life to elevating care for all animals, but particulary for the under-served exotic companion animals I have cared for in the veterinary field for over 25 years.

I grew up in Massachsetts but went to New York City after attending Boston University thinking I would use my journalism degree to make a career. But... things didn't work out that way! I could not shake the love I had for birds (and all animals) so I got a job cleaning cages in a small animal practice that treated dogs, cats, and exotics. I was hooked on day one, and soon after starting there, I decided to go back to college and get a second bachelors degree, this time in Veterinary Technology, which allowed me to obtain my New York State credentials as a Licensed Veterinary Technician.



Caring for exotic animals drew me in and I realized quickly how little many people (clients) knew about the care of their own pets. Pet stores were selling cheap products, poor quality foods, and did not focus on educating new pet owners about how to care for these animals. Over and over, we saw birds being fed improper foods, reptiles being housed without proper temperatures, rabbits being injured by poor handling, and so many more preventable problems. And they were often very, very sick.

I decided that I wanted to make more of an impact for exotic pets, so in 2004 a board-certified avian veterinarian and I started the first (and only!) animal hospital that treated exclusively exotic pets in New York City. Over 18 years, I managed the business and nursing team, and we grew into to a thriving 5-doctor practice. During that time, I earned my Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) certification in exotic companion animal medicine, as well as my Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification. I have also advanced my career by lecturing at several national and international veterinary symposiums on topics of exotic animal medicine and I have authored and edited several text book chapters for veterinary nurses and technicians on related topics. I also have sat, and currently sit on multiple committees designed to advance exotic animal medicine as well as the veterinary technology profession.

After almost 30 years in NYC, I decided to relocate to my favorite place on Earth... Cape Cod. My dream is to be able to do what I do best here on the Cape. I am starting this adventure by reaching out and seeing who is here! What can I do for this community? How can I help the exotic animals and the people who love them?

Let me know if I can bring enrichment and health to your pet's life!