Services

I will help ensure your exotic pet is being housed and fed in the most optimal way known to your species in captivity. Whether it's teaching your bird to eat healthy veggies, or teaching your snake to eat pre-killed prey items, I will help you navigate the truth beyond what you learn at the pet store or on the internet!

There is life beyond the "starter kit" you may have gotten when you first obtained your caged animal. Let me help you create an enviroment that will allow your pet to perform the natural behaviors it should be performing in the wild. Whether it's foraging, digging, bathing, or more- let's do better together!

People often don't know where to go to have routine grooming done on their pets. Overgrown toenails in birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs can cause injury if they catch on toys, rugs, or furniture. Tortoises and birds may need their beaks trimmed regularly due to medical issues. You may decide your bird needs a gentle wing trim for safety reasons. I can help decide was is appropriate, or what may require medical attention.

My expertise in behavior is primarily with regards to companion parrots. This is mostly because they have such complex behaviors that most people misinterpret and do not understand how to manage in the home. Screaming, biting, and feather destructive behavior are examples of things I can help you either control, or accept based on the root cause. But I also work with fear based behaviors and basic training techniques. As frustrating as these situation are, there are ways I can help if you are committed to your bird.

Purchasing a new pet should never be an impulse move. Exotic pets are amazing and alluring- but, is a large parrot that lives for 70 years and requires tremendous time, and attention right for your lifestyle? Is a ferret that is going to require potentially expensive veterinary care within 4-6 years right for your family? Let me help you choose the right kind of pet to fit in perfectly in your home. I can also help with long-term estate planning ideas for people who may be sharing homes with pets who will outlive them.

Due to prior trauma or certain medical conditions, some animals (mostly rabbits) require chronic medical grooming. This may include sanitary clipping, shaving, and bathing. These procedures can be difficult, as rabbits have very delicate skin and can be difficult to restrain. I will work with you to care for these delicate situations for you, and/or to teach you how to do it safely on your own.

Did your veterinarian prescribe a medication to your pet and you need help getting it into them? Let me teach you the best methods of restraint and administration- from oral medications for birds, to injections in reptiles, I can help!

One of the things I am most proud of in my work is helping owners navigate the often complicated options and recommendations veterinarians make when their pet is unwell. If you are uncertain about why medication has been prescribed, confused about complicated diagnoses, unsure of how to navigate testing options, or need help deciding what to do... I want to be there for you. Sometimes owners just want someone who understands to listen. This is my expertise.

In my 25+ years of experience, I have learned that when exotic animals are at the end of their lives, many owners feel that people do not understand the bond they share with these amazing animals. I do undertand.

I have worked through many deaths of both my own pets, and client owned pets. I am not a therapist and I do not provide mental health care for humans... but I can help you understand what is happening and why. I can help you decide about humane euthanasia and give you comfort with your decision. And if needed, I can provide resources for professional bereavement counseling.