Birds · Reptiles · Small Mammals
Exotic Pet Services
Veterinary expertise that's hard to find around Chattanooga — for the parrot, the ball python, the rabbit, the bearded dragon, and yes, on occasion, the wildlife of the Appalachian South.
Beyond the Usual Patients
Exotic Pet Veterinarian Serving 6 Counties Around Chattanooga
Exotic pets are not dogs and cats in costume — they have their own anatomy, their own behaviors, and their own ways of telling us something is wrong (usually subtly, and usually too late). The Mountain Hospital for Animals is one of the few practices in the area with the experience and the equipment to respond accordingly.
If you are driving from Chattanooga or surrounding areas with an exotic pet that needs a vet who actually knows the species, you're in the right place.
Species We See
Exotic Species We Treat
A non-exhaustive list. If your animal isn't here, call us — chances are we've seen one.
Birds
Parrots, conures, cockatiels, budgerigars, finches, chickens, ducks, and other companion birds. Beak, feather, and wing care included.
Reptiles
Bearded dragons, geckos, snakes, tortoises, turtles, and lizards. We keep a dedicated reptile room for exams and recovery, and husbandry questions — heat, humidity, diet — are part of the visit.
Small Mammals
Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, and other pocket pets. Dental, GI stasis, and reproductive issues are common — we know what to look for.
Backyard Poultry
Chickens, ducks, and other backyard poultry. We treat them like pets — because for most of our clients, that's exactly what they are.
Wildlife
Birds of all types, raccoons, possums, and other small mammals that may have been hit by a car, up to and including injured or sick white-tailed deer. Call ahead before bringing anything venomous.
Other Species
Amphibians, fish, aquatic species, hedgehogs, and other less-common companions. If you are not sure we'll see your species, call and ask.
What We Do
Exotic Pet Veterinary Services We Offer
The day-to-day of exotic medicine looks different than dog-and-cat medicine — but the underlying work is the same: a careful history, a hands-on exam, the right diagnostics, and a plan you understand.
Wellness & Husbandry Consultations
Many exotic species don't show illness until problems are advanced. A routine wellness exam — plus a real conversation about diet, enclosure setup, lighting, humidity, and handling — catches more than people expect. For new owners, this is often the most useful appointment you'll have.
Diagnostics
Bloodwork, imaging, and other diagnostic workups appropriate to the species. We're honest about what's possible in-house and what needs to go to an outside lab or specialist.
Sick Visits & Medical Care
GI stasis in a rabbit. A bird that's stopped eating. A reptile not basking like usual. These are the calls we're equipped for — and they're often more urgent than they seem on the outside.
Surgery & Sedation
Sedation and anesthesia protocols vary widely across exotic species. We use approaches matched to your animal — not a one-size-fits-all dog-and-cat protocol — with attentive monitoring throughout.
Husbandry Coaching
A lot of what makes an exotic pet sick is the setup at home. We'll walk through what's working and what isn't, no judgment — most husbandry problems are easy to fix once you know what to change.
Common Questions
Exotic Pet Veterinary FAQ
What kinds of exotic animals do you treat?
Reptiles, amphibians, fish, rabbits, rats, mice, and other small mammals. If you don't see your species listed, give us a call — the answer is usually yes.
Do you see chickens or other backyard poultry?
Yes. Most companion-animal practices won't see chickens — they consider them livestock — and most large-animal practices won't either. For families with a small flock, we're often the only option in the area, and we treat them like the pets they are.
Do you treat injured or orphaned wildlife?
Yes. Birds of prey, red wolves, raccoons, possums, even the occasional black bear have come through our door. Call ahead if you can — we'll be ready when you arrive, and we'll ask you to call first before bringing anything venomous.
Do exotic pets really need annual exams?
Yes — arguably more than cats and dogs. Many exotic species (especially reptiles and birds) hide illness until they're seriously unwell. A baseline wellness exam, combined with a husbandry review, is one of the best things you can do for them.
I'm new to exotic pet ownership. Can you help me set things up right?
Absolutely. New-owner consultations are some of our favorite appointments — we'd much rather get the enclosure, diet, and handling right at the start than untangle problems six months in. Bring photos of your setup.
Schedule an Exotic Pet Visit
If your animal needs a veterinarian who actually knows the species, give us a call — or fill out the New Patient Form ahead of your first visit.