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Other Exotic Animal Care in Stockton, CA

OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 5:00pm to 9:00PM

If you own a hedgehog, a sugar glider, a chinchilla, a turtle, or any animal that doesn’t fit the standard cat-or-dog mold, you already know the problem: most veterinary practices in Stockton simply aren’t set up to help you. Exotic animals have species-specific anatomy, disease risks, and husbandry needs that require a different kind of training — and getting that wrong can cost your pet its health.

Venetian Pet Hospital provides dedicated exotic pet veterinary care in Stockton, CA for a wide range of less common companion animals. Our exotic pet services include wellness exams, diagnostics, surgery, nutritional counseling, and urgent care — all tailored to the specific needs of each species we see. We are a family-owned practice, and we treat every patient, no matter how unusual, with the same warmth and quality of care.

Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!

Exotic Animals That Need More Than a General Vet

Hedgehogs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, turtles, and tortoises all require a vet who has actually studied their species — not one who is adapting a dog exam on the fly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 13 percent of U.S. households owned a specialty or exotic pet as of 2016, a 25 percent increase from 2011 — yet access to qualified exotic veterinary care has not kept pace with that growth. At Venetian Pet Hospital, we are one of the few practices in Stockton equipped to fill that gap.

Species-Specific Wellness Exams

A wellness exam for a chinchilla looks nothing like one for a turtle. Each exotic species has its own anatomy, common conditions, and warning signs. Our veterinarians perform thorough physical assessments calibrated to each patient, evaluating weight, body condition, dental structures, skin and shell health, and organ function. Annual or biannual wellness visits are the most effective way to catch illness early in exotic pets, because most species hide symptoms until a condition is well advanced.

Nutritional Counseling

Diet is the leading cause of preventable illness in exotic companion animals. Many owners are working from inaccurate or outdated information about what their species actually needs. We provide species-specific nutritional guidance as part of every wellness visit, and we are available to consult between appointments when diet questions come up.

Cute african hedgehog on baby palms
Gray sugar glider. Petaurus breviceps, arboreal gliding possum seats on woman hand, macro photo with selective focus
Chinchilla Baby Kids sitting on their hands. Two chinchillas
cute little rat in hand
lovely boy with turtle

When to Bring Your Exotic Pet to the Vet

Because exotic animals often mask symptoms of illness, annual or biannual checkups are essential. You should also seek veterinary care if you notice any of the following in your exotic pet:

  • Appetite changes: refusing food or eating less than usual
  • Lethargy: reduced activity, hiding more often, or sleeping excessively
  • Respiratory issues: wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or nasal discharge
  • Skin or shell abnormalities: discoloration, lesions, soft spots, or shedding problems
  • Weight changes: sudden gain or loss without an obvious explanation

Early detection gives your pet the best chance of recovery. Our medical services include diagnostics such as bloodwork, radiology, and ultrasonography to help us identify what’s going on beneath the surface.

Exotic Animal Services at Venetian Pet Hospital

Every pet deserves quality veterinary care, regardless of species. Our veterinary team is trained to handle the medical, surgical, and preventive care needs of a wide range of less common animals. We schedule wellness visits tailored to your animal’s species, age, and history, and our urgent care service is available Monday through Friday evenings for unexpected health concerns. The exotic animal services we provide include:

Animal TypeExamples
Small mammalsHedgehogs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, rats, mice
ReptilesTurtles, tortoises, chameleons, geckos
BirdsParrots, cockatiels, canaries, budgies
Other pocket petsAmphibians and other non-traditional companions

Services we provide include wellness exams, bloodwork and parasite screening, radiology, soft tissue surgery, dental care for small mammals, vaccinations where species-appropriate, husbandry evaluations, and behavioral consultations. If you are not sure whether we see your type of pet, give us a call — we would rather answer your question than have you go without care.

What Exotic Animals Can Be Seen by a Vet?

A vet who treats other exotic animals may see a wide range of less common pets beyond cats and dogs. Types of exotic animals commonly treated include hedgehogs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, turtles, tortoises, chameleons, geckos, parrots, cockatiels, frogs, axolotls, rats, and mice. Always confirm the veterinary practice has experience with your specific species before booking.

Meet Our Caring & Compassionate Veterinary Team

Dr. Sam Varon with dog

Dr. Sam Varon

Veterinarian

Dr. Tyler Baum

Veterinarian

Dr. Sasha Hazelton

Veterinarian
Dr. Pietro Catini with cat

Dr. Pietro Catini

Veterinarian

Hear From Our Pet Parents

Exotic Pet Vet Care in Stockton, CA

Your Unusual Pet Deserves Real Veterinary Care

Venetian Pet Hospital is Stockton's family-owned practice for hedgehogs, chinchillas, turtles, and all the pets that other vets turn away.

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Species-Specific Exam
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Care Plan Built for Your Animal
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Other Exotic Animal Care at Venetian Pet Hospital

Venetian Pet Hospital is a family-owned practice in Stockton, CA where non-traditional pets receive the same quality of care as any other patient. Dr. Hanh Do, who keeps a parrot named Rainy and five chickens alongside her other animals, knows firsthand that exotic pets are not novelties — they are companions, and they deserve real veterinary attention. Our team brings that perspective to every appointment, whether you are coming in for a routine wellness visit or an urgent concern that can’t wait.

We are open Monday through Friday evenings and welcome new exotic pet patients year-round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your exotic companion in Stockton.

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