Parrot Parrot

Avian Vets

All these vets were recommended by breeders and/or bird owners. Their quotes are included after the listing.  These are personal recommendations based on individual experiences with these vets.  This list does not imply any endorsement by Parrot Parrot. It simply serves as a place for bird owners to find an experienced avian vet in their area. If you have an avian vet you love, let us know.


California

Claremont

Ann McDowell, D.V.M.
Chaparral Pet Hospital
915 W. Foothill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 625-1561

“She is very experienced in treating birds.  They have checked/treated several Hawk-headed parrots, which most vets rarely get to see.  I have seen assorted macaws (including several Hyacinth), cockatoos, eclectus, greys, Amazons, and most of the medium to small parrot species there at one time or another.  She also treats softbills. Several on the staff are very experienced with birds (like the main vet tech who handfeeds hummingbirds and has hookbills).  They do avian surgery. This practice covers all kinds of birds, dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, tortoise, wildcats, cougars, and creatures I’m sure I haven’t thought of. I’ve been impressed with her base of knowledge.  She is easy to talk to, and she listens to you.  Many of her clients are very experienced bird breeders, which tells you something about the quality of treatment.” (Nancy Porras)

“I second this opinion. An informative, compassionate, and thorough.  It’s worth the extra time it takes me to drive out there!” (Vera Appleyard)
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Corona (mobile; covers Riverside area, Orange Co., Inland Empire)

Barton C. Huber, DVM; known as “Dr. Bart”
Office (909) 222-4053
Fax (909) 371-8614

“I had the privilege of working with Dr. Bart in his mobile veterinarian service in 1998, where I observed his knowledge and care in every client. He is very talented and always up to date on new studies, techniques, nutrition and an expert in the exotic bird field. I would definitely give him the highest recommendation.” (Lynnette Stewart)

“In my opinion, Dr. Bart is one of the best and I would drive to him if he were not willing to drive to me, which he does. He has dealt with my private Palm Desert bird collection ranging from canaries, caiques, toucans, cockatoos, and Hyacinths for over five years. I hold him personally responsible for the gift of my nine year old Black Palm Cockatoo that obviously had a birth defect and without him would most likely have died several years ago.” (Linda Biggi)

“He is one of the few avian vets that truly understands flock management and the challenges of running a healthy baby nursery that may contain anywhere from 20 to 60 babies at any given time.” (Charlene Beane)

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Los Angeles

Dr. Levac
Wilshire Animal Hospital
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 828-4587

“Well-respected, certified avian vet. Has a very loyal following.” (Vera Appleyard)
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San Diego

Claire Sosna
Carmel Mountain Ranch Veterinary Hospital
11925 Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego,  CA
(619)  592-9779

“Dr. Sosna is just as loving and gentle toward my lovies as I am. She personally has called to follow up on my little guy Kiwi. She not only gives you all the information that you need to handle your situtaion, but she also writes it down for you.  This has helped me many times. She is just a genuine animal lover and that is why I have the utmost respect for her and trust her with my lovies.”  (Kimberly Derwent)

San Fernando Valley

Drs. Weiss, Rupiper, Boyton
Capri Plaza Pet Clinic
19588 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, California 91356
(818) 881-6344

“I have been bringing my bird there since 1987.” (ANGEDEM@aol.com)


San Luis Obispo area

Susan Choy & Patrice Boroughs
2021  11th Street
Los Osos, California  93402
(805) 528-0693

EMERGENCY:  Call service and specify “avian emergency.”
All other requests will be referred to an Emergency Vet Clinic in Arroyo Grande.

“Susan Choy has been in practice since 1987.  She did a kind of internship with Brian Speer, who is in the San Francisco area of California.  She’s excellent with sick baby birds as well as BIG biting breeder birds.  She does the local wild bird emergencies (from hawks and owls to hummingbirds).  She volunteers with the local humane society.  She keeps current on all cutting-edge avian issues. Patrice Boroughs use to be a vet tech for Susan Choy.  She was so impressed with avian vet work she quit Dr. Choy’s office & went to vet school.  After graduating Dr. Choy invited her to work with her.  Dr. Boroughs also keeps up on all the cutting-edge avian issues.  She’s only been there a short time, but I already trust her with my baby birds who are in life and death situations. They handle all there own avian emergencies.  They give discounts to breeders.” (Debi Schmitt)

“Dr. Choy (board certified avian vet) has examined and treated numerous birds from lovebirds to parrotlets to finches.   She gives excellent advice although she pushes an all pellet diet.  She will do M.A.P. Certification. Susan is very gentle and kind to all of the birds which I have brought into the clinic.  She listens to me about my observations.  She tries to be economical.  She is familiar with small birds up to the large hookbills such as amazons and cockatoos.  Dr. Boroughs is fairly new and I have had a few contacts with her.  She is also gentle and kind to my birds. Although I don’t deal with the techs much, most of them know the birds!” (Rosemary)
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San Rafael

Dr. Kenneth L. Bacon, DVM
4144 Redwood Hiway  Suite A
San Rafael, CA. 94903
415-479-CATS (2287)

“The reason I like him is that he is very patient and understanding of the animals.  His staff is simply wonderful and he boards pets at a nominal charge.  Somebody is right there to play or talk to them not to mention the fact that the best health care is right there in case a pet gets sick.” (Gae)

San Bernardino

Bruce S. Levine, DVM

ABVP Avian & Companion Animal
Animal Care Wellness Center

3928 N Sierra Way, San Bernardino, CA  92405

(909) 833-6464


Colorado

Denver

The one that everyone seems to agree is the most experienced is Dr. Jerry Labonde (303) 290-8233.

Two other good avian vets are Dr. Colin Combs (303) 237-9542 and Dr. Paige Garnett (303) 421-8200.
Longmont (near Boulder)

David M. McCluggage, D.V.M.

This vet is so highly recommended by this bird person


Connecticut

The South Wilton Veterinary Group
Nick Sitinas, VMD,DiplAVBP
3 Danbury Road
Wilton,CT 06897
(203) 762-2002

Robert F. Giddings & Ann M. Bourke, DiplABVP
977 Farmington Ave.
Kensington,CT  06037
(860) 828-7736.

“Board certified avian vets. Very wonderful and knowledgeable people. I would highly recommend.”


Florida

Melbourne/Cocoa

Dr. A. Motie
All Animal And Bird Hospital
4100 W. New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32904-3521
(407) 724-2070

Also has another facility:

Cocoa Animal Hospital
2300 SR 524, #108
Cocoa, FL 32926
(407) 636-2230

“This Vet is absolutely tops where birds are concerned. Whether it be a routine health check or major surgery he gets top marks in all areas.   He has cared for numerous babies and adult birds for us and many of our customers. He grew up with birds and understands and loves them as we do. He is very supportive of breeders, both professionally and financially. He understands that we make mistakes and takes the time to teach you where you went wrong and how to avoid the same mistakes in the future. However, he will not hesitate to give you “whats for”  if you make the same mistake again or if you were just plain lazy, stupid or inattentive.   If you call he will find a way to fit you in even if it means staying past closing or coming in after hours to attend to an emergency.” (Roy, True Companion Aviary)
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Miami

Dr. Thomas Goldsmith
The Bird and Animal Hospital of Pinecrest
12521 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33156.
(305) 259-6677.

His practice is devoted to avian and exotic pets.


Georgia

Macon

Melissa Kling
Brantley and Jordan Animal Hospital
5698 Thomaston Rd.
Macon, GA 31220
(912) 757-1600

“Dr. Kling has been wonderful in working with all my birds, has offered several suggestions on how to deal with my Hahns Macaw that is plucked, and has been there in emergencies to help with broken blood feathers, etc.  She is Avian Certified, and works with other exotic pets such as lizards, etc.   She stays very busy as she is one of the only avian vets here in Macon.” (Marg)


Illinois

Dr. Peter Sakas
Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center
7278 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Niles, IL  60714-4334
(847)647-9325

“They actually saved my Jardine’s parrot from death shortly after we got him.  He was sick from the pet store, and two vets misdiagnosed him, so we almost lost him.  Dr. Peter Sakas saved Merlin’s life, and we have complete trust in him.  It is well worth the couple hour drive to take the birds (now 3) down there for yearly checkups.  Actually, they call Merlin “Miracle Merlin” down there because they didn’t even think he would make it.  They pulled him through, and Merlin is now happy and healthy and 6 years old.  He was just over 1 at the time of his illness.”  (Debbie Hahn)

Iowa

Des Moines

Hubbell Animal Hospital (any vet there)
3415 Hubbell Ave
Des Moines, Iowa  50317
Ph 515-265-4239
emergencies: 515-280-3051

“Here in the Des Moines, Iowa area (central Iowa) the only vet that is certified to work on birds is my vet. While I’ve not had to take any of my birds to the vet, these people have helped with with my rabbits, my cats.  They are so kind and caring.  When my 9 year old cat Bouncer passed away rather suddenly, they sent flowers, and everyone in the office hugged me when I found
out.” (Mary)


Louisiana

Baton Rouge

Frederick M. McMullan
All Pets Hospital
8660 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225) 767-2462
http://www.allpetshospital.com

“I came to know Dr. McMullan when I was given my first pair of lovebirds.  Since then, he’s spent countless hours encouraging and coaching me through lovebird health problems, clutches, and well-birdie check-ups.  I feel blessed to have such a wonderful, caring person looking out for the welfare of my precious lovebirds.  Each time I leave the office feeling that Dr. McMullan places birds and people first.”  (J. Kaye Oldner)


Maine

Jeffrey  Carr
North Windham Veterinary Clinic
Route 115
Windham, ME
(207) 829-8553

“…He is terrific!  He is absolutely wonderful with my 3 babies and I highly recommend him to anyone living in Maine.”
(Julie Roy-St.Hilaire)


Maryland

Dr. Donald W. Zantop
Fallston Veterinary Clinic
(410) 877-1727

“I learn a bunch from him every time we see him. He obviously loves birds.


Michigan

Dr. Wayne Beasley
Cedar Creek Veterinary and Exotic Bird Clinic
Williamston, MI
(517) 655-4906

“Dr. Beasley knows how to take care of our feathered friends. Attends a lot of seminars to keep up on the newest treatments. Very considerate to all of his patients.”

Dr. Timothy England
Crossroads Animal Hospital
Jackson, MI
(517) 784-1111

“I have as much faith in Dr. England as I do in Dr. Beasley. If one is out of town there is no question as to where to go. Both of these men are very good at what they do, and they love doing it.” (Diane Marie)


Missouri

Julie Burge, DVM
Burge Bird Services
13833 S. 71 Hwy
Grandview, MO 64030
816-356-4700
http://burgebirdservices.homestead.com

Member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians since 1990; currently the Missouri state representative. 100% avian practice; sees almost 3,000 birds per year, offering all services from grooming and boarding to surgery.

“Julie Burge has been my vet as long as I have had birds and that is about 7 years. She comes to my house and that is important to me, that way I don’t have to haul all of my birds out of the house…My birds are my children and I trust Julie to take care of them.” (Melissa Mundy)


New Mexico

Albuquerque

Kay L. Duffin, DVM
Hume Veterinary Hospital
3601 Eubank NE
Albuquerque,  NM  87111
(505) 291-9280.

“Excellent.  Will come to multiple-bird aviaries. Has own office. Also a board member of our bird club and volunteers her services at our annual bird mart/show (all day).” (Linna Reusmann)


New Jersey

Jim McKinley
Amwell Bird Hospital
Hillsborough, NJ
908 369-7373


New York

Bedford Hills

Dr. Laurie Hess
Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics,
709 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, New York 10507

(914) 864-1414

www.avianexoticsvet.com.

“She is a board certified avian vet (who currently is President of the AAV) who has been in practice for 16 years and sees only avian and exotic pets. Dr. Hess has just opened a brand new, state of the art, veterinary center in Bedford Hills, New York which treats only avian and exotics pets, including reptiles (no cats or dogs).” (recommended by Peter Mozarsky)


Oregon

Milwaukie (near Portland)

Drs. Merry Crimi, Deborah Shaeffer, Deborah Ward, Caitlin Seabright
Gladstone Veterinary Clinic
18420 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, OR 97267
(503) 653-6621

“Drs. Crimi, Shaeffer, and Ward are all excellent with birds.  They also do work with the Hawk Haven Rehab Organization and just recently performed surgery on a Sharpshin Hawk.  The clinic is an AAHA hospital.  Members of AAV.  They see all kinds of birds and parrots. ” (Sue Hartzell)


South Carolina

P. Greg Brown, DVM
Sunset Animal Clinic
127 Professional Ave.
West Columbia, S.C. 29169
803-791-5575

“Dr. Brown has treated my lovebirds (2) and budgies (2) for 4 years, who have had giardia, possible polyoma (baby budgie tested negative and weird feathers subsequently molted in normal, feather cyst, digestive tract cancer in budgie, respiratory/ eye/sinus infection in run down budgie who wouldn’t stop laying eggs, and other illnesses/problems. Generally he asks lots of questions and seems generally concerned for the birds.  He gives you a break when he can (i.e., one office visit fee if you bring in more than one bird).  He has birds of his own; has done talks at pet stores and bird clubs about good bird care.  Always makes sure diet is good.  Does a weekly 5 minute spot on local TV news about good animal care.  He is very down to earth and no nonsense – easy to talk to. Will tell you different people’s opinions about different treatments available and let you make your own descision. This clinic has 4 vets – he is the main vet and the only actual certified avian vet, but he has been teaching the others, and 2 of the others feel confident to see non-complicated bird cases.  They refer to and defer to Dr. Brown for anything serious though.  Some of the vet techs are better with birds than others.  They know the common species, generally (i.e., cockatiel, lovebird, budgie),  but not the smaller distinctions (i.e., mutations, lovebird species other than peach faced).  They refer all emergencies to local emergency vet center, who unfortunately do not specialize in birds.  However, I did have to call them once, and they contacted Dr. Brown, who then called me back.  I trust Dr. Brown with my birds.” (Shannon Douglas)

Dr. Christy Belcher
Roper Mountain Animal Hospital
14 Roper Corners Circle
Greenville, South Carolina 29615
(864) 297-9190
www.ropermountainah.com


Texas

Houston

Dr. Gary Harwell
Houston, TX
(713) 641-2601

“As a previous zoo vet, Gary has the experience to work with all exotics. I have used others but only in emergencies. I always go to Gary Harwell whenever possible. Dr. Harwell makes all the avian appointments personally. This avoids well bird visits during times when a potentially ill bird might be in the office. Also bird appointments are not scheduled near each other.” (Lisa Behm)
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San Antonio

Thomas E. Vice, D.V.M.
Broadway Animal Hospital
8221 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas
(210) 824-7481

“Great vet who is really well respected in San Antonio’s avian community. He appears on TV frequently to do spots on animal health. Helps out my local bird club, River City Bird Club, a great deal in dealing with things such as MAP issues, seminars. Participates in our club’s vet assistance program, offering a discount to our bird club members who need avian veterinary services. He and his staff were very kind and took their time with me when my bird needed treatment. I recommend him to anyone who needs an avian vet in San Antonio.” (Michele)


Utah

Dr. Dana Clark
Lakeview Animal Hospital
North Salt Lake, Utah
(801) 298-2314

“I go to a vet here in Utah by the name of Dr. Dana Clark.  He has a great bedside manner with both the birds and their owners.  He is the most popular Dr. with birds in the area and is highly recommended by most of the breeders in the state.” (Kathy C.)


CANADA

Alberta (Calgary)

Dr. Kerry Korber,B.A. DVM
Dr Peter Helmer, D.V.M
3118-17th avenue SW
Calgary, AB
Canada
T3E-0B2
(403) 240-3577

“They specialize in birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, all small animals and exotic pets. I take my little guy to Dr. Korber. I find her friendly and quite knowledgable..especially since I am a first time bird owner.” (Amber)

Ontario (Ottawa)

Robin Roscoe, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Avian)
30 Thorncliffe Place
Nepean, Ontario
K2H 6L2
(613) 820-0443

“I have an avian vet who is excellent! She is board certified and has treated all of my birds for the past nine years. I have pets, breeding birds, and babies and even a couple of very ill rescue birds. I know of a number of birds which would not be alive today (including one of mine) were it not for her skill and dedication. She loves birds and has handled and treated all of them with great knowledge and skill. She has been a big supporter of our local Parrot Club since it started over nine years ago. (She also does a lot of work for the local Wild Bird Care Centre.)” (Gwen)

SINGAPORE

Dr Gloria Lee

A Veterinary Surgeon
BSc. BVMS (Murdoch)

AMK VETERINARY SURGERY (2009) PTE LTD
31, Sembawang Road
Singapore 779082
Tel: +65 6451 5242 Fax: +65 6451 5242

Emergency Tel: +65 6451 5242

A Bird,Cat and Dog Veterinarian. She is a very kind and caring veterinarian. She helped treating my Lovebird and i’ve seen improvement in my Lovie in a few days! She has treat several other birds including budgies and macaws! I would reccomend her to your if you’re living somewhere in Singapore as there is hardly any Bird Veterinarians here…  (Maria)

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