Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz

4.9 from 232 reviews

Address 5400 Scotts Valley Dr Suite B, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Phone Number +18314408590

Description The Exotic Pet Clinic is Santa Cruz’s first veterinary hospital devoted exclusively to exotic pets. Animals like rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, hedgehogs, and ferrets have unique needs, and we focus on meeting those needs. Our highly trained staff provide our patients with advanced medical, surgical, and wellness services. Our customized facility offers exotic pets a peaceful and calm environment free from dogs and cats.

Website https://exoticpetclinic.com/

Reviews
A Google User

The doctor is always extremely nice. The first nurse wasn't super friendly, looked like a rough day though. Otherwise service is usually extremely good. Straight to the point and helpful. The vet that my bearded dragons see is amazing because she is patient and always happy to answer questions

A Google User

This was my first time coming to this veterinary clinic, but it will not be the last. Trying to find a vet who will treat chickens is incredibly difficult. The two more local clinics that I have brought birds to previously each only have one vet who will treat birds and they we both booked for weeks. The emergency clinic that can see birds doesn't have the ability to a blood panel on birds. They referred me here, and I am so grateful that they did. My poor Poppy was clearly suffering and I didn't think we could wait three weeks for the appointment I was able to schedule at my usual vet. Exotic Pet Clinic was able to see me the same day that I called. The office was so relaxing and peaceful, no dogs or cats barking or yowling, and the staff was was very pleasant and patient with my scruffy appearance and brain-addled sleep-deprived state. And they were so, so sweet with my chicken, Poppy. She was in terrible pain and they were as gentle with her as possible and gave her a blackberry and mealworms as a treat. Her symptoms were puzzling but the x-ray and other tests told the story: cancer. It was everywhere, with nothing to be done for her but make her comfortable. But in the time that I had been waiting to get in with my other vet, Poppy had already gotten so much worse, and so quickly, that my husband and I agreed that dragging this out would be cruel. Dr. Deng answered all my questions and gave me plenty of time to call my husband and discuss it. She answered all of my questions and explained everything gently, but so I had a clear understanding. My husband had concerns about the euthanasia process being painful or frightening for Poppy, and we were both reassured by Dr. Deng's description of what would take place. They gave Poppy a big dose of painkiller and sedative. When she was very relaxed and sleepy, they gave the final injection and I was able to be there with her talking to her and holding and stroking her head as she drifted away. After she was gone, they laid her in a lovely little cardboard casket decorated with flowers for me to take her home. Over the decades, I have taken this journey many many times with other pets, mostly dogs. It is never easy. But I have never had my pet treated more gently during the process or more gracefully afterwards. The box and flowers were really such a lovely thing. So respectful of the grief I was feeling and of the fact that Poppy was not "just a chicken" as pets, especially "livestock" pets, are often so disdainfully christened. My husband had had to work and could not be there, and Poppy was his special little girl. He didn't get a last chance to say goodbye. It seems like such a simple thing, but that box meant a lot. Being able to bring her home that way, in a way that acknowledged that we had just suffered the loss of a beloved family member, was not something I have experienced before and it really meant so much.

A Google User

Dr. Stern has put together a great team at her practice. The vet techs are really kind & loving toward the animals and are equally kind to the owners. The quality of pet care delivered by this office is top notch. To me, there is great comfort in knowing their experience goes beyond the clinic. So many exotics are owned by Dr. Stern and her team so they can draw on their own experiences as well as their clinical experience. It's worth the drive!

A Google User

I have trusted my bunnies to Dr Stern for years, starting out in other locations. I was thrilled when Exotic Pet Clinic opened. The Exotic Pet Clinic admin & medical staff is always competent, clear, and friendly. Top notch! I completely trust Dr Stern and the medical staff to know & advise what's best. I appreciate Dr Stern's & staff's knowledge & competence. At the same time the doctor listens to me and advises, working with me. Thank you Exotic Pet Clinic for being a wonderful safe healing place!

A Google User

This was my first time at the Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz, and I was very happy with the attention my hen received. Starting with the intake with the vet tech (Olivia, I believe?), and through the physical exam with the vet (Dr. Deng), I felt like they were very thorough and good listeners. I was impressed with the history that Olivia took of my hen, and I was also impressed with the thoroughness of Dr. Deng's physical exam of the chicken--not only for the chief complaint but also just a general exam looking for any other possible health issues. The receptionist was also very nice! Update June 2024: Last October I took my hen to be euthanized. I wish I remembered the name of the vet tech who handled the procedure because she was SO kind and considerate. She gently explained what she'd be doing and how it would affect my hen, and then I was able to hold her while the drugs took effect. Since it took several minutes, she gave me privacy so I could be alone with my animal. Losing a pet is so hard, but I'm grateful for people who can help during the experience.

A Google User

We loved Dr.Stern and the vet assistant they both were knowledgeable and very kind. Both receptionists were super sweet as well. My husband and I appreciated the amount of love they gave our bunny and made us feel welcomed! We will definitely be coming back, big thanks to all of you!

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Business Hours
Monday:08:30AM - 18:00PMTuesday:08:30AM - 18:00PMWednesday:08:30AM - 18:00PMThursday:08:30AM - 18:00PMFriday:08:30AM - 18:00PMSaturday:ClosedSunday:Closed

Popular Times

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Amenities

  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom

Crowd

  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace

Planning

  • Appointment required
  • Appointments recommended

Categories

Services

Serves San Francisco County and nearby areas