Consultations
Unusual pets can be harder to examine than cats and dogs, so our vets often use tests, like checking droppings or blood, to find out what's wrong. Consultations are usually 30 minutes.
Many health problems in unusual pets are linked to their diet, housing, temperature or lighting. Please bring the person who knows your pet's care best, and fill in a new patient form for your pet before you arrive.
Reptile care
Reptiles often hide illness until it's advanced. We recommend a check-up every 6 to 12 months, and a visit soon after you bring a new reptile home, so we can check their health and talk through their enclosure, heating, UV lighting, humidity and diet.
Watch for subtle changes, like eating less, being quieter than usual, moving differently or problems shedding, and book a check-up if you notice them. In Victoria, some reptiles need a permit to keep.
Vaccinations for rabbits and ferrets
Rabbits can catch rabbit calicivirus, which can kill within 48 hours. A vaccine protects pet rabbits, and we recommend it for every rabbit.
Ferrets can catch canine distemper, which has no cure. Vaccinating your ferret protects them.
Surgery and desexing
Our exotic vets perform routine surgery, including lump removals, desexing and rabbit dental work. Procedures are usually booked for the afternoon after your consultation.
Like cats and dogs, unusual pets benefit from desexing. Rabbits and guinea pigs breed easily, and overcrowding can lead to disease and fighting.
Wildlife
If you find a sick or injured native animal, you can bring it to our North Melbourne hospital. You can also report wildlife injured during emergencies using the Wildlife Emergency app. [Confirm current wildlife process]
We're unable to treat livestock. Call us on 03 9328 3021 and we'll help you find the right vet.
New patient forms
Rabbit
Guinea pig
Ferret
Bird
Snake
Lizard
Turtle
Frog