Comprehensive Exotic Veterinary Care in Valparaiso, Indiana
APPOINTMENTArbor View Animal Hospital sees more exotic pet patients than anyone else in Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana!
Arbor View Animal Hospital provides comprehensive wellness, medical, and surgical care for exotic pets throughout Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana. Our team routinely treats reptiles, birds, amphibians, small mammals, aquatic species, and other non-traditional pets using advanced diagnostics and species-specific medical protocols.
Exotic patients are not simply “small dogs or cats.” They require specialized handling, anesthesia protocols, equipment, and medications tailored to their unique physiology. Our veterinarians are highly trained in exotic species medicine and pursue extensive continuing education each year focused specifically on exotic care.
Common Species We Treat
Small Mammals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, pot belly pigs, and more.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, frogs, and salamanders
Avian
Zoo & Wildlife Species
Aquatic Pets & Fish
Venomous Snakes
Native venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth/water moccasins
Advanced Diagnostics for Exotic Patients
Diagnosing illness in exotic species can be complex. Subtle clinical signs often require advanced imaging and laboratory evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
Our hospital offers in-house:
- CT imaging
- Ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
- Endoscopy
- Digital radiography
- Comprehensive laboratory testing
These capabilities allow us to evaluate complex or advanced exotic disease cases locally, often reducing the need for referral to distant specialty hospitals located 1.5 to 2.5 hours away.
Providing advanced diagnostics in one location helps streamline care and reduce delays when timely treatment is critical.
Species-Specific Anesthesia & Surgical Care
Exotic patients require anesthesia and surgical protocols designed specifically for their species. Our team uses specialized monitoring equipment and intensive peri-anesthetic monitoring to minimize risk and support safe outcomes during sedation or anesthesia.
We routinely perform surgical procedures for exotic patients when medically indicated and are equipped to manage both small and larger exotic species using specialized instruments and equipment.
Greater Appointment Availability for Exotic Patients
Unlike many clinics that designate only one veterinarian to see exotic pets, all of our veterinarians are trained in exotic species medicine. This increases appointment availability and improves access to same-day sick or urgent care appointments when needed.
Specialized Equipment & Medications
We maintain specialized tools and equipment designed for exotic patients ranging from very small to larger species. Our pharmacy is stocked with medications commonly used in exotic medicine that may not be routinely available in general dog-and-cat-focused practices.
This allows us to begin treatment promptly without delays caused by special ordering or referral.
Commitment to Continuing Education & Professional Involvement
Our veterinarians actively participate in national and international organizations and conferences dedicated to exotic and aquatic medicine, including:
- Association of Avian Veterinarians
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians
- Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
- World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association
- Association of Zoo Veterinarians
- Association of Fish Veterinarians
We are proud to remain engaged in ongoing education and collaboration within the exotic veterinary community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exotic pets become critically ill quickly?
Yes. Many exotic species instinctively hide signs of illness, which means symptoms may appear subtle at first. Prompt evaluation of any behavior change is recommended to prevent progression of disease.
Do exotic pets require special anesthesia?
Yes. Exotic species have unique physiology and metabolic differences that require species-specific anesthesia protocols. Our team uses tailored anesthetic plans and advanced monitoring equipment designed for reptiles, birds, small mammals, and other exotic species to help minimize risk and support safe outcomes during procedures.
Do you perform surgery on exotic pets?
Yes. We provide surgical care for many exotic species when medically indicated. From mass removals and reproductive procedures to gastrointestinal or orthopedic concerns, our hospital is equipped with specialized instruments and monitoring equipment to support safe surgical care for exotic patients.
Can you perform advanced imaging for reptiles, birds, or small mammals?
What are common signs of illness in exotic pets?
Do you see exotic pets for same-day sick or urgent care?
Will my exotic pet need to be referred to a specialist?
Learn More About Exotic Species Care
Explore our species-specific pages:
Caring medicine for all animals.
If you live in Valparaiso or the surrounding area and need a trusted veterinarian to care for your pets – look no further. Arbor View Hospital Team is a licensed IN veterinarian, treating all types of pets. Your pets’ health and wellbeing are very important to us, and we take every possible measure to give your animals the care they deserve.
Location
Hours
Monday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Info
Get in touch!
