Dr. Hilary Stern cares exclusively for birds and exotic animals, and has worked for years at exotic-only veterinary practices in San Jose and Monterey. She went to veterinary school specifically to work with unusual species, and has focused her career on them ever since. We are very excited to finally have an exotics expert right here in Santa Cruz!
Why choose a veterinarian whose practice is limited to exotic pets? Because your unusual pet deserves knowledgeable care. Simply put, learning to treat hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals properly takes time and dedication. The average veterinarian receives little to no training on bird and exotic animal species in veterinary school. So while there are many fantastic dog and cat veterinarians in Santa Cruz county, there are very few who have the training, skill and equipment needed to properly treat birds and exotic animals.
Our hospital is fully equipped to provide the best in medical, surgical, and wellness care for birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, and small pigs. We also offer full-service dentistry for rabbits, rodents, and ferrets. For those patients which need an advanced level of care, we collaborate with board-certified oncologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, radiologists, dermatologists, and surgeons to provide the best possible outcome for your pet. .
Care Guides for Small Mammal Owners
External Parasites of Rabbits
Care and Feeding of Guinea Pigs
Caring for Pet Rats
Vitamin C Content of Common Fruits and Vegetables
Rabbit Food Pyramid
Suggested Vegetables for Rabbits
Myxomatosis in Rabbits
Why Spay and Neuter Rabbits?
Litter Box Training Your Rabbit
Care Guides for Reptile Owners
Caring for Box Turtles
To Hibernate or Not to Hibernate...That is the Question!
Care Guides for Bird Owners
Care and Feeding of Pet Ducks
Caring for Your Pet Bird
Giardia and Other Intestinal Protozoal Infections in Pet Birds
Discouraging Breeding Behavior in Pet Birds
Converting Your Bird from Seeds to Pellets
Caring for Backyard Chickens