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