If you are an exotic pet owner looking for a veterinarian, in search of an exotic pet and you'd rather adopt than shop, or even looking for a chance to offer your experience as a volunteer, then this is the place for you.
We know how difficult it can be to find resources for exotic pets. To help out our fellow exotics lovers, we’ve rounded up some Oakland exotic pet resources. These are the veterinary groups, rescues, and other providers in the Oakland area that can answer questions, treat your pet, and make life as the owner of an exotic a little bit easier.
your go-to list of oakland exotic pet resources
Oakland Exotic Animal Volunteer Opportunities
Oakland Animal Services provides an invaluable service to the Oakland area. They accept orphaned, rescued, mal-treated, and surrendered animals. Even elderly and ill animals are accepted. Their services even extend to exotic animals. They help save the lives of over 5,000 animals a year, and their main workforce is volunteer.
Due to the high volume of animals that come through their doors and a shortage of volunteers, their staff can get overwhelmed. Our very own Founder & Registered Vet Technician, Michelle, volunteers her time, exercising the rabbits and providing her professional skills on days when a small animal requires surgery. If you are trying to give back to the community, providing help to Oakland Animal Services will help them continue to provide shelter and safety for the animals of Oakland.
Oakland Exotic Animal Rescues (& More Volunteer Opportunities)
If you are trying to find a rabbit to adopt, need advice on rabbit care, or want to volunteer your time helping displaced rabbits find homes, the House Rabbit Society is the group you are looking for. They’re more than just a rabbit rescue. The House Rabbit Society website is a treasure trove for novice rabbit owners. They provide educational services, do footwork such as asking pet stores to keep rescue rabbits for adoption, and provide rescue grants. They don’t just promote rabbit rescues, the House Rabbit Society also has an adoption center where rabbits can get a second chance.
The House Rabbit Society was founded by seven people who were seeking to improve the lives of pet rabbits, one of whom literally wrote the book about it! Marinell Harriman, author of the House Rabbit Handbook, was one of the founding members at a dinner table in 1988. Since their first impromptu meeting, the House Rabbit Society has grown into an international group that is responsible for the rescue of over 20,000 rabbits!
Rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other so-called “pocket pets” may be small, but that doesn’t make them disposable. The good folks at Ratical Rodent Rescue know this, and that’s why they work to find rodents and other small pets homes that will give them the love and care they deserve. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, they are always searching for reliable people to help clean, feed, and transport the rodents in their care.
People don’t always realize the responsibility they have taken on when adopting a bird. Parrot-type birds, in particular, crave socialization, stimulation, and interaction that many people were not expecting to provide. Unfortunately, that means many of them end up in unhealthy situations and are surrendered, at best, or have to be rescued to save their lives.
Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue rescues, provides medical care, fosters, and adopts companion birds who have been saved or surrendered. Before being approved as a foster home or a permanent home, volunteers and applicants must complete a class on avian care and feeding. This organization operates purely on a volunteer basis to help keep overhead costs down, and they could always use a helping hand.
For a full list of exotic pet rescues and shelters near Oakland, check out our Community page.
Oakland Exotic Pet Veterinarians
If you are still searching for a veterinarian for your exotic pet, then your search is over. Dr. Zachary Steffes of the Ohana Animal Hospital is there to provide your pet with awesome care. Your exotic is in good hands whether they have fur, scales, or feathers. The animal hospital is equipped with a special ward outfitted for exotics, and they are equipped to provide dental care, diagnostic imaging, dietary consultations, urgent care, and even grooming.
It’s stressful enough for your bird to go to the vet. Instead of subjecting them to the sounds and smell of other animals, you can pick a bird-only animal hospital. The Medical Center For Birds provides expert avian care ranging from preventative treatment to surgery.
Not all pets are easily transported. Either because of size, like some larger reptiles, temperament, or stress levels. That’s why the services Dr. Sip provides are so important. She can provide routine care to small mammals, reptiles, and some avians. If she thinks your pet needs a hospital during her exam, she can help you make arrangements. Not sure if she can accommodate you? Don’t be afraid to send an email.
For more exotic pet veterinarians in Oakland, be sure to visit our Community page.
Oakland Exotic Pet Care Services
If you are looking for a sitter for your exotic pet, your search is over. Fur and Feather Pet Care specializes in the care of exotics. Your pet will be in the hands of an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician with a background working with exotic species. We work with rabbits, small mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, chickens, and even tarantulas. You can find a description of the services we offer here.
Reminder: Our community page has the full rundown on exotic pet resources in the Oakland area. These resources can help you navigate exotic pet parenthood or provide you with a wonderful way to give back to the community and animals in need.
Most shelters and rescues are constantly on the lookout for volunteers - especially volunteers with knowledge of exotics and a willingness to work with them. If you are interested in volunteering with any of the resources listed above, don’t be afraid to reach out to them and find out the types of services they need. As they say, team work makes the dream work!