Parrots, rabbits, tortoises, iguanas, guinea pigs and all exotic species — assessed and treated by senior veterinarians with specialist exotic animal experience. In-house lab with PCR testing. Al Raha Beach. Please call ahead so we can prepare for your animal.
What Every Exotic Pet Owner Needs to Know
This is not an exaggeration. It is how exotic animals are built.
By Species
Each exotic species has its own physiology, its own common conditions and its own set of red flags. Knowing the difference is what specialist experience provides.
African greys, macaws, cockatiels, budgerigars, lovebirds, canaries, pigeons and other species
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas and other small mammals
Tortoises, turtles, iguanas, geckos, lizards and snakes (by arrangement)
Diagnostic Capability
Exotic animals are not diagnosed the same way as dogs and cats. The reference ranges, the test interpretation and the clinical approach are all different. Our in-house laboratory and diagnostic capability covers all exotic species we treat.
CBC and biochemistry for birds, rabbits and reptiles use different reference ranges from dogs and cats. Our laboratory team interprets results with species-appropriate values — not generic domestic animal ranges.
PCR Rapid Multi-Disease Testing available in-house — results in as little as 45 minutes. Confirms psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci), exotic-specific viral and bacterial infections. No external lab required.
Identification of internal parasites — common in exotic species. Coprology and microscopy performed in-house. Relevant for reptiles, rabbits and newly acquired exotic animals.
Abdominal ultrasound adapted for smaller exotic patients — rabbits, guinea pigs and small reptiles. HD imaging for organ assessment and internal condition diagnosis.
Fungal skin conditions — including ringworm — assessed by Wood's lamp examination and skin sampling. Relevant for rabbits, guinea pigs and reptiles presenting with skin or scale abnormalities.
Relevant for reproductive conditions in birds and reptiles — including egg binding assessment, gonadal conditions and hormonal imbalance in long-lived species such as tortoises.
Why Best Pet Vet
Treating an exotic animal correctly requires specific knowledge, specific reference values and specific handling. Experience with dogs and cats does not automatically transfer.
Senior veterinarians at Best Pet Vet have hands-on experience with birds, rabbits and reptiles — not just dogs and cats. The most common exotic presentations, their warning signs and the appropriate urgency response are built into our clinical approach. We treat exotic animals across all services: general health, dermatology, surgery, laboratory and diagnostics.
Psittacosis is one of the most important infectious conditions in parrots and other birds — and it is transmissible to humans. Most Abu Dhabi clinics send PCR samples to an external lab, meaning results come back days later. Our in-house PCR delivers results in as little as 45 minutes.
A blood result that appears normal for a dog can be significantly abnormal for a rabbit. Our laboratory interprets exotic animal blood panels with species-appropriate reference values — not misapplied domestic animal ranges.
Spaying rabbits, managing GI obstructions, treating wounds, mass removals — surgical interventions for exotic animals require adapted anaesthesia protocols and handling that most veterinary clinics in Abu Dhabi are not set up to provide. Best Pet Vet performs surgical procedures on exotic species with the same standard of monitoring and pain management as for dogs and cats.
GI stasis in a rabbit can be fatal within hours. Egg binding in a bird is a life-threatening emergency. In these situations, waiting 24 hours for external lab results is not an option. Our in-house diagnostic capability means we assess and act on the same visit.
Please call ahead — so the right specialist is available and prepared for your species
Have ready: species, age, diet, enclosure setup and a description of symptoms and how long they have been present
For reptiles: note the temperature and humidity of the enclosure — this is clinically relevant
Free client parking — Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi
Mon & Wed–Sun: 09:00–21:00
Tuesday: Closed
WhatsApp: +971 58 511 7557
Serving All of Abu Dhabi
Al Raha Beach — free parking, easy to reach from anywhere in Abu Dhabi.
Book an Appointment
For exotic animals, we ask that you contact us before arriving so the right specialist is ready. Tell us your pet's species, age, diet and symptoms — we will advise on urgency and preparation.
FAQ