Certified Exotic Pet Vets in Austin — Verified Specialists by Species

📋 19 verified clinics ✅ 1 board-certified 🕐 Updated March 2026

Austin is home to more than 2 million people across its metro area — and exactly one board-certified exotic animal specialist in active private practice. Dr. Todd Riggan (DABVP, Exotic Companion Mammal) at White Rock Veterinary Hospital in Pflugerville holds the metro's sole AVMA-recognized board certification for exotic pets, achieved in 2016. There are zero board-certified avian specialists anywhere in the Austin metro. Zero board-certified reptile and amphibian specialists. Zero Diplomates of the American College of Zoological Medicine. Remarkably, Austin also serves as the national headquarters of the American Federation of Aviculture — and yet not one of its veterinary practices can claim a board-certified avian specialist. The nearest multi-diplomate exotic hospital is South Texas Avian & Exotic in San Antonio, 80 miles and at least an hour's drive to the south. For a city of Austin's size and growth trajectory, the specialist gap is striking.

Search "exotic vet Austin" and the top results serve up a mix of genuinely strong practices and significant mislabeling. Aashneanimalhospital.com — a confirmed large-scale SEO spam network with Lorem ipsum placeholder text in all four FAQ fields, a single toll-free number routing to hundreds of fake nationwide "locations," and zero named veterinarians — ranks prominently for "reptile vet Austin." Legitimate practices with 40-year track records and AAHA accreditation sit beside newly launched clinics with unverified exotic capabilities and practices whose avian reputations rest on a specialist who left for Utah nearly a decade ago. Google has no dedicated "Exotic Veterinarian" business category, which means any general clinic can tag itself exotic-friendly and outrank verified specialists in organic results. Pet owners in East Austin, Bastrop, and Hutto face a particularly stark situation: those sub-regions are confirmed exotic veterinary deserts with no coverage at all.

We verified every listing against primary credentialing sources — the ABVP diplomate directory, ACZM diplomate roster, AAV/AEMV/ARAV membership records, and community directories including Guinea Pig Zone, ReptiFiles, and the House Rabbit Resource Network. Each clinic is assigned a transparent trust tier: Board Certified (ABVP or ACZM credentialed), Association Member (active professional memberships with documented exotic caseload), or Experienced Practice (verified exotic species coverage with community endorsements). Species-specific tags reflect what each clinic demonstrably treats — not marketing copy. Emergency availability, geographic coverage, and practice ownership are all included, because knowing White Rock in Pflugerville is excellent doesn't help a bird owner in Buda at midnight.

Verified Exotic Pet Veterinarians in Austin

🏆 BOARD-CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS (TIER 1)

White Rock Veterinary Hospital and Exotic Pet Care

DABVP (ECM) AEMV Member ARAV Member 🐹 Small Mammals 🐰 Rabbits 🦎 Reptiles 🦜 Birds ★ 4.8
Certification
Dr. Todd Riggan — DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal), board certified 2016. Texas A&M 1991. AEMV member. Confirmed via Southwest Veterinary Symposium conference biography. Austin metro's sole ABVP diplomate for exotic pets. Dr. Brandon Louth — Virginia-Maryland CVM 2021. ABVP candidate (Reptile & Amphibian). ARAV member. Published exotic researcher (collared lizards, leopard geckos, cane toads, quaker parakeets). Texas A&M lecturer. Keeps 150+ personal reptiles.
Species
Comprehensive — rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, hedgehogs, rats, gerbils, degus, chinchillas, prairie dogs, kinkajous, coatimundi, raccoons, possums, turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, bearded dragons, iguanas, chameleons, birds, fish, foxes, sloths, capybara, lemurs
Address
2509 West Pecan Street, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Emergency
No 24/7 on-site. Refers small mammals/rabbits to Emergency Animal Hospital of NW Austin; dogs/cats to Emergency Pet Care of Round Rock.
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed; specialty-level pricing. CareCredit accepted.
Austin's only ABVP-certified exotic practice — and by a significant margin its most credentialed. Dr. Riggan's board certification in Exotic Companion Mammal medicine, combined with Dr. Louth's published reptile research and pending ABVP candidacy, makes this the strongest exotic practice in the metro for mammals and reptiles. Listed on Guinea Pig Zone, ReptiFiles, and the House Rabbit Resource Network (HRRN) rabbit vet list. Independently owned since 2001; moved to current free-standing facility 2013. 4.8★ from 1,369+ reviews.
⚠️ Some recent reviews mention front office staff issues described as "aggressive and unprofessional during sensitive times." Veterinary care quality is consistently praised across reviews — this appears limited to administrative interactions. The clinic is located in Pflugerville, not Austin proper; budget 15–20 minutes from North Austin and 25–35 minutes from South Austin.
🥈 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (TIER 2)

Austin Pet & Exotic Hospital (Thrive Pet Healthcare)

AEMV Connected 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Certification
No board certification. Practice posted a position recruiting an avian/exotics veterinarian specifically on the AEMV website, confirming active AEMV engagement. Named vets: Dr. Paul Skellenger (15+ years, consistently praised for exotic/avian care), Dr. Wellford (bird care), Dr. Mitchell (guinea pigs, tortoises). Formerly Research Boulevard Pet & Bird Hospital — 40+ year legacy practice.
Species
Birds (parrots, conures, African Greys), guinea pigs, tortoises, tegus, reptiles
Address
5712 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756
Emergency
No after-hours emergency service
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat–Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
A 40+ year legacy practice now operating under Thrive Pet Healthcare (TSG Consumer Partners PE-backed). The exotic focus appears preserved under corporate ownership — reviews still highlight Dr. Skellenger's exotic and avian care, and the AEMV job posting confirms ongoing exotic specialization. ~92% recommend on Facebook (72 reviews). Located on the Burnet Road corridor alongside North Austin Animal Hospital.

North Austin Animal Hospital

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals Sugar Gliders Ferrets
Certification
No board certification. Named vets: Dr. Jean Heppner (Chief of Staff), Dr. Shelby Gilmore, Dr. Kristin Little, Dr. Taryn Pena, Dr. Jonathan Stone, Dr. Amy Birdwell. Dedicated exotic vet technician (Zoe) on staff — an unusually strong operational signal for exotic caseload volume. Independently owned since 1975.
Species
Exceptionally broad — rabbits, non-venomous snakes, turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, iguanas, chameleons, geckos, tarantulas, chinchillas, sugar gliders, fennec foxes, ducks, chickens, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, hedgehogs, birds, fish, arachnids
Address
5608 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756
Emergency
Business hours only
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM; Sat–Sun Closed
First Visit
Requires deposit for exotic appointments at scheduling. Not disclosed for exact amount.
The single strongest organic community endorsement for exotic care in Austin. One review reads: "Out of all the places I have been for vet care for my Chameleon this by far is the absolute best." Founded 1975. Located one block from Austin Pet & Exotic Hospital on the Burnet corridor — two strong exotic practices within a single block. 157+ Yelp reviews. The dedicated exotic vet technician (Zoe) is an unusual differentiator that signals real exotic caseload volume.

Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital

AAHA Accredited 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals ★ 4.7 No current ABVP cert
Certification
No current board certification. None of the six current vets hold ABVP (avian or exotic) certification. Dr. Paul Brandt (Owner/Medical Director, Texas A&M 1991, Houston Zoo internship, past CAVMA president). Dr. Rick Lusk (Texas A&M 1992). Dr. Jillian Villalva, Dr. Amy Walker, Dr. Leah Sikand, Dr. Caroline Krall (BVM&S, MSc, PhD, DVM). Independently owned since 1986. AAHA-accredited (top 15% of U.S./Canadian animal hospitals).
Species
Birds (parrots, songbirds, waterfowl), reptiles (turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes), rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils, ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, pot-bellied pigs, pygmy goats
Address
4534 West Gate Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78745
Emergency
Business hours only. Refers to emergency hospitals after hours.
Hours
Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–2 PM, 3–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–2 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Austin's most recognized avian practice by community reputation — AAHA-accredited, nearly 40-year history, 4.7★ from 1,130+ Google reviews. Dr. Brandt is mentioned positively in 26+ Yelp reviews; Dr. Lusk in 21+. Ranked #1 in Austin for avian care on Parrot Website. Strong for routine avian wellness and husbandry guidance. For complex avian cases requiring specialist-level diagnostics or surgery, South Texas Avian & Exotic in San Antonio (80 miles, multiple DABVP Avian diplomates) is the credentialed referral.
⚠️ Westgate's reputation as Austin's premier avian practice is historically earned but currently rests on experienced generalists, not board-certified specialists. Dr. M. Scott Echols (DABVP-Avian, past AAV president, world-renowned avian specialist) served as Director of Avian Services here until the mid-2010s. He now practices in Salt Lake City. Some third-party vet directories list Drs. Kimberly Doll and April Lee as Westgate vets — neither appears on the current staff page. These directories may be significantly outdated. Verify current staff before booking for specialty avian cases.

BEEVET Animal Hospital

AAHA Accredited 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals Pot-Bellied Pigs
Certification
Dr. Jacquelyn Chow, DVM, DABVP (Canine & Feline) — board-certified in canine/feline (not exotic), lists avian/exotics as a special skill (Tufts/U of Illinois). Dr. Dustin Zimmer, Dr. Mohan Iyengar (Texas A&M 2024), Dr. Jenna Roth (Texas Tech 2025), Dr. Krista Adamovich, DACVS (board-certified surgeon). AAHA-accredited. Privately owned since 1997. 7,200 sq ft facility.
Species
Birds, pocket pets (chinchillas), reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, pygmy goats — "if it can fit through the door"
Address
11817 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78738
Emergency
Walk-ins accepted on urgent basis during hours; no 24/7 emergency
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–5 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
The sole substantive exotic-capable practice in the Bee Cave/Westlake/Lakeway corridor — AAHA-accredited, consistently rated top by Expertise.com since 2013. ~1,369 Birdeye reviews. Dr. Chow's DABVP credential is in canine/feline (not exotic), but her listed avian/exotic interest combined with the practice's size, AAHA accreditation, and on-staff board-certified surgeon makes this the West Austin default for exotic patients.

Agave Veterinary Care and Exotic Animal Hospital

ARAV Member AEMV Member 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 🦜 Birds
Certification
Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM — NC State 2010. Practicing in Austin since 2013 (previously at White Rock Veterinary Hospital). Fear Free certified. ARAV + AEMV dual association membership — the only Austin-area vet confirmed as a simultaneous dual association member in both reptile and exotic mammal organizations. Annual dual dues (~$300+/yr) signals genuine commitment.
Species
Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, snakes, turtles, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, avian species
Address
10824 E Crystal Falls Pkwy #603, Leander, TX 78641
Emergency
Not available; refers to emergency hospitals
Hours
Not disclosed (relatively new practice)
First Visit
Not disclosed
The only Austin-area vet holding confirmed dual ARAV + AEMV association memberships — a meaningful commitment signal comparable to the triple-membership standard in larger markets. Dr. Miller's background at White Rock Veterinary Hospital provides direct lineage to Austin's strongest exotic practice. Listed on the HRRN rabbit vet list. 100% recommend on Facebook (5 reviews — a newer practice). Strong credentials; limited review volume reflects recency, not quality.
📋 EXPERIENCED PRACTICES (TIER 3)

Pet and Bird Clinic — South Branch

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals Ferrets
Certification
Dr. Mekonnen (Texas A&M 1992, treats birds and exotics, AVMA/TVMA/CAVMA member), Dr. Patel (owner, North location, Texas A&M 1990). No board certification or association specialty membership. Independently owned; two South Austin and North Austin locations.
Species
Birds, reptiles, ferrets, small mammals, rabbits
Address
403 E. Ben White Blvd, Suite F, Austin, TX 78704
Phone
Listed on website
Emergency
Not available
Hours
Weekdays 7 AM–9 PM (extended hours — a differentiator for South Austin)
First Visit
Budget-friendly per community reports
Extended weekday hours until 9 PM set Pet and Bird Clinic apart in South Austin, where most exotic practices close by 6 PM. 178+ Yelp reviews. Budget-friendly option for general exotic wellness — not a specialist practice. North/Wells Branch location also available at 12202 Mo-Pac Expressway.

Emerald Veterinary Service

🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Certification
Dr. Cassens — founder, breeds crested geckos (sells on MorphMarket). No board certification. Praised by community for genuine reptile knowledge. Independently owned; started as home-office practice 2010, current facility 2016+.
Species
Reptiles (snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons, non-venomous), rats, small animals
Address
1250 N Mays St, Round Rock, TX 78664
Phone
(512) 904-0045 | Text: (512) 872-2351
Emergency
Not available
Hours
Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–6 PM; Fri 8:30 AM–3 PM; Sat limited (established clients); Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Small but genuine reptile care practice in Round Rock. Dr. Cassens' personal breeding hobby signals authentic reptile knowledge beyond what credentials alone convey. 23 Yelp reviews; 100% Facebook recommend (15 reviews). Single-doctor practice with limited hours — plan accordingly.

Firehouse Animal Health Center — Round Rock

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals Ferrets
Certification
Dr. Vongkhamphra (West Texas A&M/TAMU, exotic interest), Dr. Tori Tran (Iowa State, exotic experience, vet acupuncture certified), Dr. Demers (Auburn, owns chinchillas), Dr. Glenn Haberle. No board certification. Privately owned multi-location Firehouse AHC group.
Species
Birds, reptiles (bearded dragons, snakes, lizards, chameleons), rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, rats)
Address
541 Louis Henna Blvd, Suite 100, Round Rock, TX 78664
Emergency
24-hour phone access
Hours
Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Multiple vets with documented exotic experience and personal exotic pet ownership — a useful community signal. 104+ Yelp reviews. Round Rock's most practical multi-vet exotic option outside White Rock. Kyle location also available at 910 Kohlers Crossing, Suite 400, Kyle, TX 78640 — (512) 410-0616.

Kyle Animal Hospital

🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Certification
Dr. Cord Offermann (Colorado State 2003, reptile special interest, partner since 2009) — listed on the ReptiFiles national reptile vet directory. Dr. Guy Mathews (founder, Texas A&M 1993, 40+ years experience), Dr. Dana Greenleaf, Dr. Jen Chapin, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Sarah Grose. No board certification. Independently owned. "Largest combined practice between Austin and San Antonio." Est. 1996.
Species
Reptiles, exotic pets, dogs, cats
Address
100 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640
Emergency
Not disclosed
Hours
Not disclosed
First Visit
Not disclosed
The best reptile option in the South Austin suburbs — Dr. Offermann's ReptiFiles listing is an independent community verification that carries real weight. The practice's 40-year history and multi-vet depth provide stability. The primary exotic draw here is specifically reptile; do not assume avian or mammal depth.

Parmer Lane Pet Hospital

🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals Ferrets
Certification
Dr. Sarah Cox (specifically praised for exotic expertise in reviews), Dr. Noor Sandhu. No board certification. Appears independently owned. Est. 2006. Listed on HRRN rabbit vet list.
Species
Reptiles, small mammals, ferrets, rabbits
Address
11951 W Parmer Ln, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Emergency
Not disclosed
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Cedar Park's solid community exotic option, with HRRN rabbit listing confirmation and organic community praise for Dr. Cox's exotic expertise. 92+ Yelp reviews. Positioned well for Cedar Park/Leander residents who cannot reach White Rock or Agave.

Southwest Vet

🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Certification
Dr. Singleton, Dr. Glowski. No board certification or documented specialty training. Independently owned. Est. 2016. Part of 3-hospital group (South Park, Southwest Vet, Dripping Springs).
Species
Reptiles, small exotic animals
Address
100 TX-71, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78735 (Oak Hill area)
Emergency
Not available
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
The Oak Hill area's available exotic option with limited depth. Appropriate for basic exotic wellness exams where BEEVET (7 miles west in Bee Cave) is not convenient. Exotic depth is not strongly documented — call ahead to confirm species-specific capability.
Show more clinics (Flagged + New)

South Park Animal Hospital

🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals Limited Exotic Depth
Certification
No documented exotic board certification or specialty training. Part of 3-hospital group (South Park, Southwest Vet, Dripping Springs). Est. 2011.
Species
Rodents, reptiles, exotic pets (per website)
Address
South Austin (specific address: see southparkaustin.com)
Phone
Listed on website
Emergency
Not disclosed
Hours
Not disclosed
First Visit
Not disclosed
South Austin group practice with general exotic capability but limited documented depth. Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital is the preferred South Austin exotic practice.
⚠️ Exotic care claimed on website but exotic depth is unverified. Call ahead to confirm specific species capability before booking.

PetSmart Veterinary Services — Georgetown

🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals No Birds
Certification
Dr. Renée Jones, DVM — Ross University graduate. Dallas Zoo experience. Fear Free certified. Also operates "Vet 2 The Starz" mobile end-of-life service. PetSmart Veterinary Services franchise (independent hospital within PetSmart). Does NOT treat birds.
Species
Reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, pocket pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, sugar gliders). No avian care.
Address
2080 Westinghouse Rd, Bldg. 1, Suite 102, Georgetown, TX 78626
Emergency
Not available
Hours
Mon 9 AM–6 PM; Tue 8:30 AM–6 PM; Wed–Thu 9 AM–7 PM; Fri 9 AM–6 PM; Sat 10 AM–5 PM; Sun Closed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Georgetown's only identified exotic-capable practice — and the sole option for Williamson County's northern corridor outside Pflugerville. Dr. Jones' zoo background and Fear Free certification are genuine positives. In-store PetSmart setting limits surgical and advanced diagnostic capability. No birds.
⚠️ In-store PetSmart franchise — no avian care, limited exotic surgical capability. For basic small mammal and reptile wellness in the Georgetown area, adequate. Complex cases should travel to White Rock in Pflugerville (20–25 minutes south).

Cornerstone Animal Hospital — Buda (New Exotic Service)

🐹 Small Mammals Exotic Service Brand New
Certification
No documented exotic board certification. Exotic service recently added (website banner: "New Service Alert — We now see exotic pets!"). Dedicated "Exotic Pets" and "Small Mammal Vet" pages on website. Specific veterinarian credentials for exotic cases not publicly documented.
Species
Exotic pets — species specifics unverified; confirm by phone
Address
3200 FM 967, Buda, TX 78610
Emergency
Not disclosed
Hours
Not disclosed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Buda's only identified exotic option — geographically useful for residents who cannot reach Kyle Animal Hospital or Firehouse Kyle. Worth monitoring as the practice establishes a track record.
⚠️ Exotic service is clearly brand new. Depth of expertise and specific species capability are unverified as of March 2026. Call ahead to confirm which species they accept and what the treating vet's exotic background is before booking. Do not rely on this listing for urgent or complex exotic cases.

Block House Creek Animal Hospital

🦜 Birds 🐹 Small Mammals Exotic Depth Unclear
Certification
No documented specialty credentials. Est. 1988. Lists birds, exotics, and pocket pets on website. Also offers farm calls (horses, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle).
Species
Birds, exotics, pocket pets (per website)
Address
Cedar Park, TX (see bhcah.com for address)
Phone
Listed on website
Website
bhcah.com
Emergency
Not disclosed
Hours
Not disclosed
First Visit
Not disclosed
Long-established Cedar Park practice with exotic listings but unverified exotic depth. Agave Veterinary Care is the preferred Cedar Park exotic option with confirmed dual association memberships.
⚠️ Exotic capability listed on website but not independently verified by any community directory or organic review. Call ahead to confirm species-specific expertise before booking.

VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) — South Lamar

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 24/7 Emergency
Certification
VEG corporate exotic policy covers chinchillas, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, rabbits, rats, sugar gliders, extensive bird species, all common reptiles, and chelonians. No evidence found of exotic-medicine-trained vets or ABVP diplomates at any Austin VEG location. Remote expert consultation available. ER vets handle exotic emergencies with variable exotic comfort levels.
Species
Birds, reptiles, rabbits, small mammals (emergency stabilization only)
Address
4211 S Lamar Blvd, Suite A10, Austin, TX 78704
Emergency
24/7 emergency
Hours
24/7
First Visit
$225 exam fee (VEG standard)
Austin's most accessible 24/7 emergency option for South and Central Austin exotic pet owners. No dedicated exotic specialist on staff — capability varies by on-duty vet. Multiple dedicated exotic practices recommend VEG as after-hours backup for initial stabilization.
⚠️ Always call ahead to confirm the on-duty vet's comfort level with your specific species. VEG can provide basic stabilization for exotic emergencies, but complex cases — especially birds and reptiles requiring specialist-level care — may need transfer to South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in San Antonio or Texas A&M VMTH in College Station.

VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) — Arboretum

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 24/7 Emergency
Certification
Same VEG corporate exotic policy as South Lamar. No dedicated exotic specialist documented. Best option for North Austin and Round Rock residents with exotic emergencies.
Species
Birds, reptiles, rabbits, small mammals (emergency stabilization only)
Address
10710 Research Blvd, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78759
Emergency
24/7 emergency
Hours
24/7
First Visit
$225 exam fee (VEG standard)
North Austin and Pflugerville/Round Rock residents' closest 24/7 emergency option. Same exotic caveats as VEG South Lamar — stabilization-capable, not specialist-level exotic care.
⚠️ Same caveats as VEG South Lamar. Always call ahead to confirm exotic capability on the current shift. For specialist-level cases, Texas A&M VMTH (100 miles, 24/7 emergency) is the strongest overnight referral option.

VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) — Cedar Park

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 24/7 Emergency
Certification
Same VEG corporate exotic policy. Serves Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, and the northwest Austin corridor. Important safety net for Agave Vet Care patients when after-hours care is needed.
Species
Birds, reptiles, rabbits, small mammals (emergency stabilization only)
Address
1915 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Phone
See veterinaryemergencygroup.com
Emergency
24/7 emergency
Hours
24/7
First Visit
$225 exam fee (VEG standard)
The recommended after-hours backup for Cedar Park and Leander exotic pet owners. Agave Veterinary Care's own emergency page explicitly advises calling ahead to confirm the on-duty vet's exotic comfort level — apply that advice here.
⚠️ Same caveats as all VEG locations. Variable exotic capability depending on on-duty vet. Basic stabilization available — complex cases may require transfer to San Antonio or College Station.

How to Verify Your Exotic Vet

How to Tell If Your Exotic Vet Is Actually Qualified

Understanding the credential hierarchy is the most important thing you can do for your exotic pet. In the U.S., only two organizations grant AVMA-recognized board certification for exotic animal veterinarians: the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) and the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). A vet holding DABVP or DACZM has completed years of focused clinical training — including a multi-year residency or equivalent — submitted detailed case documentation, and passed a demanding multi-hour board exam. Only these veterinarians can legally call themselves "specialists." ABVP offers four exotic-relevant specialties: Avian Practice (~80–120 diplomates nationwide), Exotic Companion Mammal Practice (~40–70), Reptile & Amphibian Practice (~25–40 — one of the rarest veterinary specialties), and Fish Practice (fewer than 10). In all of the Austin metro, exactly one DABVP diplomate is in active private practice — Dr. Todd Riggan (ECM) in Pflugerville. There are zero DACZM practitioners in the metro. The nearest avian DABVP diplomates are in San Antonio (South Texas Avian & Exotic, 80 miles), and the nearest DACZM for private-practice referrals is Dr. Rob L. Coke, also in San Antonio.

Below board certification, professional association memberships signal genuine interest — but not verified expertise. The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV), and Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) are open to any licensed veterinarian who pays annual dues. No exam, residency, or minimum case volume is required. A vet holding memberships in multiple associations simultaneously — like Dr. Sarah Miller at Agave Vet Care (ARAV + AEMV dual member) — shows meaningfully stronger commitment. Combined with documented exotic caseload, rescue organization listings, and conference attendance, dual or triple membership is a genuine trust signal. Single membership alone confirms interest, not competence.

You can verify credentials yourself — and in Austin, the search requires extra steps. A standard ABVP directory search for "Austin, TX" returns zero results — technically accurate, because Dr. Riggan practices in Pflugerville, Williamson County. Always search by veterinarian name, not just city. Check board certification at: ABVP Find a Diplomate, ACZM Diplomate Roster, AAV Find a Vet, AEMV Find an Exotic Vet, and ARAV Find a Vet. Board certification expires — ABVP requires re-certification every 10 years. If a clinic claims a "board-certified specialist on staff," verify the specific vet's name and certification year against these directories.

Five Questions to Ask Before Your First Exotic Vet Visit

Before booking, ask these five questions: (1) "What percentage of your patients are exotic animals?" A vet seeing exotics daily is very different from one who sees a guinea pig monthly. (2) "What species-specific training have you completed?" Look for residencies, specialty internships, published research, or regular exotic conference attendance (ExoticsCon, AAV/AEMV annual meetings). (3) "Do you have horizontal beam radiography?" Essential equipment for birds and reptiles that most dog/cat clinics lack. (4) "What happens if my pet needs care outside your office hours?" Know the after-hours plan before you need it — in Austin, no 24-hour exotic specialist facility exists. (5) "At what point would you refer my pet to a specialist?" Good general exotic vets know their limits and proactively refer complex cases — unwillingness to refer is a red flag.

Referral Options Beyond the Austin Metro

For specialist-level cases requiring more than Austin's market can provide, three referral destinations are available ranked by proximity. South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital (San Antonio) — ~80 miles / 1–1.5 hours: Led by Dr. Rob L. Coke (DABVP Reptile & Amphibian, DACZM, 2022 TVMA Non-Traditional Species Practitioner of the Year), also staffing Dr. Natalie Antinoff (DABVP Avian), Dr. Sharman Hoppes (DABVP Avian, past AAV president), Dr. Ken Welle (DABVP Avian), and Dr. Katie Dowling (DABVP ECM). Address: 8856 Broadway, Suite 107, San Antonio, TX 78217. Phone: (210) 424-1871. No referral required. Texas A&M VMTH Zoological Medicine Service (College Station) — ~100 miles / 1.5–2 hours: Teaching-hospital-level care with Dr. J. Jill Heatley (DABVP Avian & Reptile/Amphibian, DACZM — one of only two triple-board-certified exotic vets in the U.S.). No referral required. Telemedicine available. 24/7 emergency. Phone: (979) 845-2351. Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital (Grapevine, DFW) — ~195 miles / 3–3.5 hours: Seven ABVP diplomates on staff — the largest dedicated exotic hospital in Texas. Phone: (817) 953-8560. Realistic only for planned specialist referrals.

How We Verified This Directory

Every practice in this directory was verified through multiple independent sources: direct website review, veterinary association directories (ABVP, ACZM, AAV, AEMV, ARAV), review platforms (Yelp, Google Reviews), community forums (r/Austin, Austin Herpetological Society), and species-specific databases (ReptiFiles, Anapsid.org). Board certifications were cross-referenced against ABVP and ACZM official directories. Practices appearing only in SEO-generated results were excluded. This directory is reviewed quarterly. Report errors or suggest additions: hello@getlocalverified.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How many board-certified exotic pet veterinarians are there in Austin?
As of March 2026, there is only one confirmed board-certified exotic specialist in active private practice in the Austin metro: Dr. Todd Riggan, DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal) at White Rock Veterinary Hospital in Pflugerville, certified since 2016. There are zero board-certified avian specialists, zero DACZM zoological medicine diplomates, and zero board-certified reptile and amphibian specialists anywhere in the metro. The nearest multi-specialist exotic hospital is South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in San Antonio with four ABVP diplomates on staff, approximately 80 miles and 1–1.5 hours from central Austin. Dr. Brandon Louth at White Rock is a published exotic researcher and ABVP candidate for Reptile & Amphibian Practice — the most likely path to a second diplomate in the Austin market.
Where can I find an emergency exotic vet in Austin at night?
Three VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) locations in Austin operate 24/7 and claim exotic capability: VEG South Lamar (4211 S Lamar Blvd, (737) 243-9408), VEG Arboretum (10710 Research Blvd, (737) 256-6607), and VEG Cedar Park (1915 E Whitestone Blvd). However, no evidence was found of exotic-medicine-trained vets or ABVP diplomates at any Austin VEG location, and Google and Yelp reviews are overwhelmingly dogs and cats. Always call ahead to confirm the on-duty vet's exotic comfort level with your specific species. For truly critical exotic cases requiring specialist-level care, the most realistic options are South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in San Antonio (~80 miles, (210) 424-1871) or Texas A&M VMTH Zoological Medicine Service in College Station (~100 miles, (979) 845-2351, 24/7 emergency, no referral required). Residents in East Austin and Bastrop face 35–50 minute drives just to reach VEG.
How much does an exotic pet vet visit cost in Austin?
Most Austin exotic vets do not publish pricing online, making pre-visit cost research difficult. White Rock Veterinary Hospital charges specialty-level fees commensurate with Dr. Riggan's ABVP board certification. Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital (AAHA-accredited, 40-year history) charges at the higher end of the general vet range. Budget-conscious pet owners report better value at North Austin Animal Hospital and Pet and Bird Clinic. Emergency visits at any VEG location run $225 for the initial exam. Specialist-level care at South Texas Avian & Exotic in San Antonio or Texas A&M VMTH can range from $300–500+ for initial consultations to $1,000–3,000+ for hospitalization and surgery. CareCredit is accepted at White Rock. Call practices directly for specific species exam estimates.
Where can I find a reptile vet in Austin?
For reptile care in Austin, your verified options ranked by credential depth: Dr. Brandon Louth at White Rock Veterinary Hospital in Pflugerville (ABVP candidate, ARAV member, published reptile researcher, keeps 150+ personal reptiles — the strongest reptile vet in the metro); Dr. Sarah Miller at Agave Veterinary Care in Leander (ARAV + AEMV dual member); North Austin Animal Hospital (extensive reptile species list with strong community endorsements, including chameleons and iguanas); Kyle Animal Hospital in Kyle (Dr. Cord Offermann, listed on ReptiFiles national reptile vet directory); and Emerald Veterinary Service in Round Rock (Dr. Cassens, crested gecko breeder, praised for genuine reptile knowledge). For complex reptile cases requiring specialist-level diagnostics or surgery, the nearest board-certified reptile specialist is Dr. Rob Coke (DABVP Reptile & Amphibian, DACZM) at South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in San Antonio, 80 miles south.
How can I verify if my vet is actually certified for exotic pets?
Check three sources. For board certification (highest credential): search the ABVP Find a Diplomate directory at abvp.connect.prolydian.com and the ACZM Diplomate Roster at aczm.org. For association memberships: use AAV's Find a Vet (aav.org), AEMV's Find an Exotic Vet (aemv.org), and ARAV's Find a Vet (arav.org). Critical Austin-specific note: a standard ABVP directory search for "Austin, TX" returns zero results — technically accurate because the metro's only diplomate, Dr. Todd Riggan, is in Pflugerville (Williamson County). Always search by veterinarian name, not city alone. Board certification expires — ABVP requires renewal every 10 years. Any clinic claiming a "board-certified exotic specialist on staff" should be verified by the specific vet's name against the ABVP directory before booking.
Is Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital actually board-certified for avian care?
No. Westgate is Austin's most recognized and longest-running avian practice — AAHA-accredited, nearly 40 years operating, 4.7 stars from 1,130+ Google reviews, ranked #1 for avian care in Austin by Parrot Website — but none of its six current veterinarians hold ABVP certification in avian or exotic medicine. The practice's avian reputation was built largely during the tenure of Dr. M. Scott Echols (DABVP-Avian, past AAV president 2007–2008, internationally acclaimed avian specialist), who served as Director of Avian Medical and Surgical Services until the mid-2010s. He now practices at Parrish Creek Veterinary Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. Westgate remains a strong choice for routine avian wellness, preventive care, and husbandry guidance with experienced generalist vets. For complex avian cases requiring specialist-level diagnostics or surgery, South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in San Antonio is the credentialed referral with multiple DABVP Avian diplomates on staff.
My rabbit or guinea pig is sick — where should I take it in Austin?
For rabbits and guinea pigs in Austin, White Rock Veterinary Hospital in Pflugerville is the top choice — Dr. Todd Riggan holds ABVP board certification in Exotic Companion Mammal medicine with a special interest in rabbit medicine, and the practice is listed on the Guinea Pig Zone directory, ReptiFiles, and the House Rabbit Resource Network (HRRN) rabbit vet list. Drs. Lempert and Turner at White Rock are also specifically praised in reviews for rabbit and guinea pig care. Second-best option is Agave Veterinary Care in Leander — Dr. Sarah Miller holds dual ARAV + AEMV membership and worked previously at White Rock. For South Austin rabbit owners, Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital sees rabbits and guinea pigs. North Austin Animal Hospital's extensive species list and dedicated exotic technician also make it a strong North Austin option. For budget-conscious owners, Pet and Bird Clinic offers extended weekday hours and community reports of affordable pricing.

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