Certified Exotic Pet Vets in Indianapolis — Verified Specialists by Species
Indianapolis is home to fewer than two million people — and five board-certified exotic animal specialists in active private practice. That ratio makes Indianapolis one of the best-served mid-sized cities in the country for exotic pet owners, at least on paper. Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic (AEAC) on the northwest side anchors the market with three board-certified vets, four active residents, and 40 years of operation as Indiana's first and still-dominant exotic-only practice. All-Star Veterinary Clinic in Westfield added a board-certified Exotic Companion Mammal specialist in 2023. But every one of these specialists — every board-certified exotic vet in the metro — practices north or northwest of downtown. If you live on the east side, in Hancock County, or in Beech Grove, you face a 25–40 minute drive just to reach the nearest exotic-trained general practice, let alone a specialist.
Search "exotic vet Indianapolis" on Google and the top paid results include three confirmed spam operations — auto-generated doorway pages with Lorem ipsum placeholder text, Wikipedia city descriptions, and a generic 877-number claiming 24-hour exotic service across every Indianapolis suburb. Holt Road Pet Hospital (holtroadpethospital.com), Dogs & Cats Veterinarian (likedogsandcats.com), and Vet 4 Pets Beaumont (vet4petsbeaumont.com) are not real practices. Geographic false matches further pollute results: Lake Norman at Mooresville Animal Hospital is in North Carolina, not Indiana; Avon Lake Animal Clinic is in Ohio. Meanwhile, the single most important fact an Indianapolis exotic pet owner needs — that there is no 24/7 walk-in exotic emergency facility anywhere in the metro — appears nowhere in those results. AEAC has an on-call system where residents field after-hours calls, and All Wild Things has an answering service relay, but neither is a walk-in ER. IndyVet at Victory Drive is 24/7 but handles dogs and cats only.
We verified every listing against primary credentialing sources — the ABVP diplomate directory, ACZM roster, and AAV/AEMV/ARAV membership records — and cross-referenced against community signals from the Indiana House Rabbit Society (IHRS), EARPS (Exotic Animal Rescue and Pet Sanctuary), the Hoosier Herpetological Society, Nextdoor, and rescue organization referral lists. A critical correction: Dr. Sayrah Gilbert was listed as "Indianapolis" in the November 2024 AVMA diplomate announcement — that reflected her residency training address at AEAC, not her current practice. She has since relocated to Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital. Each clinic is assigned a transparent trust tier based on verified credentials and community validation, and we document the geographic deserts — east Indianapolis, Hancock County, Greenwood — where exotic pet owners have no local options at all.
Verified Exotic Pet Veterinarians in Indianapolis
Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic (AEAC)
Dr. Angela Lennox — DABVP-Avian, DABVP-ECM, DECZM-Small Mammal (triple board-certified). Dr. Crystal Matt — DABVP-Avian; also staff vet for Re-Wilding Indiana wildlife hospital. Dr. Ken Weille — DABVP-Avian. Plus 4 active residents: Dr. Anna Watson (Avian), Dr. Grace Chung (ECM), Dr. Amanda Hirschman (ECM), Dr. Sophie Trowbridge (ECM) in ABVP-approved residency program (VIRMP #15756). Dr. Lennox is Past President of AEMV, ABVP Regent 2012–2018, adjunct professor at Purdue. Six diplomates trained by the program to date.
Birds (all pet species including poultry & waterfowl), reptiles & amphibians, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, rats, mice, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, fish, pot-bellied pigs, goats, foxes, wallabies, wildlife. Does NOT treat dogs, cats, or horses.
9330 Waldemar Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 (Northwest / College Park, near Carmel border)
After-hours on-call: call (317) 879-8633 and select the on-call option. Residents cover evenings, Sundays, and holidays. Online triage guides at exoticvetclinic.com/emergency for mammals, birds, and reptiles. NOT a 24/7 walk-in facility.
Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM (closed 12–1 PM for lunch). Closed Sundays. Appointment only — no walk-ins.
Described as "affordable" relative to specialist level of care per multiple reviews. Rescue partner discount (10%), zoo/education partner program, blood donor program. Website available in Spanish.
All-Star Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Mary Lempert, DABVP-ECM)
Dr. Mary Lempert — DABVP-ECM (Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), certified November 2, 2024. Purdue graduate (2016). Seven years at an exotic-focused practice in Austin, TX; joined All-Star in 2023. AEMV, ARAV, ABVP, AVMA member. Published in the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. Special interest in rabbit medicine and welfare. One of only two ECM specialists in the state of Indiana.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs, rats, hamsters, sugar gliders, and other small exotic mammals. ARAV membership indicates reptile and amphibian capability. Also sees dogs and cats as a general practice.
789 East Main Street, Westfield, IN 46074 (Hamilton County North)
No emergency services. Standard business hours only.
Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Closed Saturday–Sunday.
Not disclosed (general practice pricing; specialist-level exotic care through Dr. Lempert)
All Wild Things Exotic Animal Hospital
Dr. Beth Breitweiser, DVM — owner and sole veterinarian since 1991. 35 years of exotic-only practice. No confirmed board certification or association membership, but 35 years of continuous exotic-only operation is a meaningful credential signal in itself. Curbside-only service model (owners call upon arrival; pets taken inside).
Rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, turtles, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, mini pigs, reptiles (non-venomous), rats, hamsters, wildlife, bats, boas, weasels, pygmy goats. Does NOT see venomous reptiles, primates, dogs, or cats.
6058 North Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (Meridian-Kessler, across from Glendale Mall)
After-hours answering service — call (317) 255-9453; message is relayed to Dr. Breitweiser who returns the call. NOT a 24/7 walk-in facility.
Mon–Tue 8 AM–6 PM; Wed 8 AM–4 PM; Thu 8 AM–6 PM; Fri 8 AM–4 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; closed Sunday
Frequently praised for "reasonable pricing" by reviewers
Animal Hospital of Avon
Dr. Sarah Addison (DVM, St. George's University), Dr. Amber Mayes (DVM, Oklahoma State), Dr. Meyer. No confirmed exotic board certification or association membership. Most substantive exotic offering on the west side, with a dedicated species page.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, ferrets, reptiles, chinchillas, birds
Avon, IN 46123 (Hendricks County / West)
Not confirmed
Call for current hours
Not disclosed
Pet Wellness Clinics (Multi-Location Network)
Owner/CEO: Dr. Michael Graves, DVM. No board-certified exotic specialists. Chain-wide exotic services: small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils), birds (basic nail and beak trims — call for other services), reptiles (turtles, lizards, non-venomous snakes). "Only certain doctors see these patients and may not be available at all times." No rescue community endorsements found.
Small mammals, basic bird services, non-venomous reptiles — availability varies by location and vet on duty
None
Carmel: 13080 Grand Blvd #120, (317) 795-1295 · Noblesville: 15887 Cumberland Rd #105, (317) 900-7436 · Avon: 10242 E US Hwy 36, (463) 258-0614 · Brownsburg: 80 E Northfield Dr, (317) 520-3232 · Southport: 1350 W Southport Rd Ste H, (317) 426-1823 · Fishers (Bridgeview): (317) 841-3315 · Ingalls (Pendleton): 8015 S Indiana 13, (317) 284-0729
Varies by location; call the exotic services line to confirm doctor availability at your location
Hillview Veterinary Clinic
No exotic board certification or association membership confirmed. Mixed small animal, large animal, and exotic practice with a dedicated "Exotic Animal Medicine" page. Serves companion exotics alongside large animals (equine/bovine).
Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, sugar gliders, hamsters, chinchillas, hedgehogs, reptiles
1761 Thornburg Lane, Franklin, IN 46131 (South / Johnson County)
Not confirmed
Call for current hours
Not disclosed
Briarcrest Animal Hospital
Dr. Brichler — long-tenured; personally raises exotic animals including camels, sheep, donkeys, and peacocks. No exotic board certification or association membership confirmed. Unusually broad species list for a general practice. Personal exotic animal husbandry experience is a meaningful signal beyond typical general practice claims.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, birds, reptiles, wildlife
167 S State Road 135, Franklin, IN 46131 (South / Johnson County)
Not disclosed
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Not disclosed
Franklin Animal Clinic
Dr. Chad Hennessy (DVM, Purdue 2004) — exotic animal medicine specialty interest, especially ferrets. Dr. Sheckell — exotic interest; personally owns a bearded dragon, crested gecko, and 20+ chickens. No formal exotic board certification or association membership confirmed.
Ferrets (Dr. Hennessy specialty), reptiles and pocket pets (Dr. Sheckell's personal keeping background); primarily dogs and cats
Franklin, IN (Johnson County; also Greenwood location)
See website for contact
Not confirmed
Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Noah's Westside Animal Hospital
AAHA-accredited for 25+ years. Part of Noah's multi-location group (10 Indianapolis-area locations). Practice description explicitly includes "dogs, cats, and exotic pets." No named exotic specialist confirmed.
Exotic pets (specific species not enumerated — call to confirm)
6136 Crawfordsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224 (West Indianapolis)
See noahshospitals.com for current number
Noah's 24-Hour Emergency Center at 5510 Millersville Rd, (317) 253-1327 — exotic capability at that location is unconfirmed; marketing focuses on dogs and cats
Call ahead to confirm exotic appointment availability
Not disclosed
Noble West Animal Hospital
Dr. Kappagantula lists "exotics" among professional interests. Exotic capability extent unclear from available sources — call to verify specific species before booking.
Exotics (unspecified)
14765 Hazel Dell Crossing STE 500, Noblesville, IN 46062
Not available
Call for current hours
Not disclosed
Noblesville Square Animal Clinic
AAHA-accredited. Appears in Yelp exotic searches but has no dedicated exotic services page or confirmed exotic specialist on staff.
Not confirmed for exotics
150 Mensa Dr, Noblesville, IN 46062
Not confirmed
Call for current hours
Not disclosed
Freeland Animal Hospital
Established 1999. 4.9 stars, 21 Yelp reviews. One review mentions vet seeing rats. No dedicated exotic services page. No confirmed exotic specialty.
Pocket pets informally (based on single review); not confirmed for most exotic species
10840 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46236 (Lawrence / East Side)
Not confirmed
Call for current hours
Not disclosed
Show 3 more clinics (limited or unconfirmed exotic services)
MedVet Indianapolis
MedVet system-wide advertises avian and exotic services at select locations. The Indianapolis location does not specifically confirm exotic capability in its own local marketing. Individual location exotic capability varies by which vet is on shift.
System-level: avian and exotic; Indianapolis-location: call to confirm for your species on the current shift before driving
Indianapolis, IN — see medvet.com for current address
24/7/365, no appointment needed
24/7
Emergency-level pricing; call for current estimates
Noah's 24-Hour Emergency Center
24/7 emergency center affiliated with Noah's multi-location group. Marketing for this specific emergency location focuses on "dog or cat" emergencies without exotic-specific messaging. Noah's individual clinic locations mention exotic pets, but the emergency center's own materials do not.
Primarily dogs and cats per emergency center marketing; exotic capability unconfirmed at this specific location
5510 Millersville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226
24/7
24/7
Emergency-level pricing
How to Verify Your Exotic Vet
Understanding the Credential Hierarchy for Indianapolis Exotic Care
Indianapolis has an unusually strong specialist tier — but the landscape is more complex than a simple headcount suggests. 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). AEAC's Dr. Angela Lennox is unique nationally, holding triple board certification: DABVP-Avian, DABVP-ECM, and DECZM-Small Mammal. ABVP's four exotic-relevant specialties are Avian Practice (~80–120 diplomates nationwide), Exotic Companion Mammal Practice (~40–70 nationwide), Reptile & Amphibian Practice (~25–40 — one of the rarest veterinary specialties), and Fish Practice (fewer than 10). ACZM diplomates like Dr. Melissa Fayette at the Indianapolis Zoo work primarily with zoo and wildlife species rather than companion exotic pets and do not see private patients. Be aware that early reports cited six Indianapolis-area board-certified exotic specialists following the November 2024 AVMA announcement: Dr. Sayrah Gilbert completed her residency at AEAC but has since relocated to Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital (azeah.com), where she practices across Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson. She is not in Indianapolis. Only Dr. Mary Lempert (All-Star, Westfield) represents the new ECM addition to the metro's active private practice.
Below board certification, professional association memberships signal genuine interest — but not verified expertise. The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV), and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) are open to any veterinarian who pays annual dues. No exam, residency, or case volume is required. However, community endorsement from EARPS or the Indiana House Rabbit Society represents a meaningfully different signal — these groups refer their own animals to practices they trust, requiring verified positive outcomes rather than paid dues. When rescue community trust and association membership align (as with AEAC and All-Star), confidence is high. When a practice generates no organic community recommendations despite claiming exotic services (as with Pet Wellness Clinics), that absence is also informative.
You can verify credentials yourself. Check board certification status 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 renewal every 10 years. The AVMA's November 2024 diplomate announcement listed "Sayrah Gilbert, Indianapolis" — this reflected her residency training address, not her current practice. Always verify the specific vet's current practice location separately from their certification year.
Five Questions to Ask Before Your First Exotic Vet Visit in Indianapolis
Before booking, ask these five questions: (1) "What percentage of your patients are exotic animals?" AEAC is 100% exotic — a vet seeing exotics daily is very different from one who sees a hamster monthly. (2) "Do you have horizontal beam radiography?" This is essential equipment for birds and reptiles that most dog/cat clinics lack. (3) "What exotic-specific training have you completed?" Look for residencies (AEAC's program is ABVP-approved, VIRMP #15756), specialty internships, or regular exotic conference attendance (ExoticsCon, AAV/AEMV annual meetings). (4) "What is your after-hours plan for exotic emergencies?" In Indianapolis, there is no 24/7 exotic walk-in ER — know AEAC's on-call number before you need it. (5) "What is your relationship with AEAC for referrals?" Good general exotic vets in Indianapolis proactively refer complex cases to AEAC — a vet who never refers or dismisses the question is a yellow flag.
The Geographic Desert Problem in Indianapolis
Every board-certified exotic specialist and both exotic-only practices in Indianapolis are located north or northwest of downtown. East Indianapolis, Lawrence, Irvington, Beech Grove, and all of Hancock County (Greenfield, McCordsville) have zero confirmed exotic veterinary practices of any kind. East-side residents face 25–40 minute drives under normal conditions to reach AEAC or All Wild Things — longer during emergencies. The south side has three to four general practices in the Franklin corridor offering meaningful exotic services (Hillview, Briarcrest, Franklin Animal Clinic, and Pet Wellness Southport), but no specialists. The west side has Animal Hospital of Avon, Pet Wellness (Avon and Brownsburg), and Noah's Westside offering secondary coverage. Greenwood proper has no confirmed exotic vet despite being one of Indianapolis's largest suburbs. If you live in these underserved areas: drive to AEAC for any complex, specialist-level, or urgent care, and use local general practices only for routine wellness visits with species they explicitly advertise treating. Know AEAC's address and on-call number before you need them in an emergency.
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/Indianapolis, Indy Reptile Expo groups), 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