Certified Exotic Pet Vets in Portland — Verified Specialists by Species

📋 20 verified practices ✅ 1 ACZM board-certified specialist 🕐 Updated March 2026

Portland's 2.5-million-person metro area has exactly one board-certified exotic animal specialist in private practice: Dr. Lisa Harrenstien (DACZM) — the only Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine in private practice anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. She spent 13 years as associate veterinarian at the Oregon Zoo before founding Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care on NE Sandy Blvd in 2016, and in summer 2025 she began splitting her practice to also see patients at East Padden Animal Hospital in Vancouver, WA — the first board-certified exotic specialist available on the Washington side of the river. Four dedicated exotics-only practices anchor the metro: AEVC, Southwest Animal Hospital (Dr. Mark Burgess, 40 years exotic-only practice), Northwest Exotic Pet Vet (Dr. Katrina Ramsell, nationally recognized ferret specialist), and Scales & Tails Exotic Pet Clinic. A fifth, The Avian Medical Center in Lake Oswego, has operated as Oregon's only bird-exclusive veterinary clinic since 1984.

Portland's exotic pet landscape is shaped by unusually strict layered regulations — Oregon's ORS Chapter 609 bans primates, large cats, bears, and crocodilians statewide, while Multnomah County adds prohibitions on venomous reptiles and any python or boa capable of reaching eight feet. These restrictions channel the patient population almost entirely toward reptiles (bearded dragons, ball pythons, leopard geckos, tortoises), birds (parrots through backyard chickens), small mammals (rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, guinea pigs), and amphibians — an amphibian niche where Portland's naturally humid Pacific Northwest climate gives local vets unusually deep expertise. Emergency coverage, however, has a critical structural vulnerability: DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital at 1945 NW Pettygrove St is the only reliably staffed 24/7 exotic emergency facility in the entire four-county, two-state metro. The nearest exotic-only 24/7 hospital is CBEAM in Bothell, WA — nearly three hours north.

We verified every listing against primary sources — the ACZM diplomate roster, AAV and AEMV member directories, ARAV listings, practice websites, and community sources including Oregon Ferret Shelter, Cascade Ferret Network, Rabbit Advocates, Portland Guinea Pig Rescue, and Spot Magazine award records. Practices are assigned transparent trust tiers: Tier 1 for dedicated exotics-only practices with ACZM or ABVP board certification or deep specialist credentials, Tier 2 for general practices with documented significant exotic caseloads or association memberships, and flagged listings identify practices with documented credibility concerns or confirmed SEO spam. Species tags reflect demonstrably treated species — not marketing copy.

🏆 BOARD-CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS (TIER 1)

Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care (AEVC)

DACZM Board-Certified ARAV President-Elect (Dr. Ruoff) Fear Free Avian Certified 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐹 Small Mammals 🐠 Fish After-Hours Phone (Established Patients)
Lead Vet
Dr. Lisa Harrenstien, DVM, DACZM (founder/owner) — the only ACZM Diplomate in private practice in the Pacific Northwest. 30+ years clinical experience, including 13 years as associate veterinarian at the Oregon Zoo. Founded AEVC in 2016. Also practices at East Padden Animal Hospital, Vancouver, WA (since summer 2025). Medical Director/co-owner: Dr. Anna-Marie Ruoff, DVM (ARAV President-Elect; ARAV Secretary 2023–2024; pursuing DABVP in Reptile & Amphibian Practice). Additional vets: Dr. Rose, Dr. Gibbons.
Species
Birds (parrots, cockatiels, cockatoos, finches, canaries, chickens, ducks, geese, swans), reptiles (bearded dragons, leopard geckos, monitors, iguanas, tortoises, turtles, snakes — venomous by special appointment), amphibians (frogs, salamanders, caecilians — the only Portland practice listing caecilians), small mammals (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, degus), fish, invertebrates (tarantulas, scorpions, crabs), pot-bellied pigs, goats, capybara. No dogs or cats.
Address
7033 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 (Multnomah County)
Emergency
Phone consultations for established patients only after hours — AEVC specialists may consult remotely with the DoveLewis emergency vet treating your animal. New emergencies referred to DoveLewis (503-228-7281).
Hours
Mon–Sun 8 AM–6 PM (appointments 9 AM–5 PM), 7 days a week
Portland's flagship exotic practice and the only specialist-level exotic hospital in Oregon. AEVC sees no dogs or cats whatsoever — every patient is an exotic species. Dr. Harrenstien's ACZM board certification (the zoological medicine specialty covering everything from exotic companion animals to zoo species and free-ranging wildlife) is the highest exotic credential available and is held by fewer than 300 veterinarians worldwide. Dr. Ruoff's position as ARAV President-Elect places her at the governance apex of reptile and amphibian veterinary medicine. Part of the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital network (AZ, OR, CO). On-site exotic pet supply store. House calls available. 4.4 stars across ~305 Google reviews; ~50 Yelp reviews; 6+ independent community endorsements including Portland Monthly features and PoultryDVM listings.
⚠️ After-hours exotic emergency phone consultation is available only to established patients. New patients needing after-hours care must go directly to DoveLewis. Call ahead — appointment slots at the metro's only board-certified exotic practice are in high demand.

Southwest Animal Hospital

ARAV Member AEMV Member American Ferret Assoc. BBB A+ 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 🦔 Hedgehogs
Lead Vet
Dr. Mark Burgess, DVM (owner) — BS Biology, Southern Oregon State College (1982); DVM, Oregon State University (1986). 40+ years working exclusively with exotic pets. Published author in veterinary journals and textbooks, including chapters in Ferret Husbandry, Medicine & Surgery. Teaches exotic pet medicine at OSU's veterinary school and Portland Community College. Featured in Ferrets Magazine as one of "Eight Great Ferret Vets" in the US. Discovered multiple new diseases in exotic species. Licensed by ODFW to rehabilitate all mammals (except marine) plus reptiles and amphibians. Served 3 years on ODFW Wildlife Integrity Task Force. Taught turtle care and rehabilitation at Portland State University.
Species
Ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, hedgehogs, rats, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, skunks, all reptiles (bearded dragons, leopard geckos, iguanas, chameleons, tortoises, snakes, water dragons, box turtles). Less than 5% dogs/cats.
Address
2425 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Suite 1A, Beaverton, OR 97005 (Washington County)
Emergency
Business hours only. Refers after-hours emergencies to DoveLewis.
Hours
Mon–Wed, Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Thu 9 AM–6 PM; Sat 9 AM–2 PM; Sun closed
Portland's longest-standing dedicated exotic practice — operating since 1995 with a ~95% exotic caseload — and the metro's most community-endorsed single vet. Dr. Burgess earned 8+ independent recommendations across Oregon Ferret Shelter, Cascade Ferret Network, Rabbit Advocates, Portland Guinea Pig Rescue ("trusted absolutely"), and Spot Magazine's Best of Portland awards (2015, 2017, 2019). His direct involvement in ODFW's Wildlife Integrity Task Force — the body that determines which exotic species to restrict from Oregon importation — is unique among Portland vets. His wildlife rehabilitation license covering mammals, reptiles, and amphibians bridges exotic pet care and wildlife medicine in ways that benefit clinical depth. BBB A+ rating; 342 aggregate reviews (Birdeye); ~50 Yelp reviews.

Northwest Exotic Pet Vet

AEMV Member American Ferret Assoc. Health Affairs Rabbit Advocates Board 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 🦎 Reptiles 🦜 Birds
Lead Vet
Dr. Katrina Ramsell, DVM, PhD (founder, est. 2008) — BS Cellular Biology, University of Kansas (1992); PhD Neuropharmacology, Michigan State University (1997); DVM, Michigan State University (2000). Published researcher in ferret endocrine disease. President and shelter veterinarian, Cascade Ferret Network. Board of Directors, Rabbit Advocates. AEMV member. American Ferret Association Health Affairs Committee. National specialty: ferret insulinomas, lymphoma, and genetic research.
Species
Ferrets, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, sugar gliders, birds (now accepting avian patients). Exotics only.
Address
2425 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005 (co-located with Southwest Animal Hospital; Washington County)
Emergency
Business hours only.
Hours
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat 8:30 AM–2 PM; Tue, Fri, Sun closed (confirm by phone — hours more limited than Southwest Animal Hospital)
Dr. Ramsell's PhD in neuropharmacology combined with her DVM and published research on ferret endocrine disease makes her arguably the most academically credentialed ferret specialist in the Pacific Northwest. Her concurrent roles as president of Cascade Ferret Network and a board member of Rabbit Advocates demonstrate active community embeddedness that extends well beyond clinical practice. Northwest Exotic Pet Vet operates at the same address as Southwest Animal Hospital — Dr. Ramsell and Dr. Burgess function as colleagues sharing the Beaverton location, with complementary specialties (ferrets/rabbits vs. reptiles/exotics broadly). Multiple rescue organization referral sources list them together. 16 Yelp reviews.
⚠️ Hours are significantly more limited than Southwest Animal Hospital — confirm by phone before scheduling. Co-located at the same address and phone as Southwest Animal Hospital.

Scales & Tails Exotic Pet Clinic

ARAV Member Practice Rabbit Advocates Past President 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 🦜 Birds 🐠 Fish ★ 4.4
Lead Vet
Dr. Melinda Surrency, DVM (owner/founder, est. 2017) — BS Honors Biology, Portland State University; DVM, Oregon State University (2007) with special training in exotics, wildlife, and ornamental fish. Volunteered at Oregon Zoo and Bird Alliance of Oregon Wildlife Care Center. Past President, Rabbit Advocates (2015–2016). Active with Portland Guinea Pig Rescue. Helped start Oregon Skunk Owners group; spoke at ODFW Commission meetings regarding domestic pet skunks. Working toward board certification.
Species
Fish, amphibians, reptiles, ferrets, skunks, rabbits, rodents, birds, invertebrates. Full-service exotics only. Also offers mobile services.
Address
4325 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97221 (Multnomah County)
Emergency
Daytime emergency stabilization available. After hours, refers to DoveLewis (primary) and Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency (secondary). Explicitly notes Emergency Clinic of Tualatin does NOT accept exotics.
Hours
Mon closed; Tue 9 AM–7 PM; Wed 8 AM–6 PM; Thu–Fri 9 AM–7 PM; Sat 9 AM–3 PM; Sun closed
The metro's most geographically diverse Tier 1 exotic practice, also offering mobile veterinary services — an unusual capability that matters for large or fragile exotic animals that travel poorly. Dr. Surrency's OSU training specifically in exotics, wildlife, and ornamental fish (the last a rare subspecialty), combined with her zoo and wildlife rehab background, produces broad species depth. 5 independent community endorsements including Portland Guinea Pig Rescue's "trusted absolutely" designation, Frontier Veterinary's referral list, and Nextdoor community recommendations. 4.4 stars, 157 aggregate reviews (Birdeye); 28 Yelp reviews; 94% Facebook recommend.

The Avian Medical Center

AAV Member 🦜 Birds Only ★ 4.7
Lead Vet
Dr. Marli Lintner, DVM (founder, est. 1984) — 30+ years exclusively avian medicine. AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarians) member. Additional vets: Dr. Thomas, Dr. Schwarzer (both active per recent reviews).
Species
Birds only — parrots, cockatiels, cockatoos, parakeets, finches, canaries, chickens, ducks, geese, raptors. Does not treat other species.
Address
15952 Quarry Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 (Clackamas County)
Emergency
During business hours only. Refers after-hours bird emergencies to DoveLewis.
Hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 AM–4 PM (appointments until 3:30 PM); Wed 9 AM–2 PM; Sat–Sun closed. Closed 12–1 PM for lunch.
Oregon's only bird-exclusive veterinary clinic, operating continuously since 1984 — making it the metro's longest-tenured specialist practice. Dr. Lintner's 40+ years of exclusively avian medicine represent the deepest single-species focus available in the Pacific Northwest for birds. The 4.7-star aggregate rating from 244 reviews (including 234 Google and 33 Yelp) is the highest of any exotic practice in the metro. Bird boarding ("Bird Camp"), grooming, and nutritional counseling available alongside full medical and surgical services. Located in Clackamas County — an important resource given that county's limited exotic veterinary coverage overall.
⚠️ Birds only — reptiles, small mammals, and other exotics are not treated here. Weekend appointments are not available. The midday closure (12–1 PM daily) can affect scheduling.
🥈 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (TIER 2)

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital

24/7 Emergency VECCS Level 1 Certified 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐹 Small Mammals 🐠 Fish
Exotics Vets
Dr. EB McKibben, DVM (Exotics Veterinarian); Dr. Kelly Flaminio, DVM (ECC Veterinarian Supervisor). Walk-ins accepted 24/7 for all non-dog/non-cat species. Note: exotics-focused DVMs may not be on-site during every overnight shift — after-hours exotic cases may initially be triaged by a general emergency vet.
Species
All non-dog, non-cat species: birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish. Also operates a wildlife program in partnership with Bird Alliance of Oregon (after-hours wildlife intake 5 PM–8 AM).
Address
1945 NW Pettygrove St, Portland, OR 97209
Emergency
24/7/365. Walk-ins welcome. The only reliably staffed 24/7 exotic emergency facility in the entire Portland metro area (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties).
Hours
24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Portland's exotic emergency anchor and the most important safety-net resource in the metro's exotic veterinary ecosystem. DoveLewis is a nonprofit founded in 1973 and holds VECCS Level 1 certification — the highest emergency care certification available and the only such facility in Oregon. Its partnership with Bird Alliance of Oregon (after-hours wildlife intake) creates a formal bridge between exotic pet emergency care and wildlife rehabilitation. Multiple daytime practices — AEVC, Scales & Tails, Southwest Animal Hospital — direct their after-hours emergencies here. 3.8-star aggregate across ~2,000 reviews. Call (503) 228-7281 for all after-hours exotic emergencies.
⚠️ DoveLewis's exotics-focused DVMs are not guaranteed to be on-site during every overnight shift. After-hours exotic cases may be initially handled by general emergency vets. For established AEVC patients, calling AEVC's after-hours line first (971-361-2209) allows specialist phone consultation to coordinate with DoveLewis staff.

East Padden Animal Hospital

DACZM Specialist on Staff Best of Clark County 6 Consecutive Years 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐹 Small Mammals 🐠 Fish ★ 4.5
Vets
Dr. Tracy Thompson, DVM (owner); Dr. Lisa Harrenstien, DVM, DACZM (exotic services, joined summer 2025). Dr. Harrenstien simultaneously practices at AEVC in Portland — the only veterinarian in the Pacific Northwest with ACZM board certification, now serving both sides of the Columbia River.
Species
Dogs, cats, plus (since summer 2025) birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets), fish, invertebrates. Full exotic services including wellness, diagnostics, surgery, nutrition, dental care.
Address
15721 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98682 (Clark County)
Hours
7:30 AM–8:00 PM, 7 days a week
The only practice in Clark County, Washington with a board-certified exotic specialist on staff — a significant development for the roughly 500,000 residents of the Vancouver metro who previously had to cross the river into Portland for any specialist-level exotic care. Dr. Harrenstien's addition in summer 2025 represents the first expansion of ACZM-credentialed care in the Washington side of the metro. East Padden has been voted Best Veterinarian in Best of Clark County for six consecutive years (through 2025). 4.5 stars across ~1,500 reviews (Birdeye); ~423 Yelp reviews.
⚠️ Dr. Harrenstien divides her time between East Padden (Vancouver) and AEVC (Portland). Call ahead to confirm exotic appointment availability — exotic service hours may not match the practice's full 7:30 AM–8 PM schedule.

St. Francis Animal Hospital

BBB A+ 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals
Vets
10+ DVMs on staff including Dr. Jessika Julian, Dr. Roland Castellanos, Dr. Candis Tuason, Dr. Brianna Graisy, Dr. Sarah Cannon, Dr. Philip Wood, and others. No board-certified exotic specialist identified.
Species
Dogs, cats, plus exotic pets explicitly listed on website: birds, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, rodents, snakes, frogs/toads, bearded dragons, chameleons, geckos, iguanas, turtles, tortoises.
Address
12010 NE 65th St, Vancouver, WA 98682 (Clark County)
Hours
8 AM–8 PM Mon–Sat; 24-hour emergency capability noted
The largest and most staff-rich general practice in Clark County serving exotic species. Established since 2000, St. Francis lists an unusually broad range of exotic species on its website for a multi-species practice — the breadth is notable and indicates institutional awareness of exotic pet care needs beyond dogs and cats. With 10+ DVMs, the practice has the staff depth to potentially handle exotic emergencies during its extended hours. 1,876 aggregate reviews (Birdeye); 263+ Yelp reviews; BBB A+.
⚠️ No board-certified exotic specialist on staff — general DVMs handle exotic cases. For complex exotic cases, specialist-level care at East Padden (Dr. Harrenstien) or AEVC in Portland is recommended. Call ahead to confirm which vet will be handling exotic cases.

VCA East Mill Plain Animal Hospital

AAHA Accredited Fear Free Certified 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Vets
Medical Director: Dr. Kelly Wall. Additional vets: Dr. Kathryn Hooper, Dr. Alayson Phelps, Dr. Lynn Spolek.
Species
Dogs, cats, and "select exotic pets." Tagged in third-party directories for bird, reptile, and exotic animal care. Listed in Yelp reviews as handling reptiles. Call to confirm specific species accepted.
Address
416 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684 (Clark County)
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM; Sat 8 AM–5 PM; Sun closed
An AAHA-accredited VCA network hospital serving Vancouver, WA and explicitly marketing to both Vancouver and Portland residents (offers free first exams for Oregon Humane Society pets). "Select exotic pets" language on their website suggests narrower species acceptance than dedicated exotic practices. Yelp reviewers note reptile care availability. AAHA accreditation (top 15% of North American animal hospitals) signals baseline care quality. Fear Free certified.
⚠️ "Select exotic pets" scope — call ahead to confirm your specific species is accepted. This is a general mixed practice without dedicated exotic specialist credentials.

Narra Veterinary Clinic

🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals DoveLewis Emergency Internship
Lead Vet
Dr. Deena Barrett, DVM (owner/founder) — University of Oregon BS; DVM, St. George's University. Completed internship in emergency/critical care at DoveLewis. Minority women-owned practice. Passion for exotic medicine.
Species
Dogs, cats, pocket pets (guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats), bearded dragons, and some reptiles.
Address
7217 SW Hazel Fern Rd, Tigard, OR 97224 (Washington County)
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat–Sun closed
Referred by Frontier Veterinary Hospital in Hillsboro for exotic cases. Dr. Barrett's emergency/critical care internship at DoveLewis provides clinical grounding in exotic triage beyond what most general practitioners have. Walk-ins welcome. Newer practice — review volume still building (~10 Yelp reviews; 100% Facebook recommendation from 6 reviews). A practical option for Tigard-area residents with pocket pets or basic reptile needs.
⚠️ Newer practice with limited review volume. Exotic species scope leans toward pocket pets and basic reptiles — call ahead for complex exotic cases or less common species.

Compass Veterinary Clinic

Fear Free Certified 🐰 Rabbits 🦜 Birds 🐹 Small Mammals ★ 4.7
Lead Vet
Dr. Cherie Connolly, DVM (owner) — spent 4 years at the Oregon State University Rabbit Research Center, described as one of the most trained rabbit veterinarians in Oregon. Fear Free certified. Additional vets: Dr. Melissa Potter; Dr. Lipanovich (parrot care noted in reviews).
Species
Dogs, cats, rabbits (primary exotic strength), pocket pets, some birds (parrots seen per reviews).
Address
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite Y, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 (Clackamas County)
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat 10 AM–4 PM; Sun closed
Dr. Connolly's four-year background at OSU's Rabbit Research Center makes Compass one of the best options in Clackamas County for rabbit medicine specifically — a species commonly underserved by general practices. The 4.7-star rating (233 aggregate reviews, 53 Yelp) indicates consistent care quality. Located in Lake Oswego — a critical resource for Clackamas County residents who would otherwise drive 30+ minutes to Portland or Beaverton for exotic care.
⚠️ Exotic species strength is concentrated in rabbits and pocket pets. For reptiles, birds requiring advanced care, or less common exotics, contact AEVC or Scales & Tails.

Gladstone Veterinary Clinic

AAHA Accredited 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals 🦜 Birds 🐠 Fish
Lead Vet
Dr. Tanya ten Broeke (owner since 2007). Additional vets: Dr. Snyder, Dr. Winkler. Family-owned since 1981; AAHA accredited since 1984.
Species
Dogs, cats, plus dedicated "Exotic and Small Mammal" page: small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, pot-bellied pigs, birds, fish, iguanas, chinchillas. Ferret vaccines (rabies, distemper) and pot-bellied pig vaccines listed.
Address
18420 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie, OR 97267 (Clackamas County)
Hours
Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5:30 PM; Fri 7 AM–5:30 PM; Sat–Sun closed
A family-owned practice operating since 1981 with AAHA accreditation since 1984 — one of the longest-tenured AAHA-accredited practices in the metro. Provides an important option for Clackamas County (Milwaukie area) exotic pet owners. The dedicated "Exotic and Small Mammal" page on its website signals meaningful exotic care commitment. 46 Yelp reviews; 98% Facebook recommendation (32 reviews).
⚠️ Reviews suggest mammal and reptile expertise is stronger than avian — one bird-owner review noted limited bird knowledge. Portland-area bird owners are better served by The Avian Medical Center or AEVC. Weekend appointments not available.

Parkway Veterinary Hospital

🐹 Small Mammals 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits
Lead Vet for Exotics
Dr. Relucio — recommended by Portland Guinea Pig Rescue for guinea pig care. Practice also offers acupuncture.
Species
Dogs, cats, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, pocket pets.
Address
Lake Oswego, OR (Clackamas County; part of Animal Care Group of Lake Oswego)
Endorsed by Portland Guinea Pig Rescue for guinea pig care — a community rescue organization whose recommendations carry significant credibility weight. The acupuncture offering indicates an integrative approach beyond conventional veterinary care. Serves Lake Oswego in Clackamas County, filling a gap in a county with very limited dedicated exotic veterinary resources.
⚠️ Limited verification data available — contact the practice to confirm current exotic species acceptance and appointment availability.

Guardian Veterinary Care

AAHA Accredited Fear Free Certified 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals
Vets
Dr. Cheryl Roth, Dr. Kristin Gerard, Dr. Sonja Lapinski, Dr. Anjana Mohanraj. AAHA accredited. Fear Free certified.
Species
Ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, pocket pets. Explicitly notes: "For complicated cases, we work with exotics specialists in the Portland area."
Address
16784 SW Edy Rd, Unit 106, Sherwood, OR 97140 (Washington County)
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat 9 AM–2 PM; Sun closed
An AAHA-accredited, Fear Free–certified practice in Sherwood offering basic pocket pet care. The practice's own website explicitly acknowledges its limitation — "For complicated cases, we work with exotics specialists in the Portland area" — a transparency signal that makes it a trustworthy starting point for straightforward small mammal wellness while ensuring appropriate referral for complex cases. Suitable for routine care of ferrets, rabbits, and common rodents in Washington County's southern corridor.
⚠️ Basic pocket pet care only — reptiles, birds, amphibians, and complex exotic cases are outside this practice's scope. Complex cases are referred to Portland specialists.

Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals
Vets
Dr. LeFevre, Dr. Ferguson (mentioned in reviews for exotic care). Limited formal verification available.
Species
Reviews describe strong exotic care for rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, bearded dragons. Website does not prominently market exotic services — call ahead to confirm.
Address
Brush Prairie, WA (Clark County)
Community reviews specifically mention Dr. LeFevre and Dr. Ferguson for rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, and bearded dragons — meaningful for a Clark County practice given the limited exotic options in that county. Website does not formally advertise exotic services, which is both a credibility gap and a signal that exotic care here may be informal but genuinely offered based on vet interest.
⚠️ Limited formal verification — exotic services are not prominently advertised on the website. Call ahead to confirm specific species and current vet availability before scheduling.

First City Veterinary Hospital

🐹 Small Mammals 🦎 Reptiles
Species
Primarily dogs, cats, and ferrets. Detailed ferret care information on website. Edge of metro — serves Oregon City and Clackamas County.
Address
1034 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, OR 97045 (Clackamas County)
A general practice at the southeastern edge of the metro in Oregon City, notable primarily for detailed ferret care content on its website — suggesting genuine ferret medicine experience. A practical option for southern Clackamas County residents who want to avoid the drive to Portland or Beaverton for routine ferret or small mammal care.
⚠️ Primary focus is dogs, cats, and ferrets. For reptiles, birds, or complex exotic cases, specialist practices in Portland or Beaverton are recommended.

Lombard Animal Hospital

🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Species
Lists exotic pets, rodents, reptiles on website. Mixed practice with limited detail publicly available.
Address
Portland, NE area (Multnomah County)
A NE Portland general practice listing exotic pets, rodents, and reptiles on its website. Included for geographic coverage of the NE Portland corridor, where dedicated exotic practices are limited. Limited public detail available — contact the practice directly to confirm current exotic services.
⚠️ Limited verification data. Call ahead to confirm specific species acceptance and exotic care capabilities.

Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency

24/7 Emergency 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals Call Ahead — Exotic Staffing Varies
Exotic Capability
Referenced by Scales & Tails and Pet Samaritan as accepting exotic emergencies. Exotic capability depends on the vet on shift — call ahead to confirm an exotic-capable vet is on duty before driving.
Address
17400 NW Corridor Court, Beaverton, OR 97006 (Washington County)
Hours
24/7
The secondary 24/7 emergency option for the west side of the metro — endorsed by Scales & Tails as an after-hours alternative to DoveLewis. Located in Beaverton, making it more convenient than DoveLewis for Washington County residents. Primary focus is dogs and cats. Exotic capability is not guaranteed on every shift.
⚠️ ALWAYS call ahead (503-629-5800) before driving here for an exotic emergency. Exotic care depends on which vet is on shift. DoveLewis in Portland is the more reliable 24/7 exotic emergency resource.
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Companion Pet Clinic of Gresham

Serious Credibility Concerns
Issue
OVMA listing shows broad exotic species coverage. However, multiple sources report serious credibility concerns including felony animal abuse charges against the owner (Daniel Koller), a New York Times article from 2020, and a Facebook group "Companions for Justice" with 900+ members.
Address
2454 SE Burnside Rd, Gresham, OR 97080 (Multnomah County)
Included as a warning to exotic pet owners. Despite OVMA listings showing avian, fish, pocket pets, pot-bellied pigs, poultry, reptile, and sugar glider coverage, multiple independent sources have documented serious credibility concerns including felony animal abuse charges against the owner, a New York Times investigative article (2020), and a 900+ member Facebook group organized by affected clients. Highly polarized reviews. Exercise extreme caution.
⚠️ Flagged: Serious credibility concerns documented including reported felony animal abuse charges against the owner. Independent verification of current status strongly recommended before considering this practice.

Wall Triana Animal Hospital (fake Portland page)

SEO Spam — No Portland Practice
Issue
Operates a fake Portland page at walltrianaanimalhospital.com/portland/bird-vet-portland-or/ containing literal template placeholder text: "Wall Triana Animal Hospital [ city field = name]" — the city field was never populated. The actual practice is located in Madison, Alabama. No Portland address, no named Portland veterinarian, and identical copy-paste marketing text applied across multiple fake city pages.
Actual Location
Madison, Alabama. Not a Portland practice in any form.
Confirmed SEO spam. Wall Triana Animal Hospital has no Portland location, no Portland veterinarian, and no Portland patients. Its "bird vet Portland" page contains unfilled template placeholders. Included here specifically to warn exotic bird owners who may encounter this listing in search results.
⚠️ Flagged as confirmed SEO spam. This is not a Portland veterinary practice. Do not contact or attempt to visit this listing for Portland-area exotic care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a reptile vet in Portland, Oregon?

Portland has three dedicated exotics-only practices treating reptiles: Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care (7033 NE Sandy Blvd), Scales & Tails Exotic Pet Clinic (4325 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy), and Southwest Animal Hospital / Northwest Exotic Pet Vet in Beaverton (2425 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). All three treat bearded dragons, ball pythons, leopard geckos, tortoises, and chameleons. For board-certified specialist-level reptile care, Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care is the only option — Dr. Lisa Harrenstien (DACZM) is the sole board-certified exotic specialist in private practice in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Is there a 24/7 exotic animal emergency vet in Portland?

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital (1945 NW Pettygrove St; 503-228-7281) is the only reliably staffed 24/7 exotic emergency facility in the entire Portland metro. It has two dedicated exotics veterinarians — Dr. EB McKibben and Dr. Kelly Flaminio — and treats birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish around the clock. Walk-ins are welcome. Note that the exotics-focused DVMs may not be on every overnight shift. Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency in Beaverton is a possible backup, but call (503-629-5800) first to confirm an exotic-capable vet is on duty before driving there.

What exotic pets are illegal to own in Portland, Oregon?

Oregon bans nonhuman primates, non-indigenous wild cats (including servals and lions), all foxes, non-indigenous wild canids, bears, and crocodilians under ORS Chapter 609, with no new permits issued since January 1, 2010. Multnomah County (Portland) adds further local bans on venomous reptiles and any python or boa capable of reaching eight feet — species that may be legal in neighboring Washington County or Clackamas County. Common legal exotics in Portland include bearded dragons, ball pythons, parrots, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, dart frogs, and axolotls. Some online sources incorrectly state ferrets are illegal in Oregon — ferrets are fully legal statewide with no permit required.

Are ferrets legal in Oregon?

Yes, ferrets are fully legal throughout Oregon — including Portland and Multnomah County — with no permit required. They are classified as exempt domestic animals under ODFW rules (OAR 635-056-0020). Several online sources incorrectly claim ferrets are illegal in Oregon; this is false. Ferrets are only banned as pets in California, Hawaii, and Washington D.C. Portland has active ferret rescue organizations including Oregon Ferret Shelter and Cascade Ferret Network, both operating openly. For ferret-specific veterinary care, Northwest Exotic Pet Vet (Dr. Katrina Ramsell) and Southwest Animal Hospital (Dr. Mark Burgess) are nationally recognized ferret specialists.

Are there exotic pet vets in Vancouver, WA, near Portland?

Dedicated exotic vet options in Clark County, Washington improved significantly in summer 2025 when Dr. Lisa Harrenstien (DACZM) — the only board-certified exotic specialist in the Pacific Northwest — joined East Padden Animal Hospital (15721 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver; 360-892-1500). St. Francis Animal Hospital (360-253-5446) and VCA East Mill Plain Animal Hospital (360-892-0032) in Vancouver also list various exotic species, but neither has a board-certified specialist. For emergencies, DoveLewis in Portland is the best option — approximately 15–20 minutes from central Vancouver. Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Brush Prairie is another Clark County option for basic exotic care.

What should I do if I find an injured wild animal or bird in Portland?

Contact Bird Alliance of Oregon's Wildlife Care Center at 5151 NW Cornell Road (open daily) for injured native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. They treat 5,000+ wild animals annually and field 12,000+ wildlife inquiries. After hours (5 PM–8 AM), DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital serves as the official after-hours wildlife intake facility, accepting stabilized injured wildlife as part of its formal partnership with Bird Alliance. Do not attempt to treat or keep wild animals — Oregon requires ODFW rehabilitation permits for all native wildlife. It is illegal to possess wild birds, raptors, or most native wildlife without a license.

How much does an exotic vet visit cost in Portland?

Exotic vet visits in Portland typically cost more than standard dog or cat appointments due to the specialized training and equipment required. Expect to pay $65–$150 for a routine wellness exam at an exotics-only practice, with diagnostic tests, bloodwork, or imaging adding $100–$400+. Emergency visits at DoveLewis carry additional emergency fees. Species complexity matters — reptile or bird visits often run higher than small mammal visits due to the technical demands of examination and diagnostics. Calling ahead for a cost estimate is recommended, as prices vary by species, condition, and individual practice. House calls through Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care carry additional fees.

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