Certified Exotic Pet Vets in South Florida — Verified Specialists by Species

📋 23 verified practices ✅ 3 board-certified (all avian) 🕐 Updated March 2026

South Florida is the nation's primary gateway for imported reptiles — Miami International Airport handles more live reptile imports than any other US port of entry — yet the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach (population ~6.2 million) has exactly three board-certified exotic specialists, all avian diplomates, and zero board-certified reptile or exotic mammal specialists. Despite this, the region has some of the most famous names in American exotic veterinary medicine: Dr. Don J. Harris, former president of both AAV and NAVC with 40+ years of exclusively exotic practice; Dr. Susan Clubb, a former AAV president whose work helped shape the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992; and Dr. Susan Kelleher, star of nine seasons of Nat Geo Wild's Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER. The talent exists — the formal board certification does not.

The emergency picture has genuinely improved. Three VEG locations now operate 24/7 across the tri-county area and explicitly accept exotic species — up from effectively zero dedicated options a few years ago. But "will see your iguana at 2 AM" and "has a reptile specialist on-site at 2 AM" remain very different things. A March 2025 Yelp reviewer recounted a bird dying en route to emergency care: "I honestly believe if there was a place here in Miami that had emergency vets with experience in avian veterinary medicine, my bird would still be alive today." The nearest academic referral center remains UF Gainesville — a five-hour drive. Hurricane season adds another dimension: Miami-Dade County explicitly bars exotic pets from its pet-friendly evacuation centers, yet not a single exotic vet website in the tri-county area offers hurricane preparedness guidance.

We verified every listing against ABVP diplomate records, ACZM roster, AAV/AEMV/ARAV membership directories, and cross-referenced with the ReptiFiles Reptile Vet Directory, community forums, and review platforms. Five confirmed spam or suspicious domains are flagged at the end. Each practice is assigned a transparent trust tier: Board Certified (DABVP holders), Nationally Recognized Exotic-Only (experienced but uncertified dedicated practices), or General Practice with Exotic Capability.

Verified Exotic Pet Veterinarians

🏆 BOARD-CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS (TIER 1)

Rainforest Clinic for Birds & Exotics — Loxahatchee ⭐

DABVP-Avian Former AAV President Exclusively Exotic 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals 🐒 Primates
Certification
Dr. Susan Clubb — DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice). Auburn University '78. Former president and founding member of AAV. T.J. Lafeber Avian Practitioner of the Year. Co-author of Psittacine Aviculture. Her work with the WWF Cooperative Working Group on Bird Trade contributed to the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992. Associate adjunct professor at UF. Staff veterinarian for Jungle Island (Miami) since 1988. 45+ years experience.
Species
Birds (ostriches to finches, raptors, waterfowl, poultry), reptiles (snakes, tortoises, lizards, iguanas, monitors), small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets), primates, big cats, kangaroos, wallabies, raccoons, small farm animals (pigs under 60 lbs, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas)
Address
3319 E Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 (Palm Beach County)
Emergency
Dr. Clubb's cell phone available for after-hours emergencies
Hours
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9 AM–5 PM; Sat 9 AM–12 PM; Wed & Sun closed
USDA
Yes — explicitly offers USDA compliance assistance and pet bird export
Arguably the most credentialed exotic veterinarian in South Florida and one of the most influential avian vets in American history. Dr. Clubb's career spans private practice, zoo medicine, conservation policy, and academic teaching. The practice's registered business name — "Hurricane Aviaries, Inc." — hints at the region's defining concern. House calls available for large animals. Remote consultations for pet owners and zoos. PIJAC consultant. 17 Yelp reviews, highly positive. The Loxahatchee location is rural — expect a drive from urban centers.

The Bird & Exotic Hospital — Greenacres

DABVP-Avian Exclusively Exotic 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals 🐟 Fish Sun Emergencies
Certification
Dr. Rolfe — DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), Virginia-Maryland RCVM '91. Took over from pioneering avian vet Dr. Greg Harrison in 2004; transferred ownership 2022 but continues practicing. Dr. Romo — DVM (UNAM, Mexico), completed avian-focused residency under Dr. Scott Stahl at SEAVS (Virginia), currently pursuing ABVP avian certification, now practice owner. Dr. Rue — DVM (UF), completing exotic animal internship.
Species
Birds (parrots, conures, amazons, macaws, chickens, quails, waterfowl, emus), reptiles (lizards, turtles, tortoises, non-venomous snakes), small mammals (rabbits, rodents, ferrets, skunks, sugar gliders, hedgehogs), fish, invertebrates. Exotic-only — no dogs or cats.
Address
6147 Lake Worth Rd, Greenacres, FL 33463 (Palm Beach County)
Emergency
Sunday emergencies only (10 AM–5 PM)
Hours
Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM; Sun 10 AM–5 PM (emergencies only)
Boarding
Available — critical for hurricane evacuations
One of South Florida's premier exotic-only hospitals, with a lineage tracing back to pioneering avian vet Dr. Greg Harrison. Dr. Romo's residency training under Dr. Scott Stahl (the DC region's gold-standard exotic vet) is a meaningful credential. Open 7 days a week with Sunday emergency appointments — one of the few practices offering any weekend exotic care. 29 Yelp reviews with strong positive sentiment; one reviewer noted "a couple drove in from South Miami!! That has got to be a 3 or 4 hour ride." Boarding available for exotic species.

Nova Animal Hospital — Davie

DABVP-Avian 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals ★ 4.6 (305 reviews) Avian specialist 2 days/wk only
Certification
Dr. Gwen Flinchum — DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice). The only board-certified avian specialist in Broward County. Sees appointments twice weekly. Published in multiple avian medicine journals. Also on staff: Dr. Meg Formoso (hospital lead), Dr. Biddix, Dr. Falcón, Dr. Rodriguez.
Species
Birds (budgies to macaws, African Greys, quail, Muscovy ducks, flamingoes, black swans), reptiles, exotic pets — plus dogs and cats
Address
4220 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 (Broward County)
Emergency
No after-hours care
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM; Sat 7 AM–3 PM; Sun closed
USDA
Yes — "Official USDA health certificates for domestic and international travel"
The only Broward County practice with a board-certified exotic specialist. Dr. Flinchum's avian appointments are limited to two days per week — call to confirm her schedule before booking. The practice has operated since 1977 and holds strong community ratings (Google ~4.6 stars / 305+ reviews; Yelp 50 reviews; Facebook 98% recommend). Also offers USDA health certificates for international travel — a critical service for South Florida's international community.
⚠️ Dr. Flinchum sees exotic appointments only two days per week. Always call ahead to verify she is available on your desired date. The practice is a full-service hospital — dogs and cats are the primary caseload.
🥈 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (TIER 2)

VCA South Dade Animal Hospital / Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center ⭐

Former AAV President Former NAVC President Exclusively Exotic 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐒 Primates 🐹 Small Mammals
Certification
Dr. Don J. Harris — DVM (LSU '80). Former president of AAV, NAVC, and South Florida VMA. Exclusively exotic since 1990. 40+ years experience. Featured on NBC, CBS, CNN, Animal Planet, National Geographic. International consulting practice spanning South America, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Vicente Torres — DVM, internship at The Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine (NYC), wildlife rehab experience in Thailand. Dr. Arthur Scherr — DVM (Ross '90), family founded Parrot Jungle (now Jungle Island). Seven-doctor practice total. Not board-certified but nationally recognized.
Species
Birds (all), reptiles, primates, pigs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, raccoons, snakes, turtles, iguanas, parrots, ducks, chickens, sloths, otters, swans
Address
7230 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33156 (Miami-Dade County)
Phone
(305) 661-2573 (main) · (305) 234-2473 (exotic appointments)
Emergency
No 24-hour service; refers out after hours
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM; Sat 8 AM–5 PM; Sun closed
Boarding
All species accepted
The flagship exotic practice of South Florida. Founded in 1996 as Miami's first exotics-only hospital. Relocated in May 2024 to a 7,500-square-foot state-of-the-art facility with separate species areas. Dr. Harris's combined AAV and NAVC presidencies represent a level of professional influence that few private practice veterinarians anywhere in the country can match. His international consulting practice and the depth of the seven-doctor team make this the de facto exotic referral center for Miami-Dade — even without board certification. Boarding capability is critical during hurricane season. ~74 Yelp reviews.

Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital — Deerfield Beach ⭐

Nat Geo Wild "Dr. K" Exclusively Exotic 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐹 Small Mammals 🐒 Primates
Certification
Dr. Susan Kelleher ("Dr. K") — DVM (UT Knoxville). Exclusively exotic since ~1998. 9 seasons on Nat Geo Wild (2014–2021, 50+ episodes). Advanced endoscopy and ultrasonography training. Dr. Veronica Pardini (also runs Wildside mobile — see below). Dr. Ian Swann. Dr. Diaz. Not board-certified.
Species
Birds (all types including poultry), reptiles (including crocodilians, tortoises), amphibians, mammals (rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, rats), primates, wildlife, farm animals. Exotic-only — no dogs or cats.
Address
3845 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 (Broward County — recently moved)
Phone
(954) 968-7171 (call or text)
Emergency
Refers to Pet Emergency Centers after hours; Dr. Kelleher consults with PEC staff
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–2 PM; Sun closed
Services
Endoscopy (Stortz 2.7mm rigid), ultrasound, digital radiography, surgery, boarding, cold laser, microchipping, dental, nutritional counseling, free vet-to-vet consultations
The most recognized exotic practice in Broward County and one of the most famous in the country thanks to nine seasons of Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER on Nat Geo Wild. Dr. Kelleher's television visibility translates into genuine clinical experience — the show featured real cases from real patients. The practice accepts referrals from primary care, emergency, and specialty vets. Boarding available. Recently relocated from its Powerline Road location. Established ~1998–1999.

Paws and Claws Medical Center — Miami

AAV Member ARAV Member AEMV Member ReptiFiles Verified 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Certification
Dr. de Armas — DVM, GPCert(ExAP) (Graduate Practitioner Certificate in Exotic Animal Practice from International School of Veterinary Studies). AAV + ARAV + AEMV — all three major exotic specialty associations. Not board-certified but triple-association membership signals serious commitment.
Species
Birds (parrots, cockatoos, lories, cockatiels, raptors, waterfowl, racing pigeons, passerines, backyard poultry), reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards, iguanas), small mammals (ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs)
Address
3858 SW 137th Ave, Miami, FL 33175 (Miami-Dade County)
Emergency
Not 24-hour; refers out
Hours
Mon–Wed & Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Thu 8 AM–5 PM; Sat 8 AM–2 PM (non-vet); Sun closed
Services
Wellness exams, endoscopy, serology (Chlamydia, Polyoma, PBFD, Aspergillus), laser therapy, surgery, nutritional counseling, fear-free methods
One of only two Miami practices listed in the nationally respected, community-curated ReptiFiles Reptile Vet Directory — an independent verification that carries significant weight. The triple association membership (ARAV + AEMV + AAV) combined with Dr. de Armas's GPCert(ExAP) credential and fear-free certification suggests a practice genuinely built around exotic care. For reptile owners specifically, the ReptiFiles listing and ARAV membership make this a strong first choice in Miami-Dade.

Welleby Veterinary Hospital — Sunrise

AAV Member AEMV Member ARAV Member 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals 🐒 Primates
Certification
AAV, AEMV, and ARAV logos displayed prominently. Specific vet names not confirmed from research data. Triple-association signage is a strong commitment indicator.
Species
Birds (all species), reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians), exotic mammals (rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, chinchillas), primates, exotic canines/foxes, exotic cats, skunks, kinkajous
Address
10008 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351 (Broward County)
Emergency
Has a dedicated "After-Hours Emergencies" page
Hours
Mon/Wed/Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM; Tue/Thu 7:30 AM–7 PM; Sat 7:30 AM–1 PM; Sun closed
Services
Avian/exotics, wellness, dental, surgery, acupuncture, urgent care, end-of-life care
The species list here is exceptionally broad — crocodilians, primates, exotic canines, kinkajous, and skunks go well beyond what most general practices with "exotic services" will touch. Combined with triple-association membership (AAV + AEMV + ARAV), Welleby appears to be a genuinely committed exotic practice operating within a general hospital framework. The after-hours emergency page is a practical differentiator for Broward residents. Acupuncture available for exotic patients.
📋 EXPERIENCED PRACTICES (TIER 3)

Exoticare Veterinary Services — Miami (House Call)

Exclusively Exotic Mobile/House Call 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Veterinarian
Dr. Barbara Tomaras — DVM (Oporto University, Portugal, 2008). 18-month European/US externship program including 3 months with Dr. Don Harris. Exclusively exotic since moving to Miami. Founded Exoticare ~2012–2014.
Species
Birds, exotic mammals, reptiles — exotic-only
Address
PO Box 560131, Miami, FL 33176 (mobile — no brick-and-mortar)
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM by appointment
Languages
Portuguese and English
In-home exotic care is genuinely valuable for species that stress easily during transport — particularly birds and reptiles. Dr. Tomaras's training under Dr. Don Harris is a meaningful credential. Services include in-home bloodwork, fecals, small surgical procedures, medications, and husbandry assessment. 98% recommendation rate on Facebook (20 reviews); 4 Yelp reviews, positive.

ExoVet Veterinary Services — Tri-County (House Call)

Exclusively Exotic Mobile/House Call 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Service Area
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties
Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM by appointment
Languages
Spanish spoken ("Se habla Español")
Tri-county mobile exotic vet offering in-home blood work, sedation/anesthesia, routine sampling, and husbandry consultation. Hospital visits based on availability. Spanish-language capability is a significant practical advantage in South Florida's heavily bilingual community.

Wildside Avian & Exotic Animal Health Center — Broward (Mobile)

Nat Geo Wild Featured Exclusively Exotic Mobile/House Call CertAqVet 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Veterinarian
Dr. Veronica Pardini — DVM, CertAqVet. Also featured on multiple seasons of Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER. Consulting aquatic veterinarian for High Alert Institute. Established Wildside in late 2022. Also practices at Broward Avian & Exotic.
Species
Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles (tortoises, geckos), exotic pets. Does NOT treat: pigs, small ruminants, venomous reptiles, camelids.
Service Area
Broward County north to St. Lucie County
Services
Mobile vet care, stationary care at partner clinics, telemedicine, consulting for zoos/sanctuaries/private collections
Dr. Pardini's dual role at Broward Avian & Exotic and her own Wildside practice means she works across both brick-and-mortar and mobile settings. The Certified Aquatic Veterinarian credential is unusual and relevant for South Florida's aquatic exotic pet owners. Telemedicine available.

West Kendall Animal Hospital

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals 🐸 Amphibians 🐟 Fish
Species
Birds (parrots, cockatiels, finches), reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards), small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets), amphibians (frogs, newts, salamanders), fish, invertebrates (tarantulas, hermit crabs)
Address
14732 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33196
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–1 PM; Sun closed
Notably comprehensive species list for a general practice — fish, invertebrates, and amphibians go beyond what most exotic-capable general practices offer. Provides wellness, diagnostics (blood work, X-rays, fecals), nutrition counseling, surgery (tumor removal, fracture repair), dental, and boarding.

Bravo Animal Clinic — Cutler Bay

🦜 Birds 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals
Veterinarians
Dr. Bravo (owner), Dr. Arellano
Species
Small animals, avian, and exotic animals; rabbits and birds specifically mentioned in reviews
Address
10901 Quail Roost Dr, Cutler Bay, FL 33157
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM (Wed closes 5 PM); Sat 8:30 AM–5 PM; Sun closed
Established
1991 (~35 years)
Established 35-year practice in the south Miami-Dade area. ~59 Yelp reviews. Likely bilingual (English/Spanish) given the Cutler Bay community. A practical option for southern Miami-Dade residents who don't want to drive to central Miami for basic exotic care.

Adams Veterinary Clinic — Miami

🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals Small Mammals Only
Species
Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, small mammals only — no reptiles or avian confirmed
Address
Central Miami area
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–12 PM / 2 PM–5 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; Sun closed
Walk-in clinic with limited exotic scope — small mammals only (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs). Refers emergencies to VEG Miami. A convenient option for rabbit or small mammal owners in central Miami who need basic care without an appointment.

Country Club Animal Hospital — Miami

AAHA Accredited 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals ★ ~87 Yelp reviews
Veterinarians
Dr. Bogdansky — DVM (UF '90), personally keeps birds, turtles, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs. Dr. Luis Augsten — DVM (Ross '03), practice owner since 2016, fluent in English and Spanish.
Species
Dogs, cats, plus birds, turtles, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs
Address
4115 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33155 (second location: 8717 SW 134th St)
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM; Sat 7 AM–6 PM; Sun 9 AM–4 PM
Established
1990 — AAHA accredited
AAHA accreditation signals higher-than-average quality standards. Dr. Bogdansky personally keeping exotic pets is a modest trust signal. Primarily a dog/cat practice — exotic capability appears limited to basic care. Sunday hours (9 AM–4 PM) are a practical advantage. Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Animal Medical Center & Bird Clinic of Hollywood

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals 🐒 Monkeys
Veterinarian
Dr. Robert Schachner — DVM, owner/president, FL License VM5880, BBB accredited
Species
Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles (box turtles), rodents (rats, hamsters), rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, monkeys
Address
521 N Federal Hwy, Hollywood, FL 33020
Hours
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Wed 8 AM–12 PM; Sat 8 AM–1 PM; Sun closed
Services
Laser therapy, dental, surgical, boarding, grooming, daycare, house calls
Established
2000 (25+ years)
The "Bird Clinic" in the name indicates avian care is a deliberate focus, not an afterthought. Primate capability (monkeys) is rare and notable. 27+ Yelp reviews with strong positive sentiment. Boarding, grooming, daycare, and house calls available — a full-service option for Hollywood / south Broward residents. Established 25+ years.

Fort Lauderdale Veterinary Center

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐹 Ferrets
Species
Birds, reptiles, amphibians, ferrets (plus dogs and cats)
Address
802 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM; Sat–Sun closed
After-hours
Advertises 24-hour on-call service
One of the few Broward practices advertising 24-hour on-call service — call to verify what this means in practice for exotic patients. Exotic-specific services include fecal testing, GI parasite diagnosis, and ferret adrenal disease treatment. Centrally located in Fort Lauderdale.

Cooper City Animal Clinic

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals ★ 4.5 Google
Veterinarian
Dr. Raul Mendez — family-owned and operated
Species
Dogs, cats, and exotic animals ("all shapes, sizes, scales, fur, and feathers"); also farm/house calls
Address
Cooper City, FL (Broward County)
Exotic services appear to be a newer offering. Farm and house calls available. 4.5 Google stars. Depth of exotic specialization may be limited — verify by phone for specific species.

Pembroke Pines Animal Hospital

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals Limited Exotics
Veterinarian
Dr. Brian Garrick — 18+ years
Species
Dogs, cats, and other pets including "scaly, furry or feathered family members"
Address
Pembroke Pines, FL (Broward County)
Hours
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 8 AM–5 PM; Thu 8 AM–7 PM; Sat 8 AM–1 PM; Sun closed
Marketing language ("scaly, furry or feathered") suggests exotic capability but specific species and depth of experience are unconfirmed. Call ahead for specific exotic species. A Pembroke Pines option for basic exotic care without driving to Deerfield Beach or Sunrise.

Sandalfoot Animal Clinic & Bird Hospital — Boca Raton

USDA Accredited 🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐹 Small Mammals
Veterinarians
Dr. Watnick — Ohio State (BS Animal Science, MS Bacteriology/Public Health, DVM '81), Veterinarian of the Year awards, founded clinic 1985. Dr. Landau — 33+ years at the clinic.
Species
Dogs, cats, birds (parrots), reptiles (lizards), small mammals (rabbits, ferrets)
Address
23106 Sandalfoot Plaza Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33428
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM; Sat 8 AM–12 PM; Sun closed
USDA
USDA-accredited veterinarians
Established
1985 (40+ years, 7,000+ clients served)
The "Bird Hospital" designation and 40+ years of continuous operation signal genuine avian commitment. USDA accreditation is useful for travel certificates. 19 Yelp reviews, 3.5 stars. A solid south Palm Beach County option, particularly for bird owners in the Boca Raton area.

ABCDE Animal Clinic — North Palm Beach

🦜 Birds 🐹 Small Mammals 62 Nextdoor Faves
Veterinarians
Dr. Pam Hendrickson (20+ year client relationships); Dr. Bravo
Species
Dogs, cats, birds (parakeets), exotic animals
Address
613 Northlake Blvd, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Hours
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8 AM–5 PM; Wed & Sat 8 AM–1 PM; Sun closed
Established
1992 (33+ years)
The name stands for "All Birds, Cats, Dogs & Exotics" — avian care is literally in the practice name. 62 Nextdoor "Neighborhood Favorite" votes. 33+ years in north Palm Beach. The long-term client relationships suggest community trust. Exotic depth should be verified by phone for specific species.

Harmony Animal Hospital — Jupiter

Fear Free Certified 🦎 Reptiles 🐸 Amphibians 🐹 Small Mammals
Exotic Veterinarian
Dr. Jillian Sweet — specializes in reptiles and pocket pets
Species
Dogs, cats, reptiles/amphibians (lizards, snakes, turtles), pocket pets (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents)
Address
1401 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458
Hours
Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM; Sat 8 AM–2 PM; Sun closed
Having a named exotic specialist (Dr. Sweet, reptiles and pocket pets) is a meaningful differentiator among general practices. Fear Free Certified and Cat Friendly Practice designations suggest a patient-comfort-oriented approach that benefits stress-prone exotic species. The northernmost Palm Beach option — practical for Jupiter/Tequesta residents.

Promenade Animal Hospital — Palm Beach Gardens

🦜 Birds 🐹 Small Mammals
Veterinarian
Dr. Tate Posey — DVM (Kansas State '87). Advanced training in avian/exotic medicine and surgery. Also trained in acupuncture (Chi Institute, 2007). 38+ years in practice.
Species
Dogs, cats, avian, exotic species
Address
9850 Alternate A1A #507, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Dr. Posey's stated advanced training in avian/exotic medicine and 38+ years in practice is a meaningful background. Acupuncture availability may benefit exotic patients with chronic conditions. Palm Beach Gardens option for basic to moderate exotic care.
None

Eco Deco Pet Hospital — Miami Beach

🦜 Birds 🦎 Reptiles 🐰 Rabbits 🐹 Small Mammals Verify by Phone
Species
Dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, birds, reptiles, small farm animals, monkeys — select veterinarians only, call for availability
Address
1539 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website
ecodecopethospital.com (undergoing redesign)
USDA
Certified for domestic health certificates
Offers travel certificates, laser therapy, stem cell/PRP therapy. USDA certified for domestic health certificates — useful for Miami Beach's international community.
⚠️ Website transitioning to Shopify platform; may be under new ownership. Exotic services available with select veterinarians only. Confirm exotic services and hours by phone before visiting.

Emergency Exotic Care in South Florida — Quick Reference

No facility in the tri-county area has a board-certified exotic specialist physically on-site 24/7. The table below shows your realistic options for after-hours exotic emergencies, ranked from strongest to most limited.

Facility County Hours Exotic specialist? Phone
Pet Emergency Centers Broward (Fort Lauderdale) Nights/weekends/holidays Dr. Schneider on-call; 40+ yr track record with exotics (954) 772-0420
VEG Miami Miami-Dade 24/7/365 No — remote consult only (786) 539-0339
VEG Fort Lauderdale Broward 24/7/365 No — remote consult only (954) 519-5219
VEG Boynton Beach Palm Beach 24/7/365 No — remote consult only (561) 752-3232
VCA Knowles Central Miami-Dade 24/7/365 Accepts exotics and pocket pets; AAHA/VECCS certified; est. 1923 (305) 649-1234
BluePearl Fort Lauderdale Broward 24/7 Exotic status unclear — call ahead (954) 641-1100
UF Gainesville Alachua (~330 mi) 24/7 Yes — board-certified (DACZM) (352) 392-2235

Pet Emergency Centers deserves special attention. Open for over 40 years, it treats dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, sugar gliders, skunks, alpacas, and goats. It operates on a nights-and-weekends model (weeknights from 5 PM, 24 hours on weekends and holidays) and can reach exotic consultant Dr. Renata Schneider at any time. For weekend and holiday exotic emergencies in Broward, this may be the strongest option despite not being 24/7 on weekdays.

The honest assessment: VEG's three 24/7 locations are the most accessible emergency option across all three counties. Their ER vets are general emergency practitioners who consult remotely with exotic experts — adequate for stabilization, but not for specialist-level interventions. For truly critical exotic emergencies requiring board-certified care, UF Gainesville (~5 hours) remains the only option. Broward Avian & Exotic's Dr. Kelleher consults with Pet Emergency Centers after hours — this informal relationship may be the most valuable after-hours exotic safety net in the region.

Reptile Import Connections at the Nation's Top Port

Miami International Airport handles more live reptile imports than any other US port of entry — making South Florida the ground zero of the American exotic pet supply chain. The USDA APHIS Miami Animal Import Center (MAIC) at 6300 NW 36th Street operates a federally staffed quarantine facility with five quarantine rooms, 35 bird isolettes, two emergency generators, and a structure rated for Category 5 hurricanes. Contact: (305) 526-2926.

USDA-Accredited Health Certificate Services

The following practices explicitly advertise USDA health certificate services — critical for anyone importing, exporting, or traveling with exotic animals:

PracticeLocationSpecialty
Rainforest ClinicLoxahatcheeUSDA compliance + pet bird export
Nova Animal HospitalDavieDomestic + international travel certificates
Sandalfoot Animal ClinicBoca RatonUSDA-accredited veterinarians
Eco Deco Pet HospitalMiami BeachDomestic health certificates

Dr. Don Harris at VCA South Dade and Dr. Susan Clubb at Rainforest Clinic both have deep connections to the international exotic animal trade. Dr. Harris runs an international consulting practice spanning South America, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Clubb's work as AAV representative to the WWF Cooperative Working Group on Bird Trade directly influenced the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992.

Reptile Shows and Expos

Repticon events are held at the Miami Fair Expo Center, Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, and in West Palm Beach. Scales Expo runs at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Reptilian Nation Expo visits West Palm Beach annually. Note: recent Florida law prohibits display of pet iguana species and tegus at public shows. Many South Florida breeders also attend the National Reptile Breeders' Expo in Daytona Beach. No South Florida veterinary practice was found to sponsor or present at any expo — a missed opportunity identical to what we documented in Atlanta.

Hurricane Preparedness — A Dangerous Blind Spot

Not a single exotic veterinary practice in the tri-county area was found to have dedicated hurricane preparedness information on its website. This is a striking gap in a region directly threatened by major hurricanes and home to tens of thousands of exotic pets that cannot simply be crated and taken to a standard pet-friendly shelter.

Miami-Dade County explicitly bars exotic pets from its pet-friendly evacuation centers. The county operates two pet-friendly hurricane shelters, but both accept only dogs and cats with current vaccinations. Exotic pet owners have no designated public emergency shelter option. Broward and Palm Beach County shelter policies follow similar patterns.

Practices offering boarding services — critical during evacuations — include:

PracticeLocationBoarding Detail
The Bird & Exotic HospitalGreenacres (Palm Beach)Exotic-only boarding — arguably the most relevant hurricane option
VCA South DadeMiami (Miami-Dade)All species accepted
Broward Avian & ExoticDeerfield Beach (Broward)Boarding available
Animal Medical Center of HollywoodHollywood (Broward)Boarding available

The USDA's Miami Animal Import Center is built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane with two backup generators — reassuring for quarantined birds but irrelevant for private pet owners. Rainforest Clinic is registered as "Hurricane Aviaries, Inc." — the business name itself hints at the region's defining concern.

Prepare before June 1 each year: stockpile 2 weeks of medications, assemble portable emergency habitats, ensure microchipping is current, obtain copies of medical records, and establish a pre-arranged boarding relationship with a facility that has backup generators and lies outside flood zones.

How to Verify Your Exotic Vet

Understanding the Credential Hierarchy

South Florida's exotic vet landscape illustrates a reality common across the country: the most famous and experienced practitioners are not always the most formally credentialed. Dr. Don Harris (former AAV and NAVC president, 40+ years exclusively exotic) and Dr. Susan Kelleher (Nat Geo Wild star, 25+ years exclusively exotic) bring deep, nationally recognized expertise without formal board certification. Meanwhile, the three DABVP Avian diplomates — Drs. Clubb, Flinchum, and Rolfe — hold the formal gold standard but are all concentrated in avian practice. No board certification exists in the region for reptile or exotic mammal specialties.

Verify credentials yourself. Check board certification at: ABVP Find a Diplomate and ACZM Diplomate Roster. For association memberships: AAV Find a Vet, AEMV Find an Exotic Vet, and ARAV Find a Vet. The ReptiFiles Reptile Vet Directory is a valuable independent community verification for reptile-capable practices.

Five Questions Before Your First Visit

(1) "What percentage of your patients are exotic animals?" VCA South Dade and Broward Avian are 100%; most general practices are under 10%. (2) "Do you have species-specific diagnostic equipment?" Horizontal beam radiography is essential for birds and reptiles — most dog/cat clinics lack it. (3) "What happens if my pet needs care outside your hours?" Know the after-hours plan before you need it. (4) "Are you USDA-accredited?" Critical if you travel internationally with exotic pets — relevant for South Florida's international community. (5) "At what point would you refer to UF Gainesville?" Good vets proactively refer for complex cases. The 5-hour drive is a barrier — knowing the threshold helps you plan.

Spam Listings to Avoid

Five confirmed spam or highly suspicious domains were detected during research. All appeared in Google search results for exotic vet queries in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Their SEO-optimized pages specifically target exotic pet keywords. None are real veterinary practices.

Name / Domain Status Detection Signal
southbeachpetdoctors.com ⛔ CONFIRMED SPAM Lorem ipsum placeholder text on live pages. Auto-generated city-specific pages for every Florida city. No verifiable address, no named veterinarians, no real phone numbers.
floridapetsandvets.com ⛔ CONFIRMED SPAM Identical template structure. Wikipedia city descriptions used as filler content. Spelling errors ("adopot"). No real practice.
vetspetclinic.com ⛔ KNOWN SPAM Known spam domain detected across multiple metro areas in this directory series.
premierveterinarycenter.com ⚠️ HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS Auto-generated city pages, no verifiable addresses, boilerplate text, claims "over 12 years of experience" with no named staff.
maybankanimalhospital.com ⚠️ HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS Lorem ipsum on live pages, same SEO-farm template pattern, auto-generated city pages for Fort Lauderdale, no verifiable clinic.

Spanish-language searches appear less exposed. Pet owners searching in Spanish ("veterinario mascotas exoticas Miami") encounter fewer of these spam networks, which primarily publish in English. If you're bilingual, try Spanish-language searches first.

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/Miami, South Florida 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 South Florida?
Three — and all three are DABVP Avian (bird) diplomates. Dr. Susan Clubb at Rainforest Clinic in Loxahatchee is a former AAV president with 45+ years experience — among the most credentialed avian vets in American history. Dr. Gwen Flinchum at Nova Animal Hospital in Davie is the only board-certified avian specialist in Broward County but sees exotic appointments only two days per week. Dr. Rolfe at The Bird & Exotic Hospital in Greenacres rounds out the trio. There are zero board-certified reptile or exotic mammal specialists anywhere in the tri-county area — despite Miami being the nation's top reptile import port. The nearest DACZM specialists are at UF Gainesville, approximately 5 hours north.
Where can I find an emergency exotic vet in South Florida at night?
Three VEG locations operate 24/7 across the tri-county area: VEG Miami (786-539-0339), VEG Fort Lauderdale (954-519-5219), and VEG Boynton Beach (561-752-3232). All explicitly accept exotic pets. However, no facility has a board-certified exotic specialist on-site 24/7 — VEG uses general ER vets with remote exotic consultation. For Broward County weekend and holiday emergencies, Pet Emergency Centers (954-772-0420) may be the strongest option: 40+ years treating exotics, with exotic consultant Dr. Schneider on call. VCA Knowles Central in Miami (305-649-1234) is 24/7 and accepts exotic patients. For critical emergencies requiring board-certified specialist intervention, UF Gainesville (~5 hours) is the only option.
Where is the best reptile vet in South Florida?
South Florida has zero board-certified reptile specialists — a startling gap given that Miami International Airport handles more live reptile imports than any other US port. Your best verified options: Paws and Claws Medical Center (Miami) holds triple association membership (ARAV + AEMV + AAV), is independently verified by the ReptiFiles Reptile Vet Directory, and Dr. de Armas holds a GPCert(ExAP). VCA South Dade (Dr. Don Harris) treats a comprehensive reptile list including iguanas, snakes, tortoises, and even sloths. The Bird & Exotic Hospital (Greenacres) is exotic-only and treats all non-venomous reptiles. Welleby Veterinary Hospital (Sunrise) lists crocodilians — rare for any practice. For board-certified reptile expertise, UF Gainesville with Dr. Jim Wellehan (DACZM, DACVM) is the definitive option — the 5-hour drive is the price of specialist-level care.
What should exotic pet owners do to prepare for hurricane season?
Miami-Dade County explicitly bars exotic pets from its pet-friendly evacuation centers. Only dogs and cats with current vaccinations are allowed. Broward and Palm Beach County shelters follow similar patterns. No exotic vet practice in the region publishes hurricane preparedness guidance on their website — a striking and dangerous gap. Prepare before June 1: stockpile 2 weeks of medications, assemble portable emergency habitats (battery-powered heat lamps for reptiles, collapsible travel cages for birds), ensure microchipping is current, obtain copies of medical records, and establish a pre-arranged boarding relationship. Practices offering exotic boarding: The Bird & Exotic Hospital (Greenacres), VCA South Dade (Miami), Broward Avian & Exotic (Deerfield Beach), and Animal Medical Center of Hollywood. Prioritize facilities outside flood zones with backup generators.
What is the best exotic-only vet clinic in South Florida?
Two practices compete for this title, depending on what you prioritize. VCA South Dade Animal Hospital / Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center in Miami is the largest exotic-only practice in the region: 7 doctors, a newly renovated 7,500-sq-ft facility, led by Dr. Don Harris (former AAV and NAVC president, 40+ years exclusively exotic). For celebrity recognition and Broward County location, Broward Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Deerfield Beach (Dr. Susan Kelleher, 9 seasons on Nat Geo Wild) is unmatched in visibility and also exclusively exotic. For board-certified specialist care, Rainforest Clinic (Dr. Clubb, DABVP Avian) and The Bird & Exotic Hospital (Dr. Rolfe, DABVP Avian) in Palm Beach County hold the formal credential edge. All four are excellent choices — pick based on your county, species, and the board certification distinction.
Are there fake exotic vet listings in South Florida?
Yes. At least five spam or highly suspicious domains target South Florida exotic pet searches: southbeachpetdoctors.com and floridapetsandvets.com are confirmed spam — Lorem ipsum text, auto-generated city pages, no real addresses or vet names. vetspetclinic.com is a known spam domain that appears across multiple metro areas. premierveterinarycenter.com and maybankanimalhospital.com are highly suspicious with identical template patterns. Red flags: no named veterinarian, no physical address, pages for dozens of cities with identical boilerplate, stock photos only. All appeared in Google results for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach exotic vet searches. Spanish-language searches appear less exposed to these networks.
My bird is sick — where should I take it in South Florida?
South Florida is actually the best place in this directory series to have a sick bird — all three board-certified specialists are avian diplomates. Top picks: Rainforest Clinic (Dr. Susan Clubb, DABVP Avian, Loxahatchee) — former AAV president, 45+ years experience, arguably one of the most credentialed avian vets in the country. After-hours emergencies via her cell phone. The Bird & Exotic Hospital (Dr. Rolfe, DABVP Avian, Greenacres) — exotic-only, open 7 days including Sunday emergencies. Broward Avian & Exotic (Dr. Kelleher, Deerfield Beach) — exotic-only, Nat Geo-famous, free vet-to-vet consultations. Nova Animal Hospital (Dr. Flinchum, DABVP Avian, Davie) — board-certified but only 2 days/week; call to confirm. VCA South Dade (Dr. Harris, Miami) — former AAV president. Birds hide illness instinctively — visible symptoms usually indicate a crisis. Act immediately and call ahead.