Exotic Veterinarian in Zion, IL
While our primary patients are cats and dogs, our team has extensive training in the care of exotic animals. If you’re looking for an exotic veterinarian in Zion, IL, you’ll find a welcoming, experienced resource here at Gray Animal Hospital. Dr. Tonya Gray has cared for birds, rabbits, pocket pets, and reptiles for many years, and she understands how sensitive these species can be to stress, subtle changes in their environment, or underlying medical issues.
Many exotic pets hide signs of illness until the condition becomes advanced, which is why early and ongoing wellness care is so important. We encourage you to bring your exotic pet in for a complete exam as soon as you welcome them into your home. Regular checkups help us monitor their health, provide nutritional and habitat guidance, and detect concerns before they escalate.
If you’re ready to schedule your pet’s visit, call or text us at (224) 304-0668 or book an appointment online.
Caring for Birds
Birds thrive with attentive preventive care, and annual wellness visits are essential to keeping them healthy. During these exams, we run parasite screenings and bloodwork using our in-house laboratory to assess overall health and identify early changes. Testing new birds shortly after adoption gives us a baseline we can compare against future visits, helping us track any shifts in their wellbeing with accuracy.
Caring for Reptiles
Reptiles such as snakes, geckos, iguanas, and bearded dragons need very specific living conditions to stay healthy. During your visit, we discuss habitat setup, temperature and humidity control, dietary needs, and the role of UVB lighting. These factors influence everything from bone development to appetite and behavior.
Some reptiles may also require spaying or other specialized care, depending on their species and medical history. If you have questions about your reptile’s setup or long-term health, we’re here to help guide you.
Caring for Rabbits & Other Small Mammals
Rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other pocket pets require thoughtful, species-specific care. We recommend spaying or neutering rabbits to support their health and reduce certain medical and behavioral risks. For example, female rabbits have a significantly higher chance of developing uterine cancer if they aren’t spayed.
We also encourage annual exams for all small mammals. These visits give us a chance to evaluate their diet, habitat, and overall condition. Many of these animals are sensitive to improper nutrition or environmental stress because they are naturally prey species. A calm exam environment and gentle handling help us assess them with as little stress as possible.
Dedicated Care for Every Exotic Pet
We believe every pet deserves attentive, knowledgeable care, no matter how many legs they have. Whether you share your home with a bird, rabbit, pocket pet, or reptile, our team is committed to supporting their well-being with personalized guidance and gentle handling.
If you’d like to schedule a visit or speak with our team, call or text (224) 304-0668 or book an appointment online.
