Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz

This was my first time coming to this veterinary clinic, but it will not be the last. Trying to find a vet who will treat chickens is incredibly difficult. The two more local clinics that I have brought birds to previously each only have one vet who will treat birds and they we both booked for weeks. The emergency clinic that can see birds doesn't have the ability to a blood panel on birds. They referred me here, and I am so grateful that they did.

My poor Poppy was clearly suffering and I didn't think we could wait three weeks for the appointment I was able to schedule at my usual vet. Exotic Pet Clinic was able to see me the same day that I called. The office was so relaxing and peaceful, no dogs or cats barking or yowling, and the staff was was very pleasant and patient with my scruffy appearance and brain-addled sleep-deprived state.

And they were so, so sweet with my chicken, Poppy. She was in terrible pain and they were as gentle with her as possible and gave her a blackberry and mealworms as a treat. Her symptoms were puzzling but the x-ray and other tests told the story: cancer. It was everywhere, with nothing to be done for her but make her comfortable. But in the time that I had been waiting to get in with my other vet, Poppy had already gotten so much worse, and so quickly, that my husband and I agreed that dragging this out would be cruel.

Dr. Deng answered all my questions and gave me plenty of time to call my husband and discuss it. She answered all of my questions and explained everything gently, but so I had a clear understanding. My husband had concerns about the euthanasia process being painful or frightening for Poppy, and we were both reassured by Dr. Deng's description of what would take place. They gave Poppy a big dose of painkiller and sedative. When she was very relaxed and sleepy, they gave the final injection and I was able to be there with her talking to her and holding and stroking her head as she drifted away. After she was gone, they laid her in a lovely little cardboard casket decorated with flowers for me to take her home.

Over the decades, I have taken this journey many many times with other pets, mostly dogs. It is never easy. But I have never had my pet treated more gently during the process or more gracefully afterwards. The box and flowers were really such a lovely thing. So respectful of the grief I was feeling and of the fact that Poppy was not "just a chicken" as pets, especially "livestock" pets, are often so disdainfully christened. My husband had had to work and could not be there, and Poppy was his special little girl. He didn't get a last chance to say goodbye. It seems like such a simple thing, but that box meant a lot. Being able to bring her home that way, in a way that acknowledged that we had just suffered the loss of a beloved family member, was not something I have experienced before and it really meant so much.

Everyone was so attentive and loving to our pet-- I really appreciate how supportive and knowledgeable the staff is. It made a difficult time as easy as possible! It is clear the team knows and appreciates guinea pigs (sometimes we can feel a little second class to dogs and cats!). Everyone was wonderfully patient and helped me understand what to expect and options for care for our little piggie.

Dr. Stern is the best vet I have ever seen. Prior to her, I went to 4 different vets in the area all misdiagnosing my rabbit. It was not until I came here that my rabbit was able to get the care he deserved. Dr. Stern is deeply knowledgeable about the rabbits she cares for along with being incredibly kind. Prior to coming to see her, I had no clue what was going on with my pets' health. I no longer feel that way and that has brought me a lot of peace. Pets never like going to the vet, but with the exceptional care they receive here from the whole staff, I find that they tend to be a lot less stressed when they come to the vet now. I recommend Dr. Stern to every rabbit parent I know.

Dr. Stern and the staff are all so helpful and clearly care about their jobs. Thank you for being an advocate for the critters that don't have a voice! Appreciate you all. The emergency appointments are so helpful for those critters who don't need regular checkups but need last second evaluations.

Would give 10 stars if I could! By far the best vet I've ever gone to. I'd take my dogs and cat here too if it was possible. Always caring, answers my ridiculous amount of questions, quick to see me, clean rooms, and insanely sweet staff. If I had more friends or family that had exotic pets, I would TIRE them with how much I would recommend this clinic! My little Icecream is a fan too 🥰 and so was my baby coffee when he was still with us 🪽

Very thankful to have found Exotic Pet Clinic for our rabbits! We first reached out when we found a lump on one of our rabbit's back and another vet closer to us diagnosed it as suspicious and possibly a tumor. We called Exotic Pet Clinic because we wanted to talk to a vet that specializes in rabbits and could perform surgery if needed, and Exotic Pet Clinic was super accommodating. The receptionist took down notes, requested records from our local vet, and their vet reached out to us within a few hours to let us know next steps. We were able to make an appointment quickly after to get a diagnostic with Dr. Deng, who was super nice and patient with our questions. We scheduled a surgery to remove the lump with Dr. Stern for the week after.

The day of the surgery, Dr. Stern kept us updated via text, and the clinic staff checked in on us the following days via text. We really appreciated how caring, helpful, and responsive everyone at the clinic was, from the vets to the staff!

When we started considering surgery for our guinea pig, we knew we could only go to one place, Exotic Pet Clinic, even though we have closer vets. Dr. Stern discovered that our pig had a large abdominal tumor and helped me make the difficult decision to operate. We were updated on Misty’s condition regularly (including my extra phone calls!). Misty ended up being at the clinic for several days but I knew she was having the best care possible. The staff were all amazingly compassionate and caring. I hope my guinea pigs don’t need surgery again but if they did, I wouldn’t take them anywhere else.

I have interacted with EPC a few times since September after becoming a foster and adoptive parent with Rabbit Haven. The veterinarians and techs are all friendly and super helpful. Being new to the world of rabbits they are quick to give demos on how to administer medication and other helpful tips. I was also impressed that they label the correct dosage amounts on syringes (the doctors office doesn't even do that for your children!) I appreciate how helpful and attentive they are with no judgment, sometimes when you're new to a animal species it's a learning curve!

They have been so great with my two rats! I’m new to rats, but they’ve helped me so much. Always kind and understanding. Would definitely recommend to anyone who has an exotic pet. I just wish they were open on the weekends too, as that seems to be when my animals get sick!

I come to exotic pet clinic for my bearded dragon and my rabbit. They are always so friendly and attentive. I have used their boarding services and received photos and updates of how Levi my beardie was doing while I was away. They are professional but personable. Hands down would recommend for exotic veterinary services.

This was my first time at the Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz, and I was very happy with the attention my hen received. Starting with the intake with the vet tech (Olivia, I believe?), and through the physical exam with the vet (Dr. Deng), I felt like they were very thorough and good listeners. I was impressed with the history that Olivia took of my hen, and I was also impressed with the thoroughness of Dr. Deng's physical exam of the chicken--not only for the chief complaint but also just a general exam looking for any other possible health issues. The receptionist was also very nice!

Absolutely amazing customer service., I was really happy with the thoroughness of the exam and the fact that the vet seemed to know more about snakes than most people who treat exotic animals do

Compassionate and friendly. Being able to get a same day appointment for my very sick hen

Very easy to get an appointment. We spent more time with the vet assistant who was very knowledgeable, patient and friendly. The vet visit was short but efficient. She did a great full check up of our 2 guinea pigs. Highly recommended.

Liz Rocco (Forgive me if I don't have the correct spelling or last name!) and Dr. Stern were absolutely fantastic in answering all my questions with patience and showing me how to groom my sassy bunny. I couldn't have chosen a better exotics vet!

Everyone I've ever come into contact with at the clinic has been lovely and taken great care of my chickens. My girls have been to see both Drs Deng and Stern. I highly recommend both. I also appreciate how nice everyone has been to me even when I'm on edge with worry. My concerns and observations on my pets are never dismissed.

Would recommend Exotic Pet Clinic for my avian friends. They took good care of our Amazon. Allowing me to be in the exam room, and for the quick handling of the blood draw.

I took my two rabbits for a neuter im glad i did they are recovering so well, I am really happy with the care this vet give my pets... I trust them with my rabbits I dont mind driving an hour to get to them they are so kind and know what theyre doing. They explain very well how to treat and give medication to my pets and are patient with my questions and give detailed information for us to understand better, also they are really nice.

Fantastic experience.

Called all over sc county trying to find a vet to see my Pea Hen.. a vet in sv referred me to Exotic pet clinic.. I didn't even know they existed! Was thrilled!

Got us in right away and seen my pea hen. She had previously had a sinus infection and was on antibiotics. The antibiotics worked but the bubble in her sinus was still there. It was hard so I didn't think it was pus.

The vet removed the bulge and tested it. Test was negative but the hard bulge was dry pus! Yuck!

Thank you for taking care of Cameo. Shes such a sweet bird. She came all the from Georgia so I was really concerned for her.

Shes doing great and eating & drinking really well.

Thank you 100 times!!

I am SO happy to have found my go-to vet for my ducks! Avian vets are hard enough to find, let alone ones that have experience with ducks. Dr Stern and Dr Deng are the best, they know the differences between duck anatomy and other birds, and take extra care with my Wobbles and Bean.

On top of that, the rest of the staff are friendly, professional, kind, courteous, and always make me feel at ease. It's obvious everyone there adores animals, everyone loves when I bring my Wobbeans in. It's worth driving in from San Jose to get them seen at this clinic, and I'll never go anywhere else cuz my featherpuppies deserve the best 🦆