Avian and Exotic Animal Care

I've been bringing my bearded dragon(s) here for close to five years now.

My first visit with them included an emergency euthanasia (senior rescue), which was devastating to say the least. The team that saw him showed him the utmost love, care, and peace. I am so thankful that he was able to pass surrounded by folks who genuinely cared for his wellbeing and showed him kindness in his final moments.

My current boy (4 years old) is unfortunately a bit temperamental with his health. He's been seen at least 4 times since I got him for a myriad of problems (parasites, upper respiratory infection, and most recently, pneumonia). I've never been more comfortable bringing him somewhere to be seen. Regardless of the vet, he has always been seen by someone knowledgeable and has received the necessary care. They have always been incredibly kind to him.

At our latest visit, Dr. Boon was absolutely wonderful and incredibly attentive to his needs and what I had to say, and was thorough and complete with explaining her concerns, the results of his scans, symptoms, and possible future treatments.

The staff are all kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about the care they provide and I am so grateful to have somewhere to go where I am confident that his needs will be met (and that they care as deeply about his physical care as I do emotionally). I absolutely intend to continue bringing my boy--- and any other future exotics I have--- to be seen here.

This is, hands down, the best veterinary practice you will ever get the pleasure of bringing your animals to. They are incredibly kind, caring, supportive, and understanding. From the vets to the vet techs, to the front office staff, every single person who works here is phenomenal. They treat you and your animal with the upmost compassion.

Sadly, my ferret, Hiccup, did not make it but the care he received at Avian and Exotic was more than I could have ever hoped for. They cared and loved on him like he was their own and they did everything they could for him. I trust them wholeheartedly and I am incredibly grateful for everything they did for Hiccup and for the love they showed him while he was struggling.

A special thanks to Dr. Sokolik, who treated Hiccup. She truly cared for him and did everything in her power to help him and, in addition to all of that, she comforted and supported me throughout the entire process. Truly the best vet I have ever taken any of my animals to throughout the years.

You can not go wrong with Avian and Exotic and I most definitely will be bringing my other animals here for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Dan has been seeing my 14-year-old Darcie for 18 months, not long after we moved here from CA. I cannot say enough about the care given by him, the staff, the front desk. I totally trust the care that is given. They are upfront with any cost, and are very reasonable. Thank goodness there is such a place here in Raleigh for our special animals.

There’s no better facility for animal care on the continent. Birds and exotic animals are a specialty. Doctors with this specialty are rare and expertise is even harder to find. Every person at this clinic is best in the biz. The front staff are attentive, empathetic, and smart. The support staff ask specific, thoughtful questions and handle my particular rabbit with gentle but decisive physicality that is not in any way overly rough which has been my experience in the past. My rabbit has very specific chronic teeth problems that require regular, high level dentistry and medication for infections. He has been treated by many doctors but I can say confidently that every doctor who I’ve dealt with at this clinic has been the best I’ve ever worked with. I’ve been helped by Dr Locke, Dr Boon, Dr Johnson and Dr Sokolik. Every one of them has offered inspired, personalized intervention for what is often asymmetrical challenges. I would recommend each one highly. Dr Sokolik especially has been tremendous in treating a persistent infection in the face bones of my rabbit. An infection that couldn’t be treated by any other specialist to that point, has been completely cured by her thoughtful medication and expert surgical interventions. Now my rabbit is back to his happy healthy self! I wouldn’t take him to any one else. Could not recommend this clinic more. With a power squad of specialized doctors and techs I never have to wait a month to get seen. The front staff is the most efficient, beautiful, and proactive I’ve dealt with. Don’t make the mistake of going anywhere else.

I’ve been bringing my rabbits to Avian and Exotic for 15 years and the care they provide is always fantastic. The veterinarians always listen and are caring and compassionate. They make sure that you get estimates before any major procedures, so you are aware and can make decisions based on all the information. I’m thrilled with the care that my rabbits get and won’t take my babies anywhere else.

Absolutely fantastic! I drive 90 minutes to get here, and I can't imagine bringing my birds anywhere else. Everyone is always super friendly, and the vets and techs/assistants always take time to explain things. Isadora loves y'all!

They are truly the best, most knowledgeable and caring Doctors I have ever met! North Carolina is so lucky to have them. Dr. Dan saved my rabbits life in March. She’s been through stasis plenty, but this time was different and a true miracle that she came out of it. I am convinced if I brought her to any other vet, she would not be here today. I also rescued 2 guinea pigs in May and one of them came to me with some serious issues! Dr. Tepedino amputated one of his fingers and two weeks later, had to remove a large bladder. My poor baby going through two surgeries in two weeks was really worrying and stressful but he’s a strong boy and he is doing fantastic now. Exotics are so sensitive to anesthesia but they really have the best equipment and handle them with such care that you really do get to worry less than usual! Thank you everyone for all you do!!

My baby tortoise Scoots MaGoots was originally being treated by another vet, and by no fault they didn't have the meds he needed in stock. While waiting for the meds to become available, his health declined pretty rapidly after a week. I had spent 3 hours calling different exotic vets, and unfortunately nobody had available time or staff, until I called AAEAC. I am so grateful that Dr. Boon was able to fit in Scoots to get him on the road to recovery. I understand how hard it is to fit in same day appointments. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. The only downside is I don't live closer! A HUGE thank you from Me and Scoots!!

I have been bringing Olly my Jenday Conure to Dr. Dan and the techs there for 11 years now. Olly is going on 12 years old :) They always have the time to answer your questions. They care for my bird with the upmost care. I love the staff there too. But Dr Dan is my go to. They are available any time, which is great, when you do need that.

Short time in waiting room. Plenty of staff to assist with care. Were very diligent about not stressing out my parrot. Interactive with me and pet. Knowledgeable and provided verbal instructions that were easy to comprehend.

Our budges, Clair and Alfonso, had their second vet appointment today. They love Dr. Locke and her team! Clair had a metal band removed from her leg, Alfonso had a standard physical exam. The birds seemed interested and curious about all three Avian vet professionals. Mom and I are confident that we are providing excellent care for our ‘exotic’ pets 😄

2023 update: As always, an excellent place to bring your pets. I have been bringing my dwarf hamster here for years for both sick and wellness. The technicians that work with him are always very personable and gentle. Dr. Mejia is a wonderful addition to the team and made sure to look over my pet very thoroughly and answer any questions I had. Dr. Dan is clearly incredibly knowledgeable from the moment he begins the exam. The prices are very fair considering the animals seen are exotics. Highly recommended.

Im a new reptile owner and am so thankful for Avian and Exotic Animal Care! They answer all my questions, keep things basic and simple and provide great care for our Wiggy!

Took my pet in who had a little wound on his toe and they were so wonderful! They handled him so gently and cared for him quickly. He seemed so relaxed and calm during his visit, I would not take my pets anywhere else! Loved my experience and loved the staff ❤

My gecko milo was truly the best little companion i could ask for. So when Avian told us that he was born with a big heart, i was crushed. He passed away recently, but i hope that the medicine avian prescribed helped him feel happy and comfortable in his last couple weeks.

I am very thankful for you all for all of the helpful insight you provided me about him throughout his life. You guys are the best.

I can’t express my gratitude enough for what Dr. Locke has done for my sweet baby Tatsu (bearded dragon….. who thinks she’s human). Unfortunately she had underlying congenital heart disease which is not common in beardies but she’s a Petsmart beardie so no known history. Tatsu would have been 5 next month but unfortunately even with care Dr. Locke has given her and all of our love it wasn’t enough. Today was that difficult choice that had to be made about ending her suffering and Dr.Locke and the team made the transition as smooth and caring as they could. I can’t thank Avian and Exotics for the care we’ve had for the last 5 years. I hope Dr.Locke is able to use Tatsu’s case to save dragons in the future. Fly high sweet baby.

Avian and Exotic Animal care staff and technicians are fabulous! They took the time to help me learn how to towel hold my parrot in order to clip his nails. Even with their instructions, I still plan to drive almost an hour to ensure my caique gets the excellent care they provide!

Dr. Locke is an unbelievable veterinarian. The time she takes to gain my birds trust each annual visit shows how much she truly cares about the animals she works with. An extremely compassionate, caring person. Highly recommend.

Blonco , a white rabbit, is our granddaughter’s pet and friend. Without him, I’m not sure how she will be able to accept a loss. Blonco is approximately 8 years old and now beginning to show more signs of aging and other health issues.
Since Blonco recently received medical treatment at Avian and Exotic Animal Care, he has begun to shown signs of being more energetic, has a better appetite for his food and is more playful. Our granddaughter is happier, he reacts as if he is happy to see her and so is the family. We are thankful to the doctors and staff at Avian and Exotic Animals, 8711 Fidelity Blvd., Raleigh, NC.

All of the staff here are extremely kind and helpful. Everything was explained very thoroughly & I was given time to think about my options. They immediately told me to come back when my frog wasn't doing well. Dr. Boon is a wonderful DVM for any herps.