72°
BEDFORD, N.YYou wont find any cats or dogs in this veterinary hospital waiting room. Its more likely youll run into a hedgehog.
Its not that the staff at the Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics doesnt love cats and dogs, they just specialize in untraditional pets.
We own dogs and cats ourselves, we just dont treat them, Melissa Ortiz, a licensed veterinary technician at the hospital said.
Because caring for exotic pets requires a lot of specialized knowledge, the staff devotes all its time and energy learning more about the treatment of these unique animals.
You really have to do a lot of research on your own, Ortiz said. In vet school they only teach you about cats and dogs.
Some unlikely pets have found their way into the Veterinary Center such as chinchillas, ferrets and sugar gliders, which are small gliding possums.
Dr. Laurie Hess, the owner and veterinarian at the center, has dedicated most of her career to more exotic animals. She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University and went to Tufts University for her veterinary medical degree. Hess completed a year-long internship and two-year residency in avian and exotic pet medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Theres a big need to learn how to take care of these pets, Hess said.
A main goal of the center is to provide education to owners. Informational pamphlets and DVDs can be found throughout the custom designed office.
Owners need to come in preventively, not just when their pet is sick, Hess instructed. We can teach that.
Hess and her staff have also taken to their Facebook page to post helpful tips and educational material about exotic pets.
Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics is located at 709 Bedford Rd. in Bedford.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bedford and receive free news updates.
