How to Choose a Bird Vet

Taking a bird to a vet is far different than taking a dog or cat to a vet. Birds require specialized care by an educated, experienced bird vet. Finding an experienced avian vet can be a challenge, but you must take the time to find a quality vet before your bird actually needs one. Read on to learn how to choose a bird vet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify potential bird vets by looking in your local phone book, by asking other bird owners for referrals and by consulting the Association of Avian Veterinarians recommended vet list.

2. Once you have identified bird vets in your area, contact your top choice to set up an appointment. During the appointment, he can meet your bird and you can ask him plenty of questions to determine if he’s the right vet for you and your bird.

3. When you arrive for your scheduled appointment, look around the waiting room to see if there are other birds and if there is information about birds available. An avian vet’s office should have signs that the vet takes care of birds.

4. Check out the actual exam room: Is it properly equipped for birds? Is there a perch, a scale and other items necessary for the proper care of your bird?

5. Observe how the vet actually handles your bird. Some birds, especially smaller birds like parakeets, can become extremely agitated when they are handled by strangers, so make sure your vet is gentle.

6. Make sure you stay in the exam room while the vet is examining your bird. If your vet asks you to leave during the exam, insist that you be allowed to stay.

7. Ask the vet plenty of questions to find out his experience with birds, his education and what percentage of his practice are clients with birds.

8. Make sure you know whether your vet is available after business hours in case of an emergency. If she isn’t available after business hours, ask if she can refer you to an avian vet who does cover emergencies after business hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Find an avian vet now rather than waiting for your bird to get sick. The last thing you want is to take an ill bird to an unqualified vet in an emergency.
• Go with your gut instinct. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular vet, find another vet with whom you are comfortable.
• Don’t be afraid to ask your potential vet a lot of questions. One of the most important questions you can ask is: When did you last take a class or attend a seminar on avian health and care? You want a vet who is up-to-date with avian care.
• A good avian vet is going to recommend that your bird come in for an annual exam, regardless of your bird’s age.

Resources

• Association of Avian Veterinarians

Who Can Help Sponsored

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