Exotic Pet Vets in Greater Milwaukee: Your Complete Guide

Finding the right veterinary care for your exotic pet can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with species that have very different needs than traditional cats and dogs. Whether you have a bearded dragon, a parrot, or a guinea pig, this guide will help you navigate the specialized veterinary landscape in the Milwaukee area to find the best care for your unique companion.

Exotic pets—including birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other non-traditional companions—require veterinarians with specific training and experience. These animals often hide signs of illness as a survival instinct, meaning problems can advance quickly before you notice symptoms. Additionally, their unique physiologies, dietary needs, and environmental requirements demand specialized knowledge that goes beyond general veterinary training.

Top Exotic Pet Veterinarians in Greater Milwaukee

Brook-Falls Veterinary Hospital & Exotic Care (Menomonee Falls)

Phone: (262) 781-5277
Email: dvm@brook-falls.com
Hours: Mon-Wed 8AM-7PM, Thu-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-12PM

Brook-Falls stands out as one of the region's premier exotic veterinary facilities, with over 15 years of experience and AAHA accreditation. They treat a wide range of species including ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds (macaws, parrots), and reptiles (bearded dragons).

Unique Services:

• Luxury Pet Resort with specialized boarding for exotic pets

• Bird nutrition guidance and identification services

• Wing clipping and advanced diagnostic imaging

• Climate-controlled boarding with individualized care plans

Notable Veterinarians:

• Dr. Bloss (avian specialist)

• Dr. Root (birds and exotic animals expertise)

• Dr. Wittenburg (hedgehog specialist)

BluePearl Pet Hospital (Glendale)

Phone: (414) 540-6710
Email: info.glendale@bluepearlvet.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 8AM-7PM

BluePearl functions as a specialty and referral hospital, making it ideal for complex cases or second opinions. They have board-certified zoological medicine specialists and treat birds, lizards, snakes, and other exotic pets.

Specializations:

• Advanced diagnostics and complex treatments

• Rehabilitation services

• Board-certified zoological medicine specialists

• Cancer treatment for exotic pets

Key Staff:

• Dr. Anna Martel (Board Certified in Zoological Medicine)

• Dr. Nicole Mueller (zoo and wildlife experience)

Lakeside Animal Hospital (Milwaukee)

Phone: (414) 962-8040
Address: 211 W Bender Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217

Established in 1939, Lakeside is an AAHA-accredited practice with over 80 years of experience. They emphasize preventive care and recommend twice-yearly checkups for birds due to their tendency to hide illness.

Services for Exotic Pets:

• Nutritional counseling

• Specialized grooming (beak trimming, wing clipping, nail care)

• Sexing and fecal parasite testing

• Medical and surgical interventions

Brentwood Animal Hospital (Oak Creek)

Phone: (414) 762-7173
Hours: Mon-Thu 7AM-6PM, Fri 7AM-5PM, Sat 7AM-1PM

This family-owned hospital has served the community since 1967 and offers services for small animals and exotic mammals. Dr. Kirstyn Heino is a member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and holds Level 2 Fear Free Certification—particularly valuable for stress-prone exotic pets.

Brown Deer Animal Hospital LLC (Brown Deer)

Phone: (414) 355-2603
Address: 8754 N. 51st St, Brown Deer, WI 53223
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 7:30AM-6PM (by appointment only)

Led by Dr. Ramard Wright, this privately-owned practice offers comprehensive in-house diagnostics and a wide range of soft tissue surgeries for exotic pets, including complex procedures like jaw amputations and foreign body removal.

Advanced Capabilities:

• Digital radiographs and in-house ultrasound

• Extensive surgical procedures

• In-house blood diagnostics with advanced equipment

• Competitive pricing

New Berlin Veterinary Hospital/Companion Animal Hospital (New Berlin)

This full-service hospital explicitly commits to "excellent care for avian, exotic and small animals." They treat birds, small mammals, and reptiles including Dalmatian Hermann's tortoises and green cheek conures.

Notable: Dr. Jenny Waldoch is recognized for her expertise in exotic care and creating low-stress environments for sensitive species.

Additional Options to Explore

Several other clinics mention exotic services but require direct contact for specific capabilities:

• Bluemound Animal Hospital (Brookfield): (262) 782-5805

• Care Animal Clinic (Brookfield): (262) 781-5993 (holistic approach)

• EverVet (Wauwatosa): (414) 928-4600 (offers rabbit vaccination)

Emergency Care Considerations

Emergency care for exotic pets can be challenging in the Milwaukee area. Key emergency contacts include:

• WVRC Waukesha: (262) 542-3241 (commonly referenced for after-hours emergencies)

• Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Brookfield: 24/7 facility on Blue Mound Road

Important: Always call ahead during emergencies to confirm exotic pet capabilities, as not all emergency clinics have specialized exotic equipment or expertise readily available.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet

Before selecting a veterinarian for your exotic pet, consider asking:

1. What specific experience do you have with my type of animal?

2. What diagnostic equipment do you have on-site vs. what requires referral?

3. Do you offer Fear Free or low-stress handling techniques?

4. What are your emergency protocols and after-hours contacts?

5. Can you provide references from other owners of similar pets?

6. What preventive care schedule do you recommend for my species?

Making Your Decision

The Milwaukee area offers several excellent options for exotic pet care, each with unique strengths. Brook-Falls provides the most comprehensive exotic-specific services, while BluePearl excels in complex cases requiring specialized diagnostics. For routine care with a personal touch, consider the smaller practices like Brown Deer Animal Hospital or Brentwood.

Remember that the best veterinarian for your exotic pet is one who not only has the technical expertise but also demonstrates genuine interest in your specific species and takes time to educate you about proper care. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation visit to meet the staff and tour the facility before your pet needs care.

By choosing a qualified exotic veterinarian and establishing a relationship before problems arise, you'll ensure your unique companion receives the specialized attention they deserve throughout their life.