Birds, reptiles and small mammals seen in house, about five to ten minutes from central Wilton Manors.
A cockatiel by a sunny window, a bearded dragon in a spare room, a rabbit in a condo living area: exotic pets fit neatly into Wilton Manors homes, and they need a vet who knows them. Many general practices refer these patients elsewhere, which can leave owners driving across Broward County for a basic exam. Oakland Park Animal Hospital treats birds, reptiles and small mammals in house, about five to ten minutes north of Wilton Drive.
We are an independently owned, doctor-led practice that has served Broward County since 1987, and exotic pet care is part of everyday practice here. Dr. Spencer Ratnoff, our Owner and Medical Director, is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Broward County Veterinary Association, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. You can read more about our exotic pet care services, or keep reading for what to expect as a Wilton Manors pet owner.
Cockatiels and other companion parrots, seen for routine and sick-pet care.
Bearded dragons and similar species, with attention to lighting and habitat setup.
Routine checkups and nutritional counseling for small mammals.
Habitat, diet and behavior-based wellness evaluations across every species above.
Urgent problems seen during our open hours. Walk-ins are accepted, and calling ahead with the species helps us prepare.
Exotic animals need different handling, dosing and equipment than dogs and cats, and that is why so many general practices refer them elsewhere. We keep that care in the same hospital. Whatever the species, a first visit gives us a baseline to compare against if your pet becomes sick later.
If you are not sure whether your pet is a species we treat, call and ask. We would rather hear from you early than have you wait while a problem develops.
A little preparation makes the first exam far more useful for a species that cannot tell us what is wrong.
Birds, reptiles and small mammals instinctively hide weakness, so a change in appetite, droppings, posture or energy is often the first and only sign. Because you see your pet every day, small shifts are easy to overlook. These signs may mean it is time to call, according to veterinary school guidance from UC Davis.
Regular wellness visits give us a baseline and help us catch changes earlier. Exotic pets can be seen for urgent problems during our open hours, so call as soon as you notice trouble breathing, a bird fluffed on the cage floor, a rabbit that stops eating, or a reptile that becomes unusually lethargic.
Our clinic is not staffed overnight. After hours, our emergency phone line is for true emergencies only and is handled by phone, so hands-on overnight care has to happen at a 24-hour or night emergency hospital. Pet Emergency Center in Fort Lauderdale states that it treats avian and exotic species, so it is worth saving their number now. Always call ahead and tell them the species.
Our Wilton Manors emergency care page lists the nearby after-hours options and explains how our daytime urgent care works.
Wilton Manors packs a lot of housing into about two square miles, with condos, townhomes and apartments along and around Wilton Drive. In a smaller home, the enclosure is your exotic pet’s entire world, so getting it right matters.
When we review a habitat we look at lighting, temperature, humidity where it applies, diet and the size and layout of the enclosure. South Florida summers can also push indoor temperatures around, so ask us how to keep a reptile habitat steady if your air conditioning or building power is ever interrupted. We are happy to talk through your setup by phone before your visit.
Many Wilton Manors leases and condo associations ask for proof of vaccination or health records for pets. We keep digital records that can typically be emailed the same day, and our team is familiar with the paperwork Broward County property managers tend to request. If your building has a form, bring it or forward it.
From central Wilton Manors, head north on Andrews Avenue or Dixie Highway. The drive is usually five to ten minutes. Saturday hours run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead so our team knows what species you are bringing and can prepare.
Oakland Park Animal Hospital has cared for pets from Wilton Manors since 1987, and we keep exotic care in the same hospital so you never have to hunt for the one vet in town who understands your pet.
If you live in Wilton Manors and are ready to schedule a visit, or you simply have a few questions about caring for your bird, reptile or small mammal, call (954) 731-4228 or request an appointment. We would be glad to welcome your exotic pet into the Oakland Park Animal Hospital family.
Schedule a visit with our compassionate team and let’s partner in your pet’s lifelong well-being.
By submitting your phone number, you understand we may send text messages to this number containing relevant information.
