Get Your Avian Vaccinations & Exams Here

It’s simple to find a veterinarian for owners to take their dogs or cats to. But what about those people and families that own birds? If you live in the Gulf South Region, come to the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana. We are the only Veterinary Hospital in Louisiana that provides care exclusively to avian and exotic pets. In addition to treating a variety of avian species, we also see other species as well, such as rabbits, ferrets, various reptiles and small mammals. We have a skilled team of veterinarians and staff on hand to care for the needs of all of these special creatures. Whether it’s avian vaccinations and physical exams or surgery, your winged friend is in the best of care at Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana.

African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) standing on the branch.

Our Veterinary Services

In addition to avian vaccinations and yearly wellness exams, Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana provides many services, including:

  • Diagnostic imaging with tools such as video endoscopy, ultrasound, and x-rays
  • An in-house laboratory for blood tests
  • Oxygen and nebulization, therapies
  • Microchipping with the newest avian designed smaller chip
  • Various surgical procedures, including fracture repair, avian hysterectomy and others
  • Surgical and blood DNA sexing
  • ICU nursing care with heated cages, oxygen cages, and special lighting for pets that are critically ill
Budgerigar is wet after swimming

Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana also has grooming services available, so your winged friends can be pampered. For birds, we provide services such as wing trimming, nail trimming and filing, and spray baths. Our other exotic pets are groomed with services such as nail trimming and filing, bathing, hair mat removal, brushing and combing.

If you’re going on a trip, board your bird or exotic pet with us. We have seven large cages available for our macaws, cockatoos, and other large birds to stay in. For our medium-sized birds, we have several 3 x 3 x 4 cages, and we have many table-top cages for our smaller birds. Reptiles are boarded in a separate room that’s between 80-85 degrees and equipped with UV lighting. Rabbits and guinea pigs are boarded in cages of all shapes and sizes.

When your pet boards with us, they will have fresh food to eat and clean places to sleep. Before boarding, make sure your birds and ferrets are vaccinated and that all animals have had a recent exam.

June B.

Dr. Rich is winner of the Oxbow Exotic Mammal Health Award, lecturer at many Exotic veterinary conferences, and deeply involved in local area projects. Twenty years have passed and in that time I cannot begin to count the number of rabbits treated there, all with the best of care. My job as a rescuer of rabbits has been made easier with the support of Dr. Rich, Dr. Pence and the Staff.

Rick R.

I have been dealing with the West Esplanade Vet Clinic, Dr Rich and Dr Pence, since 2006. They are the premier exotics only vet in the Gulf South and one of a small handful that are experienced with chinchillas.. Every chinchilla surrendered to us is taken there for a comprehensive wellness check-up. Many have been treated for a variety of conditions, both minor and serious. After having more than 100 chinchillas seen there, I could not be more pleased with the competency, courtesy and caring exhibited by everyone there. Many of our animals are enjoying happier and healthier lives because of Dr Rich and Dr Pence.

Tom and Tracey L.

We have been breeders of exotic parrots since 1998. Dr Rich and staff are our first and only stop to make sure the breeders we buy are healthy. The professionalism of Dr Rich and his staff far exceed our expectations. Regardless the outcome of the exam we know we can trust the results and advice given by Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana. The clinic is always clean and the staff friendly. We highly recommend all clients set up an appointment to meet Dr Rich and/or Dr Pence. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Well visits are very important to maintain healthy happy animals. We are very fortunate to have such well respected, professional and caring exotic veterinarians in our area.

Ashley G., DVM

Dr Rich is the avian expert! The clinic is state of the art, the boarding facility has large, clean cages and the team is very caring. It's with great confidence that I refer my avian patients to West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic.

Karen and Steve M.

My family and I have been associated with West Esplanade Animal Clinic for 14 years now. Dr. Rich has received countless awards for his many accomplishments. He is forward-thinking; always in touch with the latest technology and procedures. His leading edge approach has kept my exotic pets healthy and happy!

Maurice G. and Brenda B.

In June 2013 we opened Bon Temps Ferret Rescue and shortly after contacted Dr. Rich at West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic. Living almost three hours away, we had questions before making the trip with some of our little ones rescued from various situations. Dr. Rich, Dr. Pence and their staff have taken time to return our calls regardless of what day of the week. We have brought in ferrets with varying degrees of medical needs and have always been served in the most professional and caring manner, not only for the ferrets but for us as well in some critical times."