Avian and Exotic Vet - Veterinary Clinic

SASH North Ryde caters to all kinds of animal companions, including pocket-sized furry friends and pets with feathers, shells and scales.

Please note, only SASH North Ryde has an Avian & Exotics department.

SASH Avian & Exotics highlights:

Expert vets in treating pets that are not cats and dogs, including the only clinical specialists in NSW with qualifications specifically in avian species
Providing specialist and advanced services, ultilising specialist skills from other departments (e.g. Ophthalmology, Surgery, Dermatology, and more)
Located in a completely separate wing, with dedicated waiting area of the SASH hospital to separate your pet from cats and dogs

SASH North Ryde offers a unique service for birds, rabbits and other unusual exotic pets. Our dedicated avian and exotics veterinary team offer a fully integrated multidisciplinary service with direct access to Australia’s broadest range of on-site specialists including those in diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia, pathology and more. Furthermore, with assistance from the 24/7 Emergency and Hospital Care teams, SASH Avian & Exotics is one of the only places to offer hospitalised bird and exotics patients around-the-clock care, 365 days a year.

Avian and exotics veterinary medicine is complex and diverse. To achieve optimal outcomes, the Avian & Exotics team also works closely with Surgery, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Oncology, and more.

Not only does this collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach result in the best possible patient care, it also fosters a high level of hospital-wide skill in handling avian and exotic species, which is crucial for reducing patient stress. It is very important to us that families feel comfortable and confident in bringing their pets to SASH, knowing that we understand and provide for every aspect of their needs.

About the Avian & Exotics team

The Avian & Exotics team at SASH includes veterinarians with extensive knowledge and expertise in the medical and surgical care of avian and exotic pet species. Two of our our veterinarians, Dr Melinda Cowan and Dr Akshata Taggers are currently the only clinical veterinarian in NSW who hold a specialist qualification specifically in avian species.

Dedicated avian and exotics nurses are essential members of our team, providing assistance during consultations, as well as skilled and compassionate care for patients staying with us in hospital.

The Avian & Exotics team provides state-of-the-art care for:

Birds
Reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles) and amphibians (frogs, axolotls)
Fish
Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Rats and mice
Ferrets

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Emergency Avian & Exotics Vet

The Avian and Exotics department does not operate 24/7, but will do their best to accommodate emergencies in addition to pre-booked appointments. Where it is not possible to see emergency cases in a timely fashion, the SASH Emergency team is always available for initial assessment and care of avian and exotic pets.

If you have an avian or exotic pet emergency, SASH Emergency is open 24/7. Our team of Emergency Veterinarians are experienced in providing urgent care to a range of species. After an assessment from one of our Emergency Vets, they can call on the help of one of our Avian & Exotics Vets for advice, further assessment, and treatment.

More about SASH Emergency

Frequently asked questions

How does SASH reduce stress for birds and exotic patients?

We understand that minimising stress is crucial for the care and well-being of avian and exotic pets, whether they are visiting us or a consultation or staying with us in hospital. At SASH, we ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible by:

– having a separate waiting room on a different floor to the waiting area for dogs and cats

– preventing dogs and cats from entering the Avian & Exotics department, as even their scents are different and can cause distress to birds and exotic pets

– encouraging families to ensure that birds and exotic pets are accommodated in appropriate carriers when they are brought to the hospital

– ensuring a high level of hospital-wide awareness of the special needs of avian and exotic species, and skill in handling these pets
having a separate, purpose-built wing for patients admitted to hospital

When and where can the Avian & Exotics service be accessed?

The SASH Avian & Exotics department is located at SASH North Ryde and is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM. At other times, patients can be seen by the SASH 24/7 Emergency service.

Is a referral required to see the Avian & Exotics team?

No referral is required, although if your pet is currently in the care of another veterinarian, we encourage you to discuss the option for referral with them prior to consultation at SASH.