Veterinary Care for Exotic Mammals and Pocket Pets in Charleston


Exotic mammals and pocket pets are enjoyable to watch and can make fun companions. Despite their often small size, they still require attentive care from both you and our veterinarians. We recommend biannual physical exams and parasite screens for all our pocket pet and exotic mammal patients to ensure they’re staying healthy.

Just like other pets, pocket pets and exotic mammals can develop all manner of diseases, and they have many specific needs to ensure good health and quality of life, including an appropriate diet, a suitable habitat, and in some cases, a companion or two of the same species.

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Signs of a Health Emergency in Exotic Mammals and Pocket Pets

While some cases require urgent treatment, most after-hours concerns are best evaluated by our experienced team. Rather than going to an emergency clinic, the best thing for you and your pet is to come see our specialists at our next available appointment. If no appointments are available, we offer Emergency Admission Mon-Saturday beginning at 8am.

Signs Your Exotic Mammal or Pocket Pet May Need Urgent Care

  • Lack of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Fewer stools
  • Depression
  • Painful when handled or touched
  • Weakness
  • Falling over
  • Head tilted
  • Hunched posture
  • Matted/unkempt coat
  • Fecal/urine staining of fur

Signs Your Exotic Mammal or Pocket Pet May Need Emergency Veterinary Care

  • Diarrhea consistently for 24+ hours
  • Heavy, labored breathing
  • Not walking or standing
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Unconsciousness

Need to Board Your Exotic Mammal or Pocket Pet While You’re Away?


Your pet is in the best hands at our exotic pet boarding facility, where our experienced staff caters to their individual needs and offers them all the comforts of home. Birds, reptiles, pocket pets, and other exotics require a lot of time and attention that most pet sitters and boarding facilities cannot provide.

Handouts to Help You Care for Your Exotic Mammal or Pocket Pet

Below are some educational handouts containing essential information to help you care for your exotic mammal or pocket pet. Most of all, if you have any questions or concerns, please call our hospital at (843) 216-8387.

Chinchilla Care
Gerbil Care
Hamster Care
Hedgehog Care
Rat Care
Sugar Glider Care