Finding a veterinarian who treats exotic pets in Monmouth and Ocean County is harder than it should be. Most general practices turn rabbit, ferret, and guinea pig owners away, leaving families to drive an hour or more for routine care. At Ramtown Animal Hospital, Dr. Demian sees small mammals alongside our cat and dog patients, so your whole household can have one trusted vet close to home in Howell.
Exotic Pets We Care For
- Rabbits - wellness exams, dental checks, GI stasis, spay and neuter, and diet guidance
- Ferrets - annual exams, distemper and rabies vaccination, adrenal and insulinoma concerns
- Guinea pigs - vitamin C and diet counseling, dental disease, and respiratory illness
- Other small mammals - rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and chinchillas, seen case by case
If you have a reptile or bird, please call us first at (732) 836-9500. We handle some species case by case and will always be honest about whether we are the right fit or can point you to a trusted specialist.
Why Exotic Pets Need a Different Kind of Vet
Small mammals are prey animals, which means they instinctively hide illness until they are very sick. A rabbit that has stopped eating for 12 hours can be a genuine emergency. Because their bodies are small and their metabolisms are fast, problems escalate quickly and the margin for error is thin. Knowing what is normal for the species, and catching the subtle early signs, is the difference between a routine visit and a crisis.
When to call us right away: a rabbit or guinea pig that has not eaten or passed stool in 12 hours, a ferret that is weak or collapsing, any small mammal struggling to breathe, or sudden lethargy. These are urgent. Call us first at (732) 836-9500 so we can prepare for your arrival.
What an Exotic Wellness Visit Looks Like
We start by getting to know your pet and your setup at home, because so much of exotic health comes down to diet and housing. A typical exam includes a full hands-on physical, a weight check, a dental assessment (overgrown teeth are one of the most common and preventable problems in rabbits and guinea pigs), and a frank conversation about nutrition. We will never rush you or upsell tests we would not run on our own animals.
Diet and Husbandry: Where Most Problems Start
The majority of illnesses we see in small mammals trace back to diet and environment. Too many pellets and not enough hay leads to obesity and dental disease in rabbits. Not enough vitamin C causes serious illness in guinea pigs. We help you get the fundamentals right so your pet avoids the conditions that send so many exotics to the vet in the first place.
Why Families Choose Ramtown for Exotic Care
We are a solo practice, so you see Dr. Demian every visit. She remembers your pet, your history, and what you talked about last time. For exotic owners who are used to being turned away or shuffled between strangers, that continuity matters even more. We treat your rabbit or ferret with the same care and attention we give every dog and cat that walks through our doors.
