When your beloved exotic pet—be it a vibrant python, a delicate seahorse, or a unique amphibian—falls ill, finding a specialist who truly understands their complex needs is paramount. Unlike cats and dogs, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates require a veterinarian with specific knowledge and extensive experience in exotic animal medicine. If you’re searching for a “Herp Vet Near Me” that offers dedicated, expert care, HerpVet Services provides comprehensive veterinary care tailored specifically for these unique companions, ensuring they receive the specialized attention they deserve. We understand the specific husbandry, diseases, and treatments required for non-traditional pets. For further insights into specialized facilities, you might explore an exotic animal veterinary center.
The Uniqueness of HerpVet Services: Personalized and Experienced Care
HerpVet Services stands out as a veterinary practice exclusively devoted to exotic pets, steered by Dr. Bruce Maclean BSc (VetSci), MSc, CertAVP, BVM&S, MRCVS. With over 25 years of experience in exotic animal veterinary care, Dr. Maclean offers an unparalleled depth of expertise. He personally oversees the service, ensuring a consistent and individualized level of care for every patient. This single-handed approach means your pet will consistently see the same experienced veterinarian, fostering a strong relationship and tailored treatment plans. This dedication ensures that when you need a “herp vet near me” with profound knowledge, you’re getting the best.
Consultations primarily take place at Hilltop Vets in Oxford. For those who cannot visit in person, video consultations and home visits can also be arranged, providing flexible options for pet owners. Initial consultations are thorough, lasting 30 minutes or more, and include a detailed discussion of husbandry practices, a comprehensive physical examination, and a basic faecal parasite check. This holistic approach ensures every aspect of your pet’s health and environment is considered.
Caiman attacked by cagemate receiving veterinary care
Comprehensive Care for a Range of Exotic Pets
HerpVet Services focuses exclusively on exotic animals, purposefully not offering routine care for common pets like cats, dogs, or rabbits. This specialization allows for a deeper focus on the unique medical requirements of less conventional companions. The practice regularly treats:
- Reptiles: Including tortoises, terrapins, turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, and caimans. From common pet snakes to complex crocodilians, Dr. Maclean has the expertise to handle diverse reptilian needs.
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians benefit from specialized amphibian medicine, an area of particular interest for Dr. Maclean.
- Fish: Primarily koi and goldfish, but extending to any freshwater or marine species. Dr. Maclean has a special affinity for seahorses, even keeping several species personally, and offers dedicated care for these delicate aquatic creatures.
- Invertebrates: Tarantulas, scorpions, snails, millipedes, mantises, stick insects, and other pet invertebrate species are also welcomed, receiving expert attention for their often-overlooked health issues.
- Exotic Pet Mammals: This includes species such as pygmy hedgehogs, tenrecs, and ferrets, ensuring that even the more unusual mammalian pets have access to specialized veterinary support.
Dr. Maclean’s special interest in amphibian and invertebrate medicine, as well as seahorses and other small tropical fish, is reflected in reduced consultation fees for these animals, making specialized care more accessible for their owners. Additionally, the clinic provides care for injured or ill wild animals, particularly reptiles and amphibians, without a consultation charge during normal hours. However, healthy wildlife should always be left undisturbed.
Preparing for Your Consultation
To ensure the most efficient and effective first consultation, clients are encouraged to complete a history and husbandry form for their animal(s) beforehand and email it to the clinic. This provides Dr. Maclean with vital information about your pet’s environment and health history.
Consideration for your pet’s transport to the clinic is also crucial. Many exotic animals, especially reptiles, may require heating support, while amphibians can be particularly sensitive to hot weather. Bringing a small coolbox or coolbag is highly recommended, especially for long distances, as it can help maintain stable temperatures for your pet and any dispensed medications.
Upon arrival, it’s mandatory to transport certain species, such as snakes and arachnids, in opaque outer containers or covered well (e.g., with a towel). This practice helps ensure the comfort of other clients and staff who may be sensitive to the sight of specific pet species. In some cases, you may be asked to keep the animal in your car until your appointment time.
Horned frog suffering from metabolic bone disease
Salamander with ascites (fluid accumulation)
Accessible Hours and 24-Hour Emergency Support
While Dr. Maclean maintains regular phone hours, clinic appointments and prescription collections are strictly by arrangement. This system ensures that each visit is scheduled to provide ample time and personalized attention for your pet.
Crucially, HerpVet Services offers 24-hour emergency cover, personally provided by Dr. Maclean, with rare exceptions for absence. The main phone line’s answerphone message provides current emergency details, ensuring you can always reach a specialist in urgent cases.
Regular (phone) hours:
- Weekday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Outside these hours, including nights, Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and bank holidays, the service operates on an emergencies-only basis. During these times, the main phone line is switched off, and text, voicemail, email, or social media messages will not be checked until normal hours resume. For any clinical emergency outside regular hours, telephoning the provided emergency line is the only reliable way to connect with Dr. Maclean.
Hedgehog with injured leg from beer can plastic
Effective Communication: How to Reach Your Herp Vet
For urgent cases, telephoning HerpVet Services at 07754 125302 is always the best and most reliable method, as Dr. Maclean may not immediately access other forms of communication. The optimal time to call for routine inquiries is typically between 8:30 am and 9:30 am.
For non-urgent matters, email at vet@herpvet.co.uk is an option. However, for appointments or detailed questions, a phone call is strongly recommended due to potential delays in back-and-forth communication. Texting is generally suitable only for brief, non-urgent updates, and extensive text conversations are not typically accepted. Messages sent via social media pages also fall under non-urgent communication, with no guarantee on response times outside normal operating hours. Given how quickly appointment slots can fill, appointments for less than a week in advance are generally made exclusively over the phone.
Doppler ultrasound of uromastyx (lizard) heart
Latest Updates from HerpVet Services
As of August 1, 2023, HerpVet Services has relocated to Hilltop Vets. Please note this new address for all future visits. In light of ongoing health concerns, Dr. Maclean wears a mask and utilizes an air filter in the consulting room. While the waiting room does not have a mask requirement or routine air filtration, clients with concerns may discuss waiting in their car. This commitment to client and patient safety further underscores the diligent care provided.
Tortoise with an ear abscess removed under anaesthetic
Your Trusted Partner for Exotic Pet Health
Choosing the right “herp vet near me” is a critical decision for the health and well-being of your unique companion. HerpVet Services, led by Dr. Bruce Maclean, offers unparalleled expertise, personalized care, and a dedicated approach to exotic animal medicine. From routine check-ups to 24-hour emergency support, you can trust that your exotic pet will receive the highest standard of specialized veterinary attention. For any concerns about your reptile, amphibian, fish, invertebrate, or exotic mammal, reaching out to HerpVet Services is the best step toward ensuring their continued health and happiness.
