The Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine ( A Complete Review)
Last Updated on July 19, 2023 by Ali Shahid
Nestled amidst the bustling streets of New York City, an exceptional institution stands as the sole sanctuary for avian and exotic companions in the entire metropolis.
A pioneering hospital, The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine NYC owes its existence to the visionary expertise and passion of Dr. Alexandra Wilson.
Within the city that never sleeps, Alexandra’s commitment to providing specialized care for feathered, scaly, and unconventional companions has transformed this center into a haven for the extraordinary.
With Alexandra’s expertise and a team of dedicated professionals, The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine has become a beacon of compassionate and cutting-edge veterinary care for NYC’s cherished non-traditional pets.
The Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine
Location
- Address: 562 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024, United States
- Phone: +1 212-501-8750
- Google Reviews: 664
- Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thrivepethealthcare/?_rdc=1&_rdr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivepetcare/
Services Provided by the Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine
Preventive health care
The expert team provides preventative care for birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets. Among their services are husbandry evaluations, diet evaluations, annual wellness exams, post-purchase evaluations & screenings, geriatric healthcare, vaccines, and behavior consultations.
In their husbandry evaluations, they assess living conditions and create balanced diets. An annual wellness exam allows for early detection of potential issues. They offer post-purchase evaluation and screening services to identify underlying health concerns in newly acquired pets.
To meet the unique needs of older pets, specialized geriatric medicine is provided. Additionally, they offer vaccinations, behavior consultations, and a bunch of other services to keep these special friends healthy and happy.
Avian and exotic surgery
This hospital offers a comprehensive range of surgical procedures. This is something normal veterinarians can not do. You have to take an appointment with an experienced avian vet in case your pet bird required surgery.
The skilled veterinarians are experienced in performing traditional surgeries such as spay/neuter and shell repair, along with advanced techniques like electrocautery, endoscopy, radiosurgery, and cryosurgery.
With state-of-the-art equipment, they provide advanced anesthetic monitoring and implement rigorous analgesia protocols to ensure the utmost care for birds.
Preventive Diagnosis
A complete diagnosis is a quality of a reliable medical facility. This helps the practitioner to find the underlying cause of a particular disease.
The clinic offers comprehensive lab screening services, including blood testing and urinalysis, to diagnose illnesses and detect underlying conditions. Annual comprehensive blood tests are recommended for middle-aged and older pets to assess organ function, and hormone levels, and identify potential health concerns like heartworms.
Additionally, they utilize various types of radiology scans such as X-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopy, and occasionally echocardiograms to diagnose and evaluate different health conditions in pets.
Dentistry for Avian and Exotic Pets
The hospital is equipped with specialized tools and equipment to provide exceptional care for avian and exotic pets. They offer specific dental equipment for rabbits and rodents, as well as dental prophylaxis for ferrets and bearded dragons.
Additionally, they provide corrective beak trimming services for birds, turtles, and beaked fish, ensuring their oral health and overall well-being.
Non- Medical Services
This hospital recognizes the unique needs of birds and exotic pets, and they provide specialized services to cater to those requirements. This facility offers pet boarding services focused on comfort and well-being.
Additionally, they provide professional nail, beak, and wing trims to maintain their health and safety. The expert team also offers nutritional and behavioral counseling to address specific dietary and behavioral concerns.
They also provide services like DNA sexing, microchipping, and Domestic Health Certificates, ensuring comprehensive care for your beloved avian or exotic pet.
Avian and Exotic Pet Adoption
The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine collaborates with various organizations to make a significant impact in saving the lives of exotic animals. In bustling NYC, numerous pet birds, small mammals, and reptiles are rescued from the streets, and parks, and abandoned at animal shelters or pet stores.
The center is dedicated to its mission of finding these remarkable pets loving homes where they can thrive and be cherished.
Doctors Team at the Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine
Dr. Halasz
Dr. Halasz, an Upper West Side native, developed a passion for exotic pet medicine as a high school volunteer at CAEM. She dedicated her summers and holidays to this hospital, even through college, graduate school, and veterinary school.
After earning a Music degree from Smith College, she pursued avian carotenoid coloration research at Auburn University, followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
With a focus on exotics, she completed an internship at Louisiana State University before working as an emergency veterinarian. Finally, she returned to CAEM as an associate veterinarian and became the Medical Director in 2022.
Dr. Halasz is a proud owner of adopted exotic pets and shares her home with a canary, a red-eared slider, a crested gecko, two Pomeranians, and a human radiologist.
Beyond her love for animals, she enjoys sewing, playing the cello, and sharing her knowledge of avian coloration mechanisms with colleagues.
Dr. Alexandra Wilson
Dr. Alexandra Wilson, DVM, has been with the Center for 14 years, providing medical and surgical care to birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small mammals.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Oberlin College and obtained her veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Wilson’s passions include consulting for wildlife centers, collaborating with the ASPCA, lecturing globally, and caring for exotic animals in unique NYC settings.
Dr. Jessica Grodio
Dr. Jessica Grodio, DVM, Ph.D., DABVP (Avian Practice), joined the Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine in early 2016. She holds a BS and DVM from Cornell University, where she also earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, studying Mycoplasma gallisepticum’s impact on finches.
Dr. Grodio completed an avian/exotic medicine and surgery residency and obtained ABVP board certification. She is Fear Free® Certified and has experience with wildlife and zoos.
Customer Reviews
Joanna Lc:
Previously, I worked as a vet tech for exotic animals and have been trained to rehab wild birds. Located in a convenient location, the facility is clean and friendly. It was a pleasure to be able to schedule an appointment quickly for our little parrot to have a health check and a variety of blood tests performed.
The doctor and his technician were very thorough, compassionate, and competent. No bruises were sustained as they took blood samples painlessly.
Her caring approach to understanding our birds’ history and improving their husbandry was evident to me. It has impressed me greatly. Why did I not give it five stars? The cost of the service. However, I am a newcomer to NYC, so perhaps these rates are standard.
Despite this, it’s scary to think what might happen if our bird gets sick. Considering the cost of major treatments, I will research pet insurance.
Saiedah Luna:
When it comes to the needs of my furry potatoes, this is my go-to veterinarian. They are, however, very expensive. However, if you cannot afford to take care of a pet, I believe it is better not to own one at all. Though they are expensive, I am confident that my pets will receive excellent care.
Additionally, I appreciate that they follow up with my pets following their departure from the facility. The level of customer service they provide is excellent.
Bernadette Candelario:
It was difficult for my bird to lay eggs and it had a prolapsed cloacae. As recommended by the animal medical center, if she does not lay her eggs within 48 hours, I should consider euthanasia. She was brought to this clinic for a second opinion, and euthanasia was not recommended.
Two eggs were removed and she was sent home with medications. It was a pleasure to work with the staff and the veterinarians were caring and excellent.
Ali Shahid is a veterinarian by profession and an animal lover. He loves to give expert opinions about different animals. He has worked in top organization of birds like Bigbird Feed and Poultry Research institute. He loves birds, especially parrots and has great experience in different parrot farms.
