Compassionate Veterinary Care for Commonly Owned Exotic Pets
Dr. Desbiens provides experienced, thoughtful care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, andsmall exotic mammals—focusing on education, preventative medicine, and quality of life.
About Dr. Desbiens
Dr. Desbiens has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 11 years, with extensive experience in both small animal and exotic species. She provides care for commonly owned exotics including birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and pocket pets.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of South Florida and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Desbiens has a strong clinical interest in preventative care, nutrition, proper husbandry, and early disease detection for exotic pets. She believes client education is essential to helping exotic animals thrive.
Outside of the hospital, she enjoys life with her basset hound, Ollivander, her doodle, Molly, and her tortoise, Diggory. She loves traveling and spending Disney weekends with her husband and daughter.
What Pets Dr. Desbiens Treats
Focus: commonly owned, non-venomous exotic pets
What She Does Not Treat
To ensure the best care for your pet, Dr. Desbiens does not see:
- Venomous or poisonous species
- Large exotic cats
- Primates
- Wolves or wolf hybrids
- Farm animals including any pig species (with the exception of personal poultry and waterfowl)
- USDA flock or regulatory exams
We do not see exotic wildlife that requires permitting
If you’re unsure whether your pet falls within this scope, our team is happy to help guide you.
Exotic Veterinary Services Offered
Common Questions
Do you see venomous reptiles?
No. Dr. Desbiens treats non-venomous, commonly kept reptiles only.
Does she treat any zoo animals?
No. Dr. Desbiens does not see any animals that require permits. This includes all zoo animals.
Can I bring in my exotic pet for a wellness exam even if they seem healthy?
Absolutely. Preventative care and early detection are especially important for exotic pets.
Do you see poultry?
Yes, companion poultry and waterfowl are seen for general care. USDA flock exams are not offered.
I’m a new exotic pet owner—can you help me set things up correctly?
Yes. New pet consultations and husbandry reviews are highly encouraged.
Which species do you treat?
Dr. Desbiens sees a wide variety of pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds (psittacines and poultry), lizards, rats, mice, amphibians, fish, snakes, and turtles. Please call if you have a more 'unique' friend like a sugar glider or hedgehog!
What should I bring to the first appointment?
Please bring photos of your pet’s enclosure, the brand names of their food/supplements, temperature, humidity, size of enclosure, types of enclosure, substrate, and any recent stool samples. For birds and reptiles, it is required to keep them in their travel carrier to reduce stress.
Do you offer specialized diagnostics for small pets?
Yes! We use specialized high-definition radiology, micro-blood sampling, and exotic-specific anesthesia protocols to ensure the safety of even our smallest patients.
What constitutes an "Exotic Emergency"?
Signs like lethargy, 'fluffed' feathers/closed eyes/bottom of cage in birds, no stools in rodents, or a lack of appetite (especially in rabbits) are urgent. If you notice these, call us immediately.
Do I need to see a specialist for routine care?
Absolutely. Wellness exams are actually more important for exotics to catch husbandry-related issues early before they become life-threatening.
Husbandry & Care Resources Section
Trusted Educational Resources
What to Expect at Your Exotic Pet Visit
- Longer appointment times for thorough exams
- Detailed husbandry discussion
- Species-specific handling and care
- Clear explanations and treatment plans
- A focus on comfort and stress reduction
Advanced Diagnostics for Exotic Pets
Ultrasounds, Lab Panels, and Radiographs to Better Understand Your Pet’s Health
When it comes to exotic pets, getting accurate answers matters. We offer advanced diagnostic tools to help identify issues early and guide the best possible care for your pet.
Our services include ultrasounds to evaluate internal organs, comprehensive lab panels to assess overall health, and radiographs to get a clear view of bones and internal structures. Each test is performed with your pet’s unique needs in mind, ensuring a safe and low-stress experience.
Contact Us For Availability!
We’re Here When You Need Us
Phone
(813) 677-3100Text Us
Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 8am - 12pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed For
Lunch Monday to Friday: 12pm - 2pm (tech appointments only)
To ensure we can provide timely and consistent care for all of our patients, we kindly require a deposit to reserve your appointment time. This allows us to set aside dedicated time for your pet and helps us reduce missed appointments so that other pets in need can be seen promptly. The deposit is applied to your visit and is fully refundable with 24hr cancellation notice.
We understand that schedules change and unexpected things happen, we kindly require a deposit to reserve your appointment time. This allows us to set aside dedicated time for your pet and helps us reduce missed appointments so that other pets in need can be seen promptly. The deposit is applied to your visit and is fully refundable with proper cancellation notice.
