About Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics

Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics is a veterinary practice in Bedford Hills, NY (Westchester area) that lists acupuncture, cold laser therapy and pain management for birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles), hedgehogs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, prairie dogs and fennec foxes.

According to the practice, the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics is Westchester County's only animal hospital dedicated exclusively to birds and exotic pets — and the only AAHA-accredited exotics hospital in New York State. The practice also states that the practice was founded by Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, who is a board-certified avian medicine specialist and past president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

This is a highly specialized referral-level practice. The hospital does not treat dogs or cats. Instead, it focuses entirely on species that most general practices cannot adequately serve — including birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles), hedgehogs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, and fennec foxes.

This equipment is rare among exotic-focused practices and enables advanced diagnostics without having to refer patients out.

The center's acupuncture program is specifically designed for exotic species — a rarity in veterinary medicine. Exotic pets often cannot tolerate long sessions with needles left in place, so the practice uses adapted techniques including aquapuncture (small injections of vitamin B12, blood, or saline to extend stimulation), electroacupuncture, and moxibustion (heat therapy on acupuncture points). These techniques allow effective acupuncture treatment for species that would otherwise be difficult to treat.

Services listed by the practice

• Exotic Species AcupunctureAdapted techniques for birds & exotic pets.
• AquapunctureVitamin B12, blood, or saline injections to extend point stimulation.
• ElectroacupunctureElectrical stimulation of acupuncture points.
• MoxibustionHeat therapy on acupuncture points — suitable for patients who can't tolerate long sessions.
• Digital X-RayAdvanced diagnostic imaging.
• Ultrasound & CTAdvanced imaging for complex cases.
• EndoscopyMinimally invasive internal examination.
• Laser & ElectrosurgeryAdvanced surgical capabilities.

Before you book

• Fees: Fees are set by the practice. Ask what the first visit costs and how many sessions are usually suggested.
• Referral and records: Ask whether the practice needs your regular veterinarian to refer you or send your pet’s records.
• Insurance: Ask your pet insurance provider whether acupuncture is covered. See our pet insurance guide.
• What to bring: your pet’s records, current medications and a list of questions.

Animals treated

• Birds
• Rabbits
• Guinea Pigs
• Ferrets
• Reptiles (Snakes, Lizards, Turtles)
• Hedgehogs
• Chinchillas
• Sugar Gliders
• Prairie Dogs
• Fennec Foxes

Areas of care

Areas the practice lists on its website:

• Pain Management
• Systemic Disease Support
• Mobility Issues
• Senior Exotic Pet Care
• Avian Chronic Conditions
• Reptile Health Conditions

Read our condition guides to learn more. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, veterinary diagnosis and care. See the Medical Disclaimer.

Practitioner

Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM
Board-certified avian medicine specialist · Past president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians · Founder of Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics · Recognized expert in exotic animal medicine.

Dr. Jonah Marion, DVM
Completed residency training in reptile and amphibian medicine — a rare specialty credential.

Reviews

Ratings and reviews are published by pet owners on third-party sites. PetAcu does not write or edit reviews. Read them before you choose a practice.

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