Policy Reminders 2026
Following the switch to our new scheduling software and other recent changes, we wanted to send a friendly reminder regarding the policies at our Clinic:
• ALL new clients, as well as existing clients who have not been seen within the past three years, are required to pay a $100 deposit in order to book an exam. This includes same-day emergency appointments.
• If you no-show or cancel an appointment within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time, you will be charged a $100 missed appointment fee. This policy applies to all new and existing clients. For surgeries, the missed appointment fee is $150.
• If you are a new client, or an existing client bringing in a new pet, and have not completed the new pet paperwork prior to your appointment, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early so that you may complete the physical paperwork.
• If you arrive 15 minutes late or more for your appointment, you will need to reschedule and will have to pay the $100 missed appointment fee.
Following these policies allows our Clinic to accommodate pets in need of emergency care as quickly as possible. It also ensures that you receive your full face-to-face time with our Doctors to address any concerns and questions during your visit. Our time is valuable and can mean the difference between a pet receiving prompt, life-saving treatment and experiencing a delay in care.
Update on Avian Influenza for the Backyard Poultry Flock (March 2023)
Background and Risk:
Since February 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or the “bird flu” has been identified in a number of wild birds and backyard flocks in New York State. Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free-flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. Only a small percentage of wild birds will show signs of disease when infected with avian influenza. Monitor your area for unusual illnesses or deaths of waterfowl (ducks, geese), gulls, raptors(hawks, owls), shorebirds, or crows, particularly where multiple birds are involved or showing neurologic signs. For a good overview, see Cornell’s Avian Influenza Fact Sheet (https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/avian-influenza). Avian Influenza is a zoonotic disease and humans can develop illness. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. At present no human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. Anyone involved with poultry production including small backyard flocks should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aph... . An excellent fact sheet is available at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ani...
Recommendations for poultry owners:
1. Prevent contact between pet birds and wild birds and keep birds inside the coop when waterfowl are migrating.
2. Observe flocks for signs of illness. HPAI causes many birds to die at the same time and those remaining in the flock will appear sick. An individual bird coughing or sneezing is not a cause for worry. Sick birds will be inactive, act sleepy and stop eating.
3. If a sudden death occurs in a flock (2-3 dead birds out of a flock of 10), multiple birds paralyzed at the same time or with twisted necks, contact your veterinarian, the State Veterinarian or the USDA (866.536.7593).
4. Always practice good biosecurity which means keeping disease away from the flock. AI is spread in feces, oral/nasal/respiratory secretions, on dead animals, shoes, clothing, equipment, and contaminated feed, water and feathers. It survives a long time in feces and aquatic environments and resists refrigeration and freezing.
5. Have dedicated clothing and footwear to wear only when taking care of birds. At a minimum, change shoes before entering the coop. This is especially important if you work with wildlife or have companion parrots (use separate shoes for the yard/coop and do not bring them inside the house). Wash hands after working with poultry.
6. If owners hunt migratory waterfowl or golf, have someone else take care of the flock for a period of 72 hours after potential exposure to wild birds.
For more information: For the latest cases, see the USDA website at:
This fact sheet was compiled by Dr. Laura Wade for clients of Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets in conjunction with the following contributors: the NYS Wildlife Health Program and the NYSDEC Wildlife Health Unit, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the University of Minnesota Raptor Center (April 2022).
The Leading Exotic Animal Clinic Serving Pet Owners in Buffalo, NY & the Surrounding Areas
Most vet clinics cater to cats and dogs, and while they may be able to treat rarer types of pets, few if any specialize solely in the care of exotic animals. We, on the other hand, make it our goal to provide comprehensive healthcare services to these pets. At Specialized Care for Avian & Exotic Pets, we are proud to care for exotic pets from Buffalo, Rochester, Batavia, Fredonia, Niagara Falls, Lockport, and Jamestown, NY; Erie, PA; and the surrounding areas. We have established ourselves as the only exotic animal clinic dedicated solely to treating and caring for exotic animals. At our exotic animal hospital, we are able to treat birds, small mammals, reptiles, fish, and more! Give us a call today to speak with our avian veterinarian, or our friendly staff for general information or to schedule an appointment! We take pride in being the first choice for many in the Western and Central New York area when they are searching for an exotic animal and bird hospital they can trust.
WHAT ARE AVIAN & EXOTIC PETS? Our patients include but are not limited to:
- Birds - canaries/finches, budgerigars/parakeets, parrots of all species (including parrotlets, lovebirds, conures, quaker parrots, african grey parrots, cockatiels, cockatoos, macaws, etc), chickens and turkeys, ducks and geese, doves and pigeons, and many more...
- Small mammals - rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, sugar gliders, flying squirrels, hedgehogs, chinchillas, degus, rats, gerbils, mice, hamsters, prairie dogs, and more!
- Reptiles/Amphibians - bearded dragons, chinese water dragons, iguanas, chameleons, geckos, monitors, skinks, non-venomous snake species, aquatic turtles, box turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, axolotls, all species of fish, tarantulas, hermit/other crabs, scorpions, and more!
Dr. Laura Wade | Dr. Jeff Hess | Dr. Kristen Strobel | Dr. Doreen Harris
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