Business Details
39 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Exotic Animal Veterinarians in Decatur, GA
For over three decades, For Pet's Sake has been Atlanta's premier veterinary clinic specializing in exotic animal care. Founded in 1987 as a house-call service, we transitioned to a full-fledged hospital in 1990, establishing ourselves as pioneers in avian and exotic pet medicine. Our team of veterinarians holds combined expertise spanning 50 years, with specialized training in exotic mammal, reptile, and avian care. We offer comprehensive services including urgent care, surgical interventions, dental procedures, and preventive care tailored to non-traditional pets. Our state-of-the-art facility in Decatur, Georgia, features digital radiography, a dedicated surgical suite, and expanded boarding accommodations.We maintain active memberships in leading veterinary associations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association and specialty exotic animal organizations. Our in-house pharmacy and retail section provide convenient access to medications and pet supplies. With extended weekday hours and Saturday availability, we accommodate the unique needs of exotic pet owners. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through continuous facility upgrades, including our 2021 relocation to a technologically advanced location. We prioritize client education and compassionate communication, ensuring pet owners receive clear guidance for optimal animal care.
Services
Exotic Animal Care
Urgent Care
Surgical Services
Dental Care
Boarding
Avian Medicine
Reptile Care
Pharmacy
Preventive Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- Specialize exclusively in exotic animal medicine since 1987
- Veterinarians with combined 50 years of exotic pet expertise
- 24/7 emergency care for critical exotic pet situations
- Advanced diagnostic tools including digital radiography
- Dedicated surgical suite for specialized procedures
What people say
Very best clinic
Genuine and concerned
Answered every call
Called back to check-up
Super nice people
Services
Exotic Animal Care
We provide comprehensive medical care for non-traditional pets including birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals. Our veterinarians have advanced training in exotic species diagnostics and treatment protocols. Services include wellness exams, disease prevention, and chronic condition management tailored to unique animal physiology.
Emergency Services
Critical care available for exotic pets experiencing medical emergencies. Our team provides immediate assessment and stabilization for trauma, poisoning, or acute illness. Available after-hours with direct consultation from experienced exotic animal specialists to ensure timely intervention.
Surgical Procedures
Advanced surgical capabilities for exotic animals in a dedicated operating suite. Procedures include soft tissue surgery, orthopedic interventions, and specialized techniques for avian and reptile patients. Utilizes modern anesthetic protocols tailored to exotic species' unique needs.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiography and advanced diagnostic tools for accurate exotic animal health assessments. Equipment calibrated for small and unusual species provides detailed internal imaging. Supports precise diagnosis of respiratory, skeletal, and organ system conditions in non-traditional pets.
Boarding Services
Climate-controlled boarding facility designed for exotic pets. Separate housing environments maintain species-specific temperature and humidity requirements. Staff trained in exotic animal handling provides specialized care during owner travel or temporary housing needs.
People
Jason Hutcheson, DVM
Owner/Veterinarian
Graduated from University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Specializes in exotic animal medicine with 25+ years of clinical experience. Purchased practice in 2006 after working under founder Dr. Shepherd since 1998.
Holly Burchfield, DVM
Veterinarian
Joined team in 2015 with specialized training in reptile and amphibian care. Active member of Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. Provides advanced diagnostic services for exotic species patients.
Kelsey Paras, DVM
Veterinarian
Exotic mammal specialist serving the clinic from 2019-2024. Focus areas include ferret and rodent medicine. Contributed to development of preventive care protocols for small exotic pets.
Julia Hill, DVM
Veterinarian
Avian medicine expert joined in 2020 with board certification in avian practice. Manages complex bird health cases and leads continuing education programs for staff on avian influenza prevention.
Mary Russell, DVM
Veterinarian
Newest addition to the team in 2025 with specialization in exotic pet dentistry. Implements advanced oral care techniques for rodents and rabbits. Active participant in exotic animal welfare organizations.
Questions
What exotic animals do you treat?
We care for birds, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, reptiles, and other exotic mammals. We do not see chickens, ducks, dogs, or cats to maintain safety for our avian patients.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide urgent care for exotic pets during regular business hours. Call immediately for emergency consultation and immediate care instructions.
What payment options are available?
We accept cash, checks, major credit cards (Amex, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), and CareCredit financing. Payment is required at time of service.
Are appointments required?
Yes, all visits require prior scheduling by phone. We make every effort to accommodate urgent cases and schedule routine appointments during regular business hours.
What facilities do you offer?
Our 2021 facility includes expanded exam rooms, digital radiography, dedicated surgical suite, updated laboratory, and enhanced boarding accommodations for various exotic species.
