Zoological Medicine

UF Small Animal Hospital

Offering the highest quality veterinary diagnostic and treatment care for all exotic and non-domestic animals, including Florida indigenous wildlife and non-native exotic pets.

Located at 2089 SW 16th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32608

The Zoological Medicine Service at the UF Small Animal Hospital offers the highest quality veterinary diagnostic and treatment care for all exotic and non-domestic animals, including Florida indigenous wildlife and non-native exotic pets. Our expertise is unique, and our program is one of the few fully developed services of its kind at a veterinary college in the United States.

Our Team and Facilities

Our team consists of board-certified specialists, residents, students, and highly skilled technicians who are dedicated to delivering exceptional care for your small or exotic pet. Our facility is designed to provide a stress-free environment for your pets, away from cats and dogs. We cater to “pocket pets” such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs, and our advanced-care facility is located within the University of Florida’s Small Animal Hospital.

Our Services

Primary and emergency care for all non-domestic animals, including:

Birds: cockatoos, cockatiels, macaws, amazons, African greys, conures, love birds, doves, toucans, budgies, chickens, ducks, geese, raptors, and other bird species
Reptiles: iguanas, bearded dragons, pythons, tortoises (including giant species), venomous snakes
Mammals: rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rodents, ferrets, sugar gliders, large carnivores (tigers, bears, primates)
Fish and amphibians
Exotic hoofstock (zebra, camels, elephants, giraffes)
Invertebrates

We also offer advanced diagnostics and referrals for cases from outside veterinarians.

Student and Professional Training

Veterinary students participate in hands-on clinical rotations in zoological medicine under the supervision of board-certified faculty, preparing them for careers in zoos and wildlife parks.
The program offers specialized residency training for veterinarians seeking to enhance their expertise.
Veterinarians who complete the residency program become board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine and are in high demand at leading zoos and wildlife parks.

Innovative Research

Our program conducts pioneering research by faculty, residents, and graduate students, generating new knowledge on the health and welfare of wildlife and exotics.
This research benefits the assessment and treatment of both captive and free-ranging animals, ultimately improving their care and conservation.