Choosing your pet
Choosing to add a pet to your life is a big decision!Pets are life-long commitments, and keeping a pet happy, healthy, fed, and well-exercised requires time and money. In order to pick the right pet for you, one must consider your lifestyle, living situation, and how much care you are able or willing to provide. Some pets require very little interaction with their owners, while others need almost constant companionship! Also, everyone in your family or who reside in your home, must be included in the decision.To explore a specific pet like birds, cats, dogs, horses, small animals, and reptiles, continue reading into this section. If you have questions about what pet is right for you, do not hesitate to contact our office!
African Grey Parrots
Exotics
There are two subspecies of African grey parrot commonly found in the pet trade - the Congo African grey (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and the Timneh African grey (Psittacus erithacus timneh).
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Animal Shelter
Finding your pet
Animal shelters, or what used to be known as pounds, are either governmental or private organizations that provide temporary homes for stray, surrendered, or abandoned pet animals.
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Bearded Dragons
Exotics
Bearded dragons are generally docile, and their aggressive displays are rarely seen in captivity.
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Behavior and Training
Small Mammals
Ferrets have powerful, distinct and engaging personalities, and a playful and fastidious nature. Ferrets are diurnal creatures with their periods of greatest activity just before sunrise and shortly after sunset.
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Blue Tongued Skinks
Exotics
Blue tongued skinks are quite and gentle, and quite easily tamed and handled. It is reported that even wild blue tongued skinks will sometimes allow themselves to be picked up without a struggle.
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Box Turtles
Exotics
North American box turtles are mainly terrestrial turtles, although they do spend some time in shallow water (Asian box turtles tend to be a bit more aquatic).
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Breed Characteristics
Cats
Each cat breed has certain characteristics. Although every cat is unique, certain breeds tend to be more inquisitive, lively, placid, vocal, or gentle than others.
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Breeder
Finding your pet
Buying from a reputable breeder gives you the opportunity to interact with the pets family, siblings, dam, also possibly the sire.
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Budgies
Exotics
Budgies (budgerigars) are an extremely popular pet bird, and for good reason. These small parrots make delightful pets, and are usually friendly and easy to tame.
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Canaries
Exotics
The Canary species is called Serinus canaria and is actually a member of the finch family, native to the Canary Islands.
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Chickens
Livestock
Maybe, you want the luxury of freshly laid eggs. Maybe, you think chickens are interesting animals and would make good pets.
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Cockatiels
Exotics
Cockatiels are among the most popular pet birds. Small parrots with a variety of color patterns and a crest, they are attractive as well as friendly and easy to tame.
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Cockatoos
Exotics
If you're looking for a lively, affectionate, intelligent pet, you don't have to limit yourself to a dog or cat.
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Cows
Livestock
Are you thinking about getting a cow? Before you do, there are a few considerations you need to make.
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Donkeys, Horses & Mules
Livestock
There are many benefits to owning a donkey, horse, or mule. However, it is important to know that these animals (all belonging to the sub-family called equus) require special housing, feeding, and care for a healthy life.
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Ducks
Livestock
You might enjoy feeding the ducks at the pond. When you see them interact with their environment, it may make you smile.
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Fennec Foxes
Small Mammals
With oversized ears and mischievous faces, fennec foxes are cute as can be. But these exotic pets require a lot of care to stay healthy and happy.
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Ferret Health
Small Mammals
You will need to take your ferret in to your veterinarian twice a year for a medical checkup and yearly vaccinations.
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Fish
Exotics
If you’re thinking of getting a pet fish, you should know that your veterinarian has a lot of good advice about pet ownership.
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Flying Squirrels
Small Mammals
Much like sugar gliders, flying squirrels make affectionate pets when purchased young and raised by their owner.
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Food and Housing
Small Mammals
Ferrets are exceptionally playful, so expect your ferret to tip over his food and water bowls.
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Food and Housing Rabbits
Small Mammals
Feeding pet rabbits is easy because nutritionally complete and balanced commercial pelleted diets are readily available.
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Frogs & Toads
Exotics
If you want an interesting change of pace or simply don't have the right environment for a dog or cat, a frog or toad might make the perfect companion for you.
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Goats
Livestock
Maybe, you've heard that goats will basically eat anything they can put in their mouth.
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Hamsters
Small Mammals
Hamsters are cute and adorable. If you had one growing up, your parents probably took care of it.
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Handling and Restraint
Small Mammals
Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries.
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Hedgehogs
Small Mammals
Shy animals that roll into a ball when scared, hedgehogs are covered with spiky quills.
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Leopard Geckos
Exotics
The scientific name for leopard gekos is Eublepharis Macularius. They may live 20 or more years and grow to be approximately 8-10 inches long.
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Lovebirds
Exotics
Lovebirds are very social and form deep bonds with their owners. If you are short on time to spend with your lovebird, then it is best to get him or her a companion.
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Macaws
Exotics
If you've decided to enter the entertaining world of bird ownership, you may be thinking about adopting a macaw.
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Newts
Exotics
Are you considering getting a pet newt? Newts may not be the most obvious choice for a pet, but as many veterinarians can tell you, newts are the smart pet choice for a variety of compelling reasons.
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Parrots
Exotics
If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet.
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Pet Shop
Finding your pet
A pet shop is a place where dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, fish, and other animals not born and raised on those premises are kept for the purpose of sale to the public.
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Pigs
Livestock
Did you know that pigs are a lot cleaner than the reputation they have? While they do roll around in the mud, this keeps them cool.
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Prairie Dogs
Small Mammals
Prairie dogs are cute, affable creatures. But before taking one on as a pet, check your local laws. In some states, such as Colorado, it's illegal to keep prairie dogs as pets.
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Rats
Small Mammals
Did you know rats make surprisingly affectionate pets? If you're thinking of bringing home a pet rat, here's what you need to know.
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Red Eared Sliders
Exotics
Red eared sliders are semi aquatic turtles that are very commonly kept as pets.
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Rescue Agency
Finding your pet
Rescuing an animal is a wonderful option for some families. Animals find their way into rescue agencies for a variety of reasons.
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Salamanders
Exotics
Salamanders make great pets. They’re ideal for apartment residents because they’re quiet.
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Selecting a Puppy or Older Dog
Dogs
A new puppy can be a terrific addition to a family, but with the fun comes responsibility for its care and well-being. Consider and prepare for your puppy's needs before you adopt! Pick a puppy that is active, friendly, and inquisitive.
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Skunks
Small Mammals
If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks.
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Snakes
Exotics
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, then you might be interested in owning a snake.
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Sugar Gliders
Small Mammals
Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets.
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Tortoises
Exotics
Tortoises can make an interesting pet, although they can present a challenge, due to their size and dietary habits.
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Turkeys
Livestock
While all animals have unique personalities, turkeys are usually docile animals. They can be interesting pets to have.
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Zebra Finches
Exotics
In general, finches have an expected lifespan of anywhere from 5-15 years.
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Call Or Visit Us Today!
Phone
(256) 837-9700Emergency Clinics
Huntsville Veterinary Emergency and Specialist
800 Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35801
256-715-8389
Animal Emergency and Critical Care
2112 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
256 533 7600
Madison Veterinary Emergency
27022 US-72, Athens, AL 35613
256 434-5290
800 Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35801
256-715-8389
Animal Emergency and Critical Care
2112 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
256 533 7600
Madison Veterinary Emergency
27022 US-72, Athens, AL 35613
256 434-5290
Hours
M-F 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
