Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital

My birds love going here they know that everyone that works their loves their job and the critters they take care of. My cockatoo will give Dr Horton birdie kisses and also to Lamore the lady who runs the front office. It feels good to have your birds want to go there even if well. I have been to other vets who treat birds and this is the best worth the drive . Read Less

Found an unusual lizard 🦎 that came in from a semi truck in Florida. Poor little thing was all brown when it was found. These people were very nice and told me to put it in a closed box with some sticks and leaves for awhile. Hours later it was green again. Then I took it to them. They were happy to have it. Read Less

Chicago Exotics is by far very reliable and I have a lot of confidence in the doctors and nurses. I take my bearded dragon here and they not only give him great care, but they actually have a passion for exotic animals. In particular I noticed Dr. Horton's passion and kindness. Dr. Horton and ALL of the nurses did not even hesitate when I asked them very specific and random questions. They are all very knowledgeable in this field. They were not annoyed or bothered by my WHOLE PAGE of questions and concerns I listed to go through with them, which I also appreciated. Lastly, they are not in this for the money because the first time I took my beardie here they said he was healthy and didn't need anything. They did not bombard me with unnecessary tests, etc. The second time I went to them he needed medication for a serious issue, and they had reasonable pricing on the meds and even lowered the cost of the third initial exam (when I came back for the third check up) since it was part of my two week re-check. They are so nice, willing to work with people on a budget, and beyond knowledgeable. How it should be! :) Read Less

I am so thankful for the kindness and compassion from Chicago Exotics!  Our hamster had been not doing good for a while and continued to get worse. We told her to Chicago Exotics who helped us decide to end her suffering. It was my daughters hamster and they gave her time to say good bye and cry. Never rushed us and were amazingly kind Read Less

After a long search for a doctor who would see my large Oranda goldfish (which is quite a fishy scenario in and of itself), I felt like I had finally found hope in a sea of "no, we don't do fish" responses. Unfortunately, the vet seemed confused by my aquatic compadre and her comments continually contained the phrase "that's a very good question". I'm glad she felt it was a good question, but I left our appointment with more questions then answers, a vial of medication and shots that failed to remedy my sick little goldie. Fast forward three weeks and I am left totally fish-less. Tiny Dancer saw Dr. de la Navarre at Animal House of Chicago who is a "fish" expert. He was truly knowledgeable in anything and everything fish and diagnosed him quickly with a fatal condition. Sadly, I needed to put my little freshwater cutie down, but feel his compassion and expertise helped soften the blow of my fish's passing.  While Chicago Exotics may be great with wings and tails, (fish) scales are just not their thing. Read Less

I have a collection of over 300 rare, valuable, and endangered reptiles and amphibians I work with, and this is one of the only clinics I'll take any of them to. Dr. Horton and Dr. Moy are incredibly knowledgeable and have been able to help me care for and deal with issues with many of the animals I keep. They are professional and courteous and I recommend this clinic to anyone I talk to. They understand and appreciate the care and passion I have for my pets and they share it as well. This is one of the only clinics within 4 hours of where I live that I trust with my animals. Read Less

We went here for a couple of years before switching to Morton Grove and have been much happier since the switch.So many things happened but the thing that triggered me to try a new vet was their treatment of my bunny Ham. He's a difficult bunny and I'm the first to admit it, but they were putting him under (anesthesia) for each and every single visit (even a nail trim). He was having re-curring upper respiratory infections so he had to go in quite often. When I called Morton Grove and let them know that I was bringing a difficult bunny in that was usually put under for visits, they were pretty shocked to find that out and told me that they would not put him under due to his respiratory issues. We went in and guess what, they handled Ham and were even able to take a culture from his nose, right in front of us and all without putting him under. I just don't think Chicago Exotics takes the time to deal with difficult bunnies. I got very good at calming him before vet visits, if you're gentle and calm with him he does just fine (as we found out at Morton Grove) but at Chicago Exotics, the techs would come in and undue my calming effect in seconds. Speaking of nose cultures, I had asked Chicago Exotics multiple times about doing one because his respiratory infections kept coming back and I wanted to know what bacteria was causing them so that we could use the right antibiotics - they always gave me some excuse for why we shouldn't do it. The last time we were there I brought it up again but didn't get a straight answer so I called back after the appointment and asked if we could schedule for it to be done. Lenore (front desk) said they didn't do it the time we were just there because I had mentioned money problems??? I have no idea what the heck she's talking about there. I literally told them I didn't want to do another chest x-ray because I (and the doctor agreed) knew that it was the same exact respiratory infection he's been dealing with and I thought that would be a waste of money but I NEVER said that I didn't want other treatments because of money issues and Lenore wasn't even in the room so I have no idea why she would interject herself into the conversation.The first sign that things weren't going great with them happened with my older bunny, Oakley though, she died hours after being released from their care (of 3 or 4 days), though I don't blame them for her death (I blame myself and the fact that she was 8 years old and had a collapsed lung) I do think that things could have been different if they had given us different instructions for caring for her after her release. First of all, they screwed up her medication by switching two of the labels around, I don't think that could have killed her but it doesn't bode well for them, but at least they admitted to their mistake. They instructed that Oakley be picked up and given her medicine via syringe, normally I guess that would be fine, but she had a collapsed lung and HATES being picked up (as most bunnies do) so she exhausted herself trying to escape being picked up. Secondly, we had never given medication orally before and I believe she might have aspirated some into her only functioning lung. Now I give my bunnies medicine by mixing them into a bit of mushed up banana so that they are able to ingest it at their own pace. When I told the doctors that this is what I do now, they were kind of dismissive and said that banana was too high in sugar and bad. I mean come on, I know that its high in sugar, you only need a tiny bit for it to mix with the medicine and it turns an otherwise stressful experience into a treat they look forward to and I think thats well worth the tiny amount of extra sugar they ingest.One last thing is that I had asked them over and over if we should space out their probiotic medicine and their antibiotics. They repeatedly told me it was find to give both at once. When I asked the new vet about it they said if you give both at once you negate any effect of the probiotic because the antibiotic will just kill the good bacteria. I KNEW IT.This probably sounds like I really don't like this place, but I actually don't think they're bad vets, I think the two vets we saw were probably the best part about Chicago Exotics, but the rest of the staff is where they really fall short. Read Less

I've brought 3 rabbits here and absolutely trust Dr. Moy. She is tactful, knowledgeable, and caring, which is extremely appreciated when you're saying goodbye to a beloved rabbit. The staff also creates a little clay paw print for you when you say goodbye to a pet. That small offering is beyond touching.Read Less

I've had nothing but the worst experience with these people. I brought in my female cockatiel because of an injury on her foot caused by my sun conure. When I called, they told me that they had no openings available, so I would have to bring her in as an emergency visit. that meant that it would cost me 105$ oppose to the usual 60$ that they would charge me had it been a regular appointment. at this point I didn't mind because I was desperate for my pet to see a vet. they told me to bring her in the afternoon because they had other pets there. Now if you ask me that's not an emergency visit, that's a regular appointment. an emergency visit should be seen at any time asap. When I arrived, they took her in the back to evaluate her wound. Afterwards I was called in to speak to the nurse (not the vet), and she told me that her toe would most likely would have to get amputated because of an "infection" they found on her foot. she then handed me a list of all the procedures they had to make and all there prices; when I looked over it I saw that in consisted of a bunch of unnecessary procedures that ammounted to 600$. one of the charges was an X-ray to see if her foot was broken; so I asked the nurse, "what would be the procedure after the X-ray?" she said the procedure would remain the same regardless of weather or not I got the X-rays done. Seeing that I couldn't afford it I told the nurse I didn't want the X-rays done on her, she responded to me saying "if you can't afford it, you can always put her down". That to me, is the most Insensitive thing You can tell any pet owner. I was so disappointed when she said that to me. A little after that, the vet came in and told me they were going to band up her foot but to do so they would need to give her a shot for the pain (that would be another 35$), and if she still kept moving they would have to mask her with anesthesia for another 35$. So I told her, "you might as well just mask her so she doesn't feel the pain," she got mad at me and started giving me attitude. They finally bandages her, and told me to come back in 4 days. when I came back today, a different vet took off her bandages and she told me that she didn't have an infection, when I asked her about it. It would appear to me the first vet that looked at her was lying to me. However the second vet said that they would still have to amputate her toe on her next visit. I told her to take them off, and that i would look for an alternate solution. It seemed as if amputation was the only solution in mind; from the moment I walked in the door that's all they talked about and made no effort in avoiding it. Besides it didn't make sense to amputate her toe when there's no infection! The vet got mad and took my bird to the back to remove the bandeges; and when she came back out without my bird she told me she accidentally cut her foot as she removed the bandages. Now I had to wait 30 more minutes while they worked to stop the bleeding. And when I finally got my bird back, she looked disheveled up and traumatized. I don't know what they did to my Poor bird, but I felt like they only considered me nothing more than a dollar sign. so Guys if you love your pets don't take them to this place, they just see you as a way to make money! they don't care for your animals like you do. Take them elsewhere; this place is filled with unloving and uncaring people, please do your animals a favor and don't bring them here. Read Less

So, long review but I want to be clear to people who are considering this vet. I have been going to this vet for about a year. Recently, my snake Denahi has gotten a URI. I brought him to an emergency vet also located near Chicago. They prescribed antibiotics and recommendations. Shortly after, Denahi became much worse. He had another appt with the vet who made him worse. They made suggestions, and kicked me out of the vet office because their medications and recommendations were making him worse, so i threw a fit and refused treatment. They did not listen to us. They didnt even do a mouth check on his follow up to see his progress.It seems he was having a reaction to the medication/humidity increase. I kept calling for advice and they kept saying "Do nothing" "continue his medications" after his scales fell off, pus started forming, he stopped eating and became very lethargic; I lost my trust for them. We then had an appt with Chicago Exotics 4 days later. They took the time to listen to us, and said that we did exactly what they would have done. The staff were very kind and understanding, especially Dr.Moy, Rachel and Lamor. I now truly believe Denahi is on his way to recovery. I am scared to move to Minnesota this spring, since we are losing our beloved vet clinic. Thank you Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital for listening to our concerns, seeing his history, and being the vets that every animal deserves. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Love, Denahi and RebeccaRead Less

There are not many places to take ferrets to see a veterinarian in Chicago, so I am glad I live somewhat close to Sokie's Chicago Exotics. I took my ferret Mille in because of some soreness in her leg. The first appointment we saw Dr. Horton, and the 2nd we saw Dr. Claricoates, who were both very professional and helpful. I will say that Mille was noticeably more calm and controlled when seeing Dr. Claricoates, even though it was a more thorough examination. She held still for a heartbeat check, teeth check, lymph node check, she was very cooperative and Millz is very, very stubborn, so I was impressed.The building and exam rooms are clean and well-kept, and the rest of the staff is great. Read Less

When my box turtle went missing on our school playground and showed up 4 months laters, he was in desperate need of a health exam.  Dr. Moy gave great advice!  I have since taken my baby lion head rabbit there, who is also going to be getting spayed in the next month.  I really like this clinic, and it's conveniently close to my home. Read Less

I would ONLY trust Chicago Exotics with the health of my bunnies! After having an awful experience with another exotics vet, Red Door Animal Shelter opened my eyes to the wonder that is Chicago Exotics! I could not recommend Dr. Moy enough to those of you who view your buns as your babies!My little bunny has so many health complications & Dr. Moy has been able to help us keep them under control. She is truly an expert and does SOOO much more than she ever has to for us! She would even make accommodations in her scheduling because she knew the office isn't close to us. Lamor & the rest of the staff is nothing but kind to us as well. My boyfriend & I count Chicago Exotics in our blessings every single day for giving us the gift of our bunny's health. It's also amazing to go in and have everyone remember you & your bun. l They truly love animals & are passionate about what they do! I view them as a second family & I will be forever grateful for the work they do! Read Less

I've been taking my rabbits to Chicago Exotics since the Red Door recommended them for a second opinion on my 13-year old male rabbit. He needed surgery immediately for a fractured arm and the other vet I originally went to could only get him in after 3 days. Chicago Exotics took him in that day and did the surgery the next morning. He came back better than we could have expected. And we received proper education on how to care for him.Unfortunately, we brought him back about a month later with another break, and there we said good bye. With the help of Chicago Exotics, we looked over all options before focusing on the quality of life. This is never an easy thing to do, but Dr. Moy, Dr, Horton, and the entire staff made both my rabbit and myself comfortable. They spoke kindly and even offered hugs once the decision was made. They even took a print of his foot in clay and wrote his name on it for me to keep. This care set the standard for vets. The care we received was unparalleled. And because of that, we continue to bring our other rabbits, including our 10-year old female, to them. Read Less

In my time of need, Chicago Exotics has gotten my special needs rabbit out of GI stasis time and time again. They have been compassionate, thorough, extremely competent, and most ready to explain everything. This is the kind of place I would recommend entrusting your animal's life to. Read Less

The people who work at Chicago Exotics are incredible, special people. The level of care is excellent, even for a checkup. We've been seeing Dr. Claricoates. I can't imagine better support during the dark hours either. We are lucky to have them to help us care for our ferrets. Read Less

We can not offer Chicago Exotics enough praise! We have been visiting them for a little over two years and would not consider taking our little guys (two ferrets, two chinchillas, and one hedgehog (r.i.p.)) anywhere else. From the moment you walk in the door you are put at ease. The entire place is immaculately clean and wonderfully colorful - covered in all sorts of animal-themed kitsch and whimsy - making one forget they are even in a doctors office. We have had interactions with almost everyone on staff and we've never had a negative experience. The vets and techs are very well educated, confident (forthright, but not arrogant), and above all - passionate. All vets exist (in theory) to diagnose, treat and maintain the health of their charges, though some are more dedicated than others. At Chicago exotics, they are incredibly dedicated and take the welfare of all animals - from a family pet to an injured wild bunny - personally. Maintaining an animals well-being isn't just a "job" to them, it's a lifestyle and I have the utmost respect for that mentality. Don't even consider going anywhere else. Seriously. Read Less

I've been taking my two bunnies to Chicago Exotics for about 3 years. They've gotten my one bun, Priscilla, through two bouts of GI stasis and caught heart issues in both bunnies that my other vet had missed. They're thorough and have kept my fur babies safe and healthy. I've seen every doc at Chicago Exotics and they're all on the ball, professional and skilled at what they do. I recently moved to the Northwest suburbs and I still come to Skokie for CE. For anyone with an exotic pet, I'd recommend trying out Chicago Exotics. My Bosco and Priscilla also each give two thumbs...I mean feet...up :) Read Less

We have been taking our ferrets to Chicago Exotics for years. Our experience with the vets and staff couldn't be better! They really care about you and your furry babies, and give the best care possible. We have received cards, notes, and calls over the years that really show that they care! Dr. Stephanie Moy is our vet for Cleo, our ferret. She really is amazing! Not only does she take great care of Cleo, but making decisions about tests and medicine changes is a collaborative effort. Having a vet listen and work with you on the care of your animal is invaluable! She also is mindful of the expense of having an animal with long term health issues, and doesn't do testing or labs that aren't necessary. With her we are better able to take care of our fuzzy baby. Lamore, the office manager, is also one of our favorite people there. She has gotten to know us over the years, and recognizes our voice on the phone! (I wouldn't say we are frequent callers, but do need checkups multiple times a year for our geriatric ferret with insulinoma). She is efficient and definitely knows what shes doing. Lamore goes above and beyond. Even though I didn't request it and we had an appointment two days later, she even asked Dr. Moy to give us a call about an episode Cleo because she could tell we were worried. I couldn't be more impressed with this office, and will recommend Chicago Exotics to anyone who needs their services.Read Less

We have been taking our pet chinchillas to Chicago Exotics for the past 3 years now. One of our chinchillas (Tweak, 15 years old) has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, horrendous teeth, etc. etc. and has even suffered seizures. Through it all, Chicago Exotics has seen him through all his medical tests and procedures and has given this fighter a fighting chance! He is doing very well thanks to all the care and concern they give us when we visit (almost monthly, if not more!). Dr. Moy listens to our concerns, answers all our questions, and is one of the most competent chinchilla vets we've seen - and we've had chinchillas since 1987! Kelly, Erica and Rachel are his favorite vet techs :) Lamor is hilarious and always helps me find a good time to bring Tweak or the others in. Thank you Chicago Exotics for all that you do!! #TweakstrongRead Less

I took my rat here to be put down, I was very disappointed after a long drive to find out that they used lethal injection which is According to the €AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia is not ethical. The veterinarian assured me that it would be fine, however it took much longer than expected, and they even need to do a second injection as the first wasn't taking effect. It took well over a minute to complete, during which my rat was clearly in a lot of pain and stress. I do taxidermy for science, so I'm generally unfazed by death, however after this experience I can't bring myself to keep rats any more. It would have been much cheaper, easier and most importantly faster and humane to have used a blade. Read Less

Their prices are the most reasonable in the city! Seriously, call around. Lumpectomies for my female rats average $300 instead of the $600 I've been estimated everywhere else. The doctors, nurses, and staff always remember me, and are very kind. I've had to euthanize a pet there once and they made the whole event so much more painless than how I've experienced anywhere else. They also made me a little clay heart with her footprints in it that I keep by her sisters' cage. Excellent people who actually care about your pets and aren't constantly trying to bleed more money out of you. Read Less