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Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana, formally West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic, is Louisiana's only veterinarian that provides care exclusively to avian and exotic pets. From parrots to rabbits and ferrets to a wide variety of reptiles, as well as a multitude of small mammal exotic pets, we welcome them all to our practice!

Located in Metairie, LA, we proudly service the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area as well as South Louisiana and the Mississippi Coast. Fix-A-Rabbit Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program funded by Jefferson Parish Annual Rabies Licenses.
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Dr. Rich and the team at Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana are committed to providing your pet with the best health care possible at every life stage. In addition to standard comprehensive wellness and preventive care, we offer diagnostic care, surgical services, grooming, 24-hour emergency service, and a number of other services, which are listed below.
Rich and Pence are proud to be able to offer 24-hour emergency vet care for your exotic pet(s). During normal hours, we are here on-site for pet emergency care. A phone call to our animal hospital ahead of time is very helpful to let us be prepared for your arrival. We are on-call every night, weekend, and holiday.
If you are having an emergency, please call the practice immediately at (504) 455-6386. If your request is received Monday - Friday before 4PM, you will receive a confirmation call or e-mail the same day. If your request is received after hours Monday -Thursday you will be called or e-mailed the next business day.
Our team of experts have the exerience and knowledge to answer all of your questions while providing the care your pets need. Call us today at (504) 455-6386 to set up a consultation visit with us. Dr. Gregory Rich is well-known as the local go-to veterinarian for the care and treatment of avian and exotic pets in the Greater New Orleans region and surrounding areas.
Reviews (17)
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Duchess True
Jun 24, 2022
Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital is the only veterinarian in the whole region near New Orleans that devotes itself to the care of pets that are not dogs and cats. Good thing: Many of us have pets other than dogs and cats. They will see your pet immediately if there is an emergency. They accept referrals from other veterinarians for pets that are not dogs and cats. Caveat: From my experience, a pet owner never interacts with or sees one of the doctors at Avian and Exotic. Instead, a receptionist or tech takes the pet away from an owner, and brings the pet to a back area.

After a pet is examined, it is a receptionist or tech that brings the pet back to the owner. It's UNSETTLING to not meet the doctor who is examining a pet. I gave the review 4 stars, only because I never even was introduced to the doctor who would examine my pet. Otherwise, I'd have given 5 stars. I drove from out of town to visit this veterinary office twice: Neither time was I to meet the doctor who examined my pet.

I do appreciate that this office is very busy. That's why I didn't penalize by more than one star. In short, I'm glad this Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital is available. Thank you.
Jayme Swarts
Jun 19, 2022
Very sweet vet for our bearded dragon. Gave us all the options and was truthful with us on the outcome which was very appreciated. Sent us a card in the mail which i find to be even more sincere. Will go there with our next bearded dragon!
Kaylin Grouchy
May 20, 2022
I've been taking my rabbit here the past few years, and the staff has made us feel like family. Last weekend, my rabbit was very sick, and the staff let me bring him in after hours. They did everything they could to help Carter, but he sadly passed away from a tumor. Dr. Rich and his staff were very comforting during this time, and even after our last visit, Dr. Rich and his staff reached out to send their condolences. I highly recommend bringing your pet to this loving and trustworthy team!
Michelle Wolfe
Apr 27, 2022
Yes this vet is pricey. Dr Pence saved one of my rats this week and Dr Rich saved the other. If you want a Maybach you have to pay the price for the best. These veterinarians are the absolute best. I pay the prices for peace of mind and because I love my animals and they couldn't be in better hands. I highly recommend
Morgan LeBouef
Apr 12, 2022
Have been here a few times for some of my babies. they have always been very nice and assuring! Always quick and the prices are as they should be. Appointments are always very easy to get compared to some other vets I've seen. Definitely recommend :
Linda Lack
Apr 10, 2022
I highly recommend this Vet and their staff! Was very helpful and knowledgeable about hedgehog's! Even though my "Matilda's" Prognosis is terminal, they showed great care. Thanks for everything you did for us!
Seth Law
Jan 26, 2022
Absolutely excellent. Fixed our sugar glider right up and he is healthy and happy again. Very reasonably priced for the high quality services offered and great standard of care provided. Highly recommend. Thanks!
Kat
Jan 05, 2022
We have a good-sized exotic menagerie and cannot say enough excellent things about Avian & Exotic! Paige, Sara(h), and Beth are always helpful and pleasant, the techs are knowledgeable, and Drs. Rich and Pence are professional, savvy, and thorough.
Steve Ellis
Jan 05, 2022
Dr. Rich and his assistant are phenomenal. They took the time to explain my birds situation to me in terms I could understand. Superb service and staff.
Andrea Dalrymple
Dec 06, 2021
I agree with Christine R. Ball. I always thought veterinarians are here for injured animals. Apparently not! My pet got injured, I called this clinic and they said they were fully booked and don't have time to see my pet unless I pay an emergency fee which was $130. I paid and they squeezed me in and received good service, which I am thankful for, but I had to pay that fee.
Caroline Vega
Nov 30, 2021
I cannot say enough about Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital. Not only do they provide top-notch medical care for my pet cockatiel, but they also offer excellent boarding services. They truly care about the well-being of their patients and go above and beyond to provide quality care. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for the best medical care for their bird!
James McKey
Nov 29, 2021
Technicians need better training. 1. I had to weigh the birds myself the first tech seemed unwilling to take the birds out the cage. 2. A bird getting its nails clipped should NOT result in facial abrasions.
Moe Dingo
Oct 02, 2021
My review pertains only to wildlife that gets brought in to this place. I am friends with someone who worked here and confirmed that they do in fact euthanize any wild injured birds such as crows, hawks, owls etc that are brought in. Unfortunately people with good intentions tend to bring injured wildlife to this location in hopes that they will be treated & released.

I just want to raise awareness that before you bring that animal here, the zoo or any vet office for that matter it will be put down. It is best to attempt to find a wildlife rehabilitator or try to help it yourself.
Anna Sheffield
Sep 26, 2021
I would highly recommend Avian & Exotic. I am confident that my three rabbits are receiving expert care from Dr. Rich. One of my rabbits (Emett) has E. Cunuculi and Dr. Rich explained everything so that I understand and answered all of my questions. Not only do I feel that the vet care is top tier, but the staff are very friendly and welcoming! I included a picture of one of the staff members giving Emett some love :) Thank you for all that you do!
Mitzi Anne
Jul 27, 2021
This was my baby's 1st Vet visit & it was a great experience. The only problem I had was the lady picking my girls shed, but other than that I have no complaints. With COVID you have to wear a mask & wait in your car until they're ready, but the wait isn't that long. Pics of my bearded dragon Lubanita aka LuLu b/c she's so cute & did so good
Linda Gingrich
Jun 27, 2021
I visited Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital for the first time today. After 20 plus years with the same vet in my hometown I've become increasingly dissatisfied with the service my macaw received there. The 65 minute drive is well worth it. Excellent interaction between my parrot and the vet and his assistant, Annabelle is wonderful. I can't say enough about the complete exam, the beak and nail trim with no seizure, the overall handling of my bird. The price was less than what I have been paying for a much longer exam and a wonderful result.
Gabrielle C.
Feb 24, 2021
Thank you so much to the doctors and staff for saving my bird! My 20 year old cockatiel had to have his wing amputated because of a growth under his wing that was suspected to be cancer. From the 1st emergency visit they kept in contact via text and we're very quick to reply with any questions and concerns. My bird only stayed 1 night with them after surgery. On the 2nd day of being home he was already acting like himself and had already adjusted to having only 1 wing. Me and my bird couldn't be happier with the care and outcome.