LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET

For pet owners in the New York area, particularly those in Westchester County and beyond, finding a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals is a unique and often critical need. While dogs and cats have a wide network of dedicated professionals, birds, reptiles, and small mammals require a very specific set of skills and knowledge. LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET, located in Bedford Hills, stands out as a highly specialized practice dedicated exclusively to the care of these non-traditional companions. This is more than just a pet store or a general vet clinic; it is a specialized center for exotic animal health, offering a range of services from medical care to grooming and supplies.

The practice is owned and operated by Dr. Laurie Hess, a renowned and board-certified avian specialist. Her dedication to exotic animals is at the core of the business, which serves as a vital resource for New York pet owners. The clinic is designed to be a one-stop-shop for exotic pet care, combining the expertise of a specialty veterinarian with the convenience of a pet supply store and grooming service. This integrated approach ensures that pet owners can access the full spectrum of services needed to maintain the health and happiness of their unique animals.

However, as with any highly specialized service, it is important for prospective clients to understand the clinic's model and services clearly. This overview will detail the location, the specific services offered, and what makes this practice a compelling option for exotic pet owners in the region, while also providing a factual look at customer experiences to help you make an informed decision.

Location and Accessibility

LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET is located at 709 Bedford Rd, Bedford Hills, NY 10507, USA. This location makes it a key resource for residents in Westchester County and the surrounding areas. Its presence on a major road, Bedford Road, allows for easy navigation for clients traveling from different parts of New York.

The practice is committed to accessibility, ensuring that all clients can access their services with ease. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These accommodations demonstrate a consideration for the needs of all pet owners, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Given the specialized nature of the practice, appointments are recommended to ensure that a qualified exotic animal veterinarian is available to see your pet. This planning helps to streamline the experience and ensures that your animal receives the proper attention and care it needs, without unnecessary waiting.

Services Offered

As a specialized practice, LAURIE HESS DVM focuses on providing a full suite of services tailored to the unique needs of exotic pets.

• Veterinary Care: The primary service is specialized veterinary medicine for birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals. This includes routine check-ups, diagnostics, and advanced medical care.
• Pet Grooming: They offer grooming services specifically designed for exotic animals.
• Bird and Pet Supply Store: The location also functions as a pet supply store, providing products that are essential for the health and well-being of exotic pets.

Features / Highlights

LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET has several key features that set it apart for pet owners in New York.

• Specialized Expertise: The practice is led by Dr. Laurie Hess, a board-certified avian specialist and a well-known expert in exotic animal medicine. Her extensive knowledge and experience are a major asset for pet owners with unique animal companions.
• Knowledgeable Staff: A review from a client with a Bearded Dragon highlighted the staff's "super knowledgeable" approach and the "top quality vets." This expertise is crucial for the care of animals that require a high degree of specialized attention.
• Comprehensive Care for Exotic Animals: The clinic’s focus exclusively on birds and exotics means they have the equipment, knowledge, and experience necessary to provide in-depth care that a general practice might not be able to offer.
• Women-Owned Business: The business identifies as women-owned, which can be a point of pride for clients who wish to support female entrepreneurship.

Contact Information

LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET
709 Bedford Rd, Bedford Hills, NY 10507, USA
Phone: (914) 864-1414

What is worth choosing

Choosing LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET is a decision best made by considering the clinic's specialized strengths and weaknesses. For pet owners with exotic animals, this practice can be a godsend. The positive experience shared by the owner of a Bearded Dragon is a powerful testament to the clinic’s value. The client was "extremely happy" with the care provided, praising the staff's knowledge and attentiveness. This kind of specialized, high-quality care is what exotic pet owners need and often struggle to find. The fact that they were "ready for us" and had "top quality vets" highlights their professionalism and expertise in this niche field.

However, it is crucial to also consider the challenges a different client faced, which provides a more nuanced picture of the services. This client noted that there is no "reliable after-hours emergency service" and that they had issues with the answering service. More critically, they were told that there was no avian veterinarian in the office on a Monday for an emergency with their parrot, and that a trainee "proceeded to try to build up the bill with tests that would serve no purpose." This experience is a significant concern, especially for pets that can go from stable to critical very quickly. The review highlights that while the clinic has top-tier specialists, they may not always be available, and the after-hours emergency system may be unreliable. This is a vital piece of information for pet owners, particularly those with fragile animals like birds, who may need urgent care.

In conclusion, LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET is worth choosing for its highly specialized expertise and in-depth knowledge of exotic animals, which is a rare and valuable asset in the New York area. For routine visits, preventive care, and scheduled procedures for your exotic pet, the clinic provides exceptional service. The knowledgeable and caring staff, as seen in the positive reviews, can make a significant difference in your pet's life. However, it is essential for pet owners to understand the limitations of the clinic's emergency services and to have a backup plan in case of an after-hours emergency. This transparency allows pet owners to make a fully informed decision, balancing the benefits of specialized expertise with the necessity of reliable emergency care for their beloved companions.

LAURIE HESS DVM - EXOTIC PET VET

709 Bedford Rd, Bedford Hills, NY 10507, USA