Avian Veterinarians I Recommend

Good veterinary care is an essential part of supporting our parrots throughout their lives. Parrots are remarkably good at concealing illness, and changes that appear to be behavioral sometimes have an underlying medical component.

Not all veterinarians who treat birds have the same depth of avian experience. I recommend veterinarians based on my experience with them over many years, the experiences of clients whose birds they have treated, their knowledge of avian medicine, their approach to handling birds, their clinical judgment, and the quality of care they provide.

Evergreen Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital: Kirkland and University Place

Evergreen is one of the practices I recommend most often. Dr. James Boutette and his team have extensive experience with parrots and other avian species. I particularly value their clinical judgment, thoughtful approach to diagnostics, and attention to minimizing unnecessary stress for the bird. Boarding is available for established clients' birds at the Kirkland location only.

Dr. Bridget Ferguson, Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Ferguson is a board-certified avian veterinarian with an extensive background in avian medicine. Her work includes companion parrots, wild birds, and parrots living in private sanctuaries. That breadth of experience gives her an unusually broad perspective on avian health and behavior. No boarding available.

Dr. Kristin Gill, BluePearl, Tacoma

Dr. Gill is another veterinarian I recommend for avian care in the Puget Sound region. She practices at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tacoma and has extensive experience treating parrots and other birds. I value her knowledge of avian medicine, clinical judgment, and approach to caring for her avian patients. No boarding available.

Choosing an Avian Veterinarian

Credentials matter, but they are not the only consideration. I look for a veterinarian who:

Has substantial experience specifically with birds.
Handles birds competently while minimizing restraint and stress.
Takes time to observe the bird and perform a careful physical examination.
Recommends diagnostic testing based on the bird's history, symptoms, examination, and the possible causes of the problem.
Explains why tests, medications, and procedures are being recommended.
Clearly explains any examination procedures involving sedation or anesthesia, including why they are being recommended and their potential risks, benefits and alternatives, before proceeding. I strongly recommend asking about sedation or anesthesia before your bird's examination and requesting this information before giving consent.
Recognizes when a bird's condition requires specialized or emergency care.
Respects the person who lives with the bird as an important source of information.

If you already have an avian veterinarian you trust and a good relationship with, I am not suggesting that you change veterinarians simply because that doctor is not listed here. These are the veterinarians and practices I am comfortable recommending based on my professional experience and the experiences of clients whose birds they have treated.

If you are looking for an avian veterinarian, I am always happy to help you find appropriate care for your bird.