Most veterinary clinics will see a rabbit — but few have the hands-on experience to catch the subtle signs that something is wrong. Rabbits hide illness until it's serious. They have specific dental needs, a fragile digestive system, and a temperature tolerance that requires extra attention in Pasadena's hot summers. South Pasadena Animal Hospital sees rabbits regularly, and we bring genuine rabbit-focused clinical knowledge to every visit.
House rabbit owners from across Pasadena make the short drive down the 110 to a clinic that sees rabbits every week.
Pasadena has a substantial house rabbit community — in the craftsman bungalows of Bungalow Heaven National Historic District, in the apartments along Fair Oaks Ave near PCC, in graduate student housing off Wilson Ave and California Blvd near Caltech, and in the family homes around Victory Park and Sierra Madre Blvd. Many of these rabbits came home from the Pasadena Humane Society on East Foothill Boulevard. Their owners are thoughtful, engaged pet parents who want genuine veterinary support — not just an annual weigh-in from a clinic that sees two rabbits a year.
That's where SPAH comes in. Dr. Gina Navia has particular interest in exotic and small mammal medicine. We've built a practice that takes rabbit health seriously — from the dental checks that most clinics skip, to the GI assessments that catch early motility problems before they become emergencies.
We're also realistic with our clients: rabbits require more veterinary attention than most first-time owners realize, and we'd rather have that conversation early than have someone come in after a preventable crisis.
⚠️ Pasadena Summer Heat Warning for Rabbit Owners: Rabbits can develop heat stroke at temperatures above 80–85°F — far lower than most people realize. Pasadena regularly exceeds 100°F in summer. If your rabbit's living area does not have reliable air conditioning, this is a serious health risk. We discuss cooling strategies and heat emergency signs at every warm-season wellness visit.
These are the most common reasons Pasadena rabbit owners visit SPAH — and the conditions we're most attentive to at every wellness visit.
When a rabbit's digestive system slows or stops, it can become life-threatening within hours. Early signs include fewer or smaller droppings, loss of appetite, sitting hunched, or tooth grinding. If you see any of these, contact us the same day — do not wait overnight to see if it improves on its own.
Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their life. Without proper hay intake and normal wear patterns, molars can develop sharp spurs that cut into the tongue and cheeks — causing pain that prevents eating. Many rabbits hide dental pain extremely well. We check molar alignment and wear at every exam.
Unspayed female rabbits have a very high lifetime risk of uterine cancer. It's one of the most common and most preventable serious health conditions in domestic rabbits. We strongly recommend spaying female rabbits around 4–6 months of age, before the risk begins to climb significantly.
Rabbits don't pant or sweat effectively. In Pasadena's summer heat, even indoor temperatures in an un-air-conditioned room can be dangerous. Signs include rapid breathing, wet nose, lethargy, or lying on their side. This is an emergency. Contact a vet immediately.
Annual (or twice-yearly for rabbits 5+) physical exam: weight, teeth, gut sounds, eyes, ears, coat, and husbandry review.
Assessment of incisors and back molars for spurs, malocclusion, and root problems. X-rays when indicated.
Spaying removes the risk of uterine cancer in females. Neutering reduces territorial behavior in males. Recommended at 4–6 months.
Gut sounds auscultation, radiographs when needed, and treatment for GI motility problems including stasis.
In-house diagnostics to assess kidney function, liver health, and general organ status — especially important in senior rabbits.
Diet, hay intake, housing, temperature management, and enrichment — particularly relevant for Pasadena's summer climate.
Take the 110 (Arroyo Seco Parkway) south and exit at Meridian Ave. We're at 3116 W Main St in Alhambra — about 10 minutes from central Pasadena, 12 minutes from Caltech. Free street parking directly in front of the clinic.
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Closed for lunch 1–2 PM daily.
From Pasadena rabbit owners we see regularly.
Yes. Rabbits and small exotic mammals are a regular part of our practice. Dr. Gina Navia has particular interest in exotic and small mammal care. We see rabbits for wellness exams, dental disease, GI stasis, spay/neuter, and other conditions specific to rabbit health — not as occasional patients, but consistently.
Rabbits are extremely sensitive to heat and can develop heat stroke at temperatures above 80–85°F — far lower than most people expect. Pasadena regularly exceeds 100°F in summer. Homes without reliable air conditioning can become dangerous for rabbits during heat waves. We discuss cooling strategies and heat emergency signs at every warm-season wellness visit.
GI stasis is when a rabbit's digestive tract slows down or stops. Signs include reduced or absent fecal droppings, not eating, a hunched posture, grinding teeth, or a distended abdomen. GI stasis can become life-threatening within hours. If you notice these signs, contact a vet the same day — do not wait to see if it improves on its own.
We strongly recommend it. Unspayed female rabbits have a very high lifetime risk of uterine cancer — it's one of the most common preventable health problems we see in intact female rabbits. Spaying removes this risk — we literally remove the organ it originates from. The procedure is typically recommended around 4–6 months of age with proper anesthetic protocol.
About 10 minutes via the 110 (Arroyo Seco Parkway) heading south. Exit at Meridian Ave in Alhambra and turn right onto W Main St. We're at 3116 with free street parking directly in front — no garages, no meters.
Book online or call (626) 441-1314. Please note in your booking that you're bringing a rabbit so we can prepare appropriately. New rabbit patients are always welcome.
10 minutes down the 110. Rabbit-experienced team. GI stasis taken seriously. Published pricing.
3116 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm (closed 1–2pm)