Looking for a Vet Near Burbank? We're About 15 Minutes Away

Finding a vet in the greater LA area who sees exotic pets isn't always straightforward. Most general practice clinics have stopped seeing rabbits, reptiles, and birds — or never did in the first place. If you're in Burbank and looking for a vet who can actually see your rabbit, bearded dragon, parrot, or guinea pig, South Pasadena Animal Hospital is one of the closer options.

We're at 3116 W Main St in Alhambra — typically about 15–20 minutes from Burbank depending on traffic. We see a wide range of exotic pets alongside dogs and cats, and our focus on exotic animal medicine is something that's genuinely hard to find in this area.

What we see

We see a wide range of animals at our Alhambra clinic. For exotic pets specifically:

• Rabbits — wellness exams, GI stasis, dental disease, spay/neuter, URI treatment, and more. Rabbits are one of the most commonly seen exotic species at our clinic.
• Guinea pigs — dental assessment, respiratory infections, skin problems, vitamin C deficiency-related issues, urinary concerns
• Chinchillas, degus, ferrets — general exams and illness workups for these less-commonly-seen species
• Hamsters and rats — wellness exams, wet tail, tumors, respiratory infections, dental issues
• Birds — parrots, cockatiels, parakeets/budgies, lovebirds, finches, canaries. Feather issues, respiratory disease, egg-laying problems, annual wellness exams
• Reptiles — bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, blue-tongued skinks, ball pythons, corn snakes, tortoises, red-eared sliders, and other species
• Hedgehogs — wellness exams and illness evaluation

SPAH is now accepting new patients — dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Whether you're coming from Burbank for a rabbit wellness exam or a dog dental cleaning, you're welcome to book.

Why the drive is worth it for exotic pet owners

There's a real shortage of vets in the LA area who have significant experience with exotic species. General practice vets will sometimes see a rabbit or a bearded dragon — but there's a difference between occasionally seeing one and routinely seeing them. We've seen enough GI stasis cases in rabbits, enough metabolic bone disease in reptiles, and enough respiratory disease in birds that patterns are familiar. That familiarity matters when something is wrong with your pet.

A lot of our exotic pet clients come from a significant distance — Pasadena, Glendale, Highland Park, Arcadia, and yes, Burbank. When finding the right care means a 20-minute drive, that's usually a reasonable trade-off. Exotic pets have fewer options, and making that drive once or twice a year for wellness care is worth it.

What to expect at a first visit

For a new exotic pet, the first visit is primarily a wellness exam — checking body weight, eyes, teeth, coat or feather condition, hydration, abdomen, and overall body condition score. We'll also go over husbandry: housing, temperature, diet, lighting (for reptiles). The majority of chronic health issues in exotic pets trace back to husbandry, so this conversation matters.

If there's an illness or concern, we'll start with a physical exam and go from there. Bloodwork, X-rays, and other diagnostics are available. For rabbit emergencies — especially GI stasis (a serious and fast-moving condition) — we prioritize getting them seen quickly.

How to book

You can book an exotic pet appointment through our contact page or directly via our online booking portal. If you have a question about whether we see your specific species, call us at (626) 441-1314 — we're happy to answer before you make the trip.

See our pricing page for visit fee information. We try to be transparent about costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Getting here from Burbank

The most direct route from Burbank is south on the 2 Freeway to the 210, then west to the 710, and south to Alhambra — or take surface streets via Colorado Blvd. We're right off Main Street in central Alhambra, with parking available. The drive is typically 15–20 minutes during off-peak hours, or 25–30 during peak commute times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an exotic vet near Burbank?

South Pasadena Animal Hospital in Alhambra is one of the closer options — about 15–20 minutes from Burbank. We see a wide range of exotic species and focus significantly on exotic animal medicine.

What exotic animals do you see?

Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, hamsters, rats, birds (parrots, cockatiels, budgies, finches), reptiles (bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, corn snakes, tortoises), and hedgehogs. If you have a species not on this list, call us to confirm.

Do I need a referral?

No referral needed for exotic pets. Book directly through our online portal or by calling (626) 441-1314.

Are you accepting new clients from Burbank?

Yes — we are now accepting new clients from Burbank and surrounding areas, including dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Book online or call (626) 441-1314.