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Exotic pets

Medicine, surgery and behavioural disorders in exotic pets

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Exotic pets
Dr Lemmens

Dr. Nathalie Lemmens

Dr. Lemmens (Liège, 1993) has been an exclusive exotic pet consultant since 2009. She was the vet at Pairi Daiza wildlife park for 8 years. Since 1998, and still to this day, she has been the reference vet at the wildlife centre in Anderlecht.

To share her passion for exotic pets, Dr. Lemmens gives numerous lectures and training sessions in Belgium and France.

She also completed a training in parrot behaviour with the CAJV centre and is currently completing a university diploma in veterinary zoopsychiatry in Lyon.

Dr. Lemmens is available by appointment for your exotic animals at the VET&GO centre in Woluwe every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Autres animaux de compagnie

What are exotic pets?

Exotic pets are animal species other than dogs and cats. We find among others:

  • Small mammals: Rabbit, Ferret and small rodents (Guinea pig, Hamster, Gerbil, Rat, Mouse, Chinchilla, Octodon)
  • Birds: Chicken, Songbirds, Budgerigar, Parrot
  • Reptiles: Tortoise, Snake, Chameleon, Gecko, Bearded dragon
  • Amphibians: Frog, Axolotl
  • Fish: Goldfish, Koi carp
Chicken hospitalisation

The hospitalisation of exotic pets

The hospitalisation of exotic pets requires specific equipment due to their great fragility. This includes heated and well-ventilated cages for small mammals, perches for birds and incubators for reptiles.

The VET&GO centre in Woluwe is fully equipped to ensure the hospitalisation of your exotic pets in the best possible conditions.

Parrot Disease Feather

Behavioural disorders in birds

Behavioural disorders are common in birds, especially when they lack attention or stimulation. These disorders can manifest through the following behaviours: feather plucking, self-mutilation, aggression, screaming, etc.

Thanks to her training in zoopsychiatry and avian behaviour, Dr. Lemmens is at your disposal for behavioural consultations tailored to birds.

Do you have any other questions?

All the information you need can be found here.

Exotic pets have specific needs in terms of care, diet and environment. A vet specialising in exotic pets, such as Dr. Nathalie Lemmens, has the expertise needed to diagnose and treat issues specific to these species, whether mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians.

Signs of illness in exotic pets vary by species, but may include loss of appetite, decreased activity, behavioural changes, breathing difficulties, or physical abnormalities such as injuries or loss of fur/feathers. It is essential to consult a vet at the first signs of concern.

Before coming to the VET&GO centre with your exotic pet, make sure to transport it in a safe and species-appropriate environment (ventilated transport cage for birds, suitable box for reptiles, etc.). It is advisable to bring notes on its eating habits, behaviour and any observed symptoms.

The VET&GO centre offers a full range of care for exotic pets, including routine consultations, surgical care, emergency treatments, and hospitalisation services tailored to the specific needs of each species. Behavioural consultations are also available for birds displaying disorders.

The hospitalisation of exotic pets requires specific facilities, such as heated cages for small mammals, perches for birds, and incubators for reptiles. The VET&GO centre has all this equipment to guarantee a safe and suitable environment for your pet during its stay.

Behavioural disorders in birds can often be prevented by providing them with a stimulating environment, regular interactions, and toys to keep them entertained. A lack of attention can lead to unwanted behaviours such as feather plucking or aggression. A consultation with Dr. Lemmens can help you identify and correct these problems.

During a behavioural consultation, Dr. Lemmens will analyse the bird's environment, its eating habits, its interactions with its owner and any stress factors. Based on the findings, a personalised plan will be proposed to improve the bird's wellbeing and correct unwanted behaviours.

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