Call before you drive. An exotic animal veterinarian is not on duty at every hour in every hospital. Tell the team the species and the problem, and ask whether they can see your pet now or which hospital can.
Emergency hospitals that see exotic pets near Columbia
VEG Columbia
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group6630a Marie Curie Drive, Columbia, MD 21075Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 20263.6 miles(410) 690-7170Emergency Animal Hospital of Ellicott City
Open now · 24/710270 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042Exotic petsEmergency surgeryWalk-insCareCreditScratchpayWhat the hospital says: “We care for dogs, cats, and a wide range of exotic pets including reptiles, birds, small mammals, and aquatic species.”
Verified November 4, 20265.5 miles(410) 750-1177VEG Pikesville
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group1858 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202615 miles(410) 793-4910VEG H Street
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group925 H Street Northeast #5, H Street, DC 20002Exotic petsBlood transfusionWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202622 miles(202) 794-8002VEG Georgetown
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group2311 M Street Northwest, Georgetown, DC 20037Exotic petsEmergency surgeryWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202623 miles(202) 524-9199VEG Falls Church
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group7500 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043Exotic petsBlood transfusionWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202628 miles(571) 730-6880VEG Alexandria
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group4525 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304Exotic petsWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202630 miles(571) 899-4360VEG Leesburg
Open now · 24/7Veterinary Emergency Group516 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176Exotic petsCT or MRIWalk-insWhat the hospital says: “VEG is skilled to handle emergency care for avians, reptiles, and all types of exotic pets.”
Verified November 4, 202637 miles(703) 687-6287
Listed only where the hospital's own website says it treats exotic species; the quote shows the wording. Distances are straight-line from the center of Columbia. For dogs and cats, see all emergency vets in Columbia.
While you travel
- Birds: keep the bird warm (a covered carrier in a warm car) and quiet; do not offer food or water if it is weak or breathing with effort.
- Rabbits: a rabbit that stops eating or passing droppings for 12 hours needs the same-day attention of a veterinarian.
- Reptiles: transport in a secure, ventilated container at the animal's normal temperature range; avoid overheating in the car.
Poison emergencies
If you think your pet swallowed something toxic
Call one of the two national animal poison lines while you get ready to leave. Both are staffed by veterinary toxicology specialists around the clock; expect a consultation fee per case.
ASPCA (888) 426-4435 Helpline (855) 764-7661
Numbers checked on the official ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline sites, November 2026. What to do while you call. Dose calculators: chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, ibuprofen.