Avian, Exotic and Pocket Pet Care
Owning an exotic pet is no small responsibility. There are many challenges that come with owning a less conventional pet and they need comprehensive care from a qualified veterinarian to remain happy and healthy.
Lange Animal Hospital is proud to continue our care of exotic / pockets pets with board-certified veterinarian, Richie Burdeaux, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian) and associate veterinarian, Melinda Shumpert, DVM.
Dr. Richie and Dr. Shumpert bring considerable experience with exotics to our clients—including:
- Permitted** wildlife (racoons, foxes, squirrel ducks)
- Birds (parrots, passerines, poultry, ducks, doves)
- Most primates**
- Rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, prairie dogs, chinchillas)
- Small Mammals/Pocket Pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets)
- Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles)
- Amphibians (frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders)
- Pigs
- Exotic Cats (bobcats, servals, and caracals)
- Kinkajous (Honey Bears)
- Coati/Coatimundis
**Any species requiring a permit must present the permit at time of service (wildlife and some primates).
Exotic Animal Care Services
Exotic pets require lifelong care just like any other pet. The services we can provide include:
- Annual wellness care including physical exams, routine blood work and vaccinations as recommended
- Species-specific grooming
- Dental care for small mammals
- Species-specific laboratory testing
- Consultations for adoption, behavior, diet, and husbandry
- Emergency care (during regular business hours)
- Hospitalization in an exotics-only ward
- Advanced imaging including digital x-ray and ultrasound
Looking for a skilled veterinarian to treat your avian / exotic pet?
Our Exotic Pet Care Team
Richie Burdeaux, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian)
Education: University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2012; Board-certified bird specialist by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP - Avian Practice) and completed a residency with avian and exotic pets.
Pets: Peaches (Moluccan cockatoo), Sophie (Double yellow-headed Amazon parrot), Athena (dog), and two horses.
Hobbies: Hiking, cooking, gardening, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Most rewarding part of your career: Building relationships with my clients and making the world a better place for their pets.
Favorite comfort food: Pizza and chocolate.
Three things you love: Jesus, my family, the outdoors.
Melinda Shumpert, DVM
Education: Graduated University of Tennessee CVM in 2004.
Family: I am married to my wonderful and supportive husband, Berry. We have three beautiful daughters - Naomi, Mikayla, and Lydia.
Pets: None currently. Yes, I am a vet with no pets! My husband and children have allergies to dogs and cats, so we have fish.
Favorite comfort food: chicken and dumplings, mint chocolate chip ice cream and dark chocolate.
Three things I love:
- The Lord, Jesus Christ and serving in my local church
- My family and spending time with them.
- The beach
Fun Fact: I was born in Ohio but have lived and practiced veterinary medicine in 5 states— Miami, FL; Surfside Beach, SC; West Lafayette, IN; Los Angeles, CA; Knoxville, TN. I have lived in the South more than anywhere else and now proclaim myself a Southerner.
Hobbies: gardening, baking, reading, exercise and fitness, and supporting my children’s activities.
Most rewarding part of my career: I find great joy in building relationships with clients and ministering to my patients throughout their entire lives.
