Temporary closure: zoo, exotics and wildlife service
July 3, 2026 — The zoo, exotics and wildlife service will temporarily close from July 22 to Aug. 17 (inclusive).
During this time, the hospital will not be able to offer referral services, regular appointments, triage or emergency services for exotic pets in the Small Animal Clinic. If required, a different service’s clinical team will provide humane euthanasia services for exotic pets.
The VMC apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this temporary service closure. Please see below for information to support you and your pet during the coming weeks.
Medication refills. If you need a refill of your exotic pet’s medication, please contact the VMC before July 20 to arrange for a prescription update. After July 20, any medication refill may take longer to process. Call the Small Animal Clinic reception (306-966-7126) for more information.
Alternative care (exotic pets). If you require veterinary care for your pet from July 22 to Aug. 17, please contact a veterinary clinic in your community. To assist you in your search, here is a partial list of clinics that have confirmed acceptance of avian and/or exotic pets.
- Corman Park Vet Services, Highway 14 West, Saskatoon, Sask. 306-384-7676.
All exotic pets accepted. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., M to F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. - Erindale Animal Hospital, 410 Ludlow St, Saskatoon, Sask. 306-384-2287
Taking most exotic pets. Available after hours. - Evergreen Veterinary Clinic, 1260 Baltzan Road #85, Saskatoon, Sask. 306-664-5353.
All exotic pets accepted. - Orchard Veterinary Clinic, 493 2 Ave. North, Saskatoon, Sask. 306-668-7297
M/W/F during regular business hours. No avian patients accepted. - Warman Small Animal Hospital, 205 Central St. East, Warman, Sask. 306-384-9724.
All exotic pets accepted, regular business hours only, open until 8 p.m on T/W/Th. - Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital, 5255 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton, Alta. 587-735-6677 (please call first). Taking all exotic pets, offering after-hours care.
- Boreal Veterinary Centre, 164 Street NW, Edmonton, Alta. 780-306-4400 (must call in advance). Accepting all types of exotic pets but only true emergencies.
- Paramount 24 Hour Animal Hospital, 5111 Northland Dr. NW, Calgary Alta. 403-300-9111.
Will take all exotic pets, 24-hour service.
Alternative care (wildlife)
As of July 22, the VMC will not be able to accept any wildlife patients. For alternative options, contact:
- Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation (306-281-0554 or LSWR@sasktel.net)
- Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan (306-242-7177 or info@wrsos.org)
The VMC clinical team thanks you for your understanding and support.
About
The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's Zoo, Exotics and Wildlife service provides care for a wide range of animals:
- exotic pets
- zoo animals
- wildlife
Exotic Pets
Our clinical team at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre cares for a variety of small exotic pets including:
- rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils
- hedgehogs
- snakes, lizards and iguanas
- birds
- ferrets
- chinchillas
Wildlife
WEAMS
The Wild and Exotic Animal Medicine Society (WEAMS) is a non-profit organization that’s operated by student volunteers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Members of WEAMS treat injured wildlife — a service that's provided free of charge by the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre.
When concerned citizens bring in ill or injured wildlife to WCVM’s Veterinary Medical Centre, our dedicated members work closely with supervising clinicians to provide care for these special patients. Our goal is to fully rehabilitate all of our patients and to release them in their natural habitat.
Zoo Animals
The WCVM's Zoo, Exotics and Wildlife service provides regular veterinary services to all of the animals at the City of Saskatoon's Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
Avian Influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in multiple provinces in Canada — including Saskatchewan. HPAI is spreading in wild bird populations across the globe and presents a significant national concern as birds migrate to Canada.
If you find an injured or ill wild bird (such as an owl, hawk, eagle, crow, magpie) waterfowl (such as a duck or goose) or water bird (such as a heron or sandpiper), please do not bring the avian species in to the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) building.
Please call the VMC reception team (306-966-7126), and our hospital representative will contact the VMC's zoo, exotics and wildlife service for further instructions.
Click button below to download a copy of the hospital's flyer, "Avian influenza: what you need to know."
Entering the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre
• If you own a pet bird that lives exclusively indoors, you are allowed to bring in your bird to the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre for veterinary care.
• If you own a bird that spends some or all of its time outdoors, do not bring the bird in to the hospital. Leave the bird in your vehicle and please call 306-966-7126 for further instructions.
Our Team
The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's clinical team members are dedicated, compassionate people with specialized training and a diverse range of experiences. In addition to providing our patients with high-quality care and support, we are helping to train Western Canada's next generation of veterinary professionals.
What to Expect
While the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre shares many similarities to other veterinary hospitals, there are some differences that may have an impact on your appointment.
Appointments and Referrals
Animal Owners
Contact us to make an appointment. If you are a new client, please click below to find information about our location, parking and what to expect during your animal's appointment.
Emergency services available 24/7
Emergency services are available for acutely ill or seriously injured animals.