Avian, Exotic & Small Animal Care

Specialized Care for the Smaller Members of Your Family

Not every companion has four paws.

Parrots, parakeets, small mammals, reptiles, and other unique companion animals have routines and care requirements that can be very different from traditional dog and cat care.

Paws & Pasture Care by Sharon provides personalized in-home care for a variety of avian, exotic, and small companion animals, allowing them to remain in their familiar environment while you're away.

Companion Birds

Care may be available for a variety of companion birds, including:

  • Parrots

  • African greys

  • Macaws

  • Cockatoos

  • Conures

  • Ring-necked parakeets

  • Parakeets and budgies

  • Cockatiels

  • Lovebirds

  • Finches

  • Canaries

  • Other appropriate companion bird species

Every bird is different, particularly when it comes to handling and social interaction.

Before care begins, we'll discuss your bird's normal routine, diet, personality, handling preferences, flight status, enclosure security, enrichment, and any behaviors I should know about.

Avian Care

Depending on your bird and established routine, care may include:

  • Fresh food and water

  • Owner-prepared or provided diets

  • Cage or enclosure checks

  • Basic cage-area cleanup

  • Liner changes

  • Enrichment and approved toys

  • Social interaction when appropriate

  • Owner-directed supplements

  • Basic medication support when appropriate and arranged in advance

  • General visual wellness observations

Interaction is always based on the individual bird's comfort level and normal handling routine.

I will not force handling or remove a bird from its enclosure when doing so would create an unnecessary safety or escape risk.

Small Companion Animals

Care may also be available for small mammals such as:

  • Hamsters

  • Guinea pigs

  • Gerbils

  • Mice

  • Rats

  • Rabbits

  • Other appropriate small companion animals

Care is based on the animal's established feeding, watering, enclosure, enrichment, and handling routine.

Reptiles & Other Exotic Companions

Certain reptiles and other exotic companion animals may also be considered, including:

  • Lizards

  • Geckos

  • Bearded dragons

  • Tortoises and turtles

  • Other appropriate reptiles and exotic companion animals

Because exotic species can have highly specialized environmental, feeding, and handling requirements, care is considered individually.

We'll discuss your animal's enclosure, temperature and lighting routine, feeding requirements, handling, and other essential care instructions before booking.

Feeding Requirements

Some avian and exotic animals require specialized diets or feeding routines.

Owners are responsible for providing appropriate food, supplements, equipment, and clear instructions for the duration of service.

Any specialized feeding requirements — particularly those involving live prey, unusual preparation, or specialized handling — should be discussed before booking so I can determine whether they can safely be accommodated.

Their Environment Matters

For many exotic pets, maintaining the proper environment is just as important as feeding.

During scheduled visits, I can follow your established routine for appropriate enclosure checks and owner-provided equipment.

If specialized equipment fails or an enclosure condition appears abnormal, I will contact you or your designated emergency contact according to the care plan established before your trip.

Individual Personalities & Safe Handling

A social parrot, shy rabbit, territorial hamster, and bearded dragon obviously don't require the same approach.

Please disclose any known:

  • Biting or aggressive behavior

  • Escape tendencies

  • Handling restrictions

  • Medical concerns

  • Specialized feeding requirements

  • Environmental requirements

  • Stress behaviors

  • Other safety considerations

Care and interaction will be adjusted to the individual animal and their normal routine.

Going Away?

Avian, Exotic & Small Animal Care can be provided on its own or incorporated into a larger vacation-care plan.

If your household includes dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, or small animals, tell me about everyone when requesting your quote so we can build the most appropriate care arrangement for the entire household.

Custom Care for Unique Companions

Because care requirements vary significantly by species, services are custom quoted based on factors such as:

  • Species and number of animals

  • Visit frequency and length

  • Feeding requirements

  • Enclosure-care responsibilities

  • Handling requirements

  • Specialized routines

  • Travel distance

  • Length and frequency of service

Tell Me About Your Companion

Tell me what kind of animal you have, their normal routine, enclosure and feeding requirements, and the type of care you'll need.

If you aren't sure whether I provide care for your particular species, just ask.

REQUEST A CUSTOM QUOTE