Find a small furry vet near you

Guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats and chinchillas need vets who understand small exotic mammals. Find practices near you.

UK practices with confirmed small furry services

What to look for in a small furry vet

Small furry pets, including guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats and chinchillas, have specific health needs that differ from cats and dogs. Guinea pigs, for example, cannot produce their own vitamin C and are prone to dental disease, while ferrets need annual distemper vaccinations.

Anaesthesia in small mammals requires careful dose calculation because of their small body size, and recovery can be unpredictable. A vet experienced with small furries will have appropriate equipment, including small-scale monitoring devices and recovery chambers.

When choosing a practice, ask whether they routinely see your type of pet. Some practices may be experienced with guinea pigs but less familiar with chinchillas or degus. Practices that publish pricing for small furry consultations are more likely to see these species regularly.

Small furry vet FAQs

Small furry consultations are usually priced as exotic animal consultations. Some practices charge less than a standard dog or cat consultation, while others charge the same or slightly more. Compare prices near you using the search above.

Yes. Guinea pigs should have an annual health check, including dental examination. They are prone to dental disease, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), urinary stones and respiratory infections. Regular check-ups help catch these early.

Ferrets in the UK should be vaccinated against canine distemper, which is fatal in ferrets. There is no licensed ferret-specific vaccine in the UK, but vets use an off-label canine vaccine. Annual boosters are recommended.

Neutering is recommended for ferrets (especially females, as unneutered jills can develop fatal aplastic anaemia) and for rabbits. For guinea pigs, neutering males is common if they live with females. Discuss the risks and benefits with your vet.

Any vet can legally treat small mammals, but their small size makes examination and treatment more challenging. Practices that list small furry or exotic services are more likely to have the right equipment and experience for these species.

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