Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet - Keeping Rabbits
Rabbit-experienced veterinarians across the US & Canada
Why Rabbit-Experienced Vets Matter
Rabbits are classified as exotic pets, which means they have unique physiological needs that differ dramatically from dogs and cats. A vet who primarily treats companion dogs and cats may lack the specific knowledge needed to properly diagnose and treat rabbit conditions.
Rabbits are prey animals, which means they instinctively hide signs of illness — a survival mechanism that can make early detection of health problems challenging. A vet experienced with rabbits knows what subtle signs to look for and understands:
- Rabbit-specific anesthesia protocols and pain management
- Proper medication dosages (some dog/cat medications are toxic to rabbits)
- Dental anatomy and common malocclusion issues
- Gastrointestinal physiology and stasis treatment
- Reproductive health and spay/neuter considerations
About Our Vet Database
This directory was compiled and is regularly reviewed by Janie M. Scott, an experienced rabbit owner and rabbit care writer with decades of hands-on experience caring for rabbits across all life stages — from young kits to seniors — and through a variety of health situations including GI stasis, dental disease, bonding, and chronic condition management.
Our database currently includes 426 rabbit-experienced veterinarians across all 50 US states and Canada. Vets are added based on recommendations from rabbit owners, rescue organizations, and verified veterinary listings. We cross-reference submissions with resources from the House Rabbit Society and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians to ensure quality.
How We Verify Vets
Keeping Rabbits is not a veterinary practice. Our vet directory is a community-maintained resource, not a referral service. Before visiting any listed vet, we strongly recommend:
- Calling ahead to confirm the clinic currently sees rabbits and accepts new patients
- Asking how many rabbits they see per year and what rabbit-specific continuing education they've completed
- Verifying their exotic-animal credentials directly with the clinic
Vet listings are added after review by our editorial team but are not independently audited. This directory is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your rabbit's health.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Keeping Rabbits is a rabbit care community resource — we are not veterinarians. Rabbits can deteriorate rapidly due to their fast metabolism; if you believe your rabbit is experiencing a medical emergency, contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.
Last reviewed by Janie M. Scott —
Know a Rabbit-Savvy Vet?
If you have a veterinarian recommendation, we'd love to hear from you. Help us grow this directory to support more rabbit owners find the care their pets deserve.
Submit a Vet Recommendation →Veterinarian Directory
These veterinarians have been recommended by rabbit owners and rescue organizations. Select a state below to see the listings for that area.
Find a rabbit-savvy vet near you
Start typing a city, zip code, or clinic name above — or pick a state from the dropdown to browse our directory of 426 rabbit-experienced veterinarians across the US & Canada.
Results will appear here as soon as you begin.
Disclaimer: This directory is provided as a starting point. We recommend calling ahead to confirm current services, pricing, and rabbit experience. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Always verify your vet's credentials and comfort level with rabbits before scheduling.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Vet
Experience & Credentials
- How many rabbits do you see annually?
- Do you have any rabbit-specific continuing education?
- Who do you refer to if my rabbit needs specialized care?
Medical Capabilities
- Do you perform rabbit spays and neuters?
- What is your protocol for GI stasis?
- Do you have experience with rabbit dental procedures?
- What pain medications do you use for rabbits?
Emergency & Logistics
- Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
- What happens if my rabbit needs emergency care after hours?
- Do you have an in-house laboratory or do you send samples out?
What to Look For in a Rabbit Vet
Willingness to Answer Questions
A good rabbit vet is happy to explain things and take time to address your concerns.
Gentle Handling
Staff should be comfortable and calm with rabbits, handling them with care.
Rabbit-Aware Facility
Ideally no loud dogs in the waiting room, and separate areas for exotic pets.
Up-to-Date Knowledge
They should be familiar with current rabbit veterinary guidelines and best practices.
Transparent Pricing
Willing to provide estimates before procedures and discuss costs openly.
Additional Resources
House Rabbit Society
Maintains a database of rabbit-savvy veterinarians across the United States.
Search Vet Directory →Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
Search for specialists at aemv.org.
Find a Specialist →Rabbit Rescue Referrals
Local rabbit rescues often have trusted vet recommendations.
Contact Us for Local Resources →What to Expect at a Rabbit-Savvy Vet Visit
The Initial Exam
A thorough rabbit wellness exam should include:
- Weighing — Tracking weight trends is important for early problem detection
- Dental examination — Checking incisors and molars for overgrowth or spurs
- Palpation — Feeling the abdomen for signs of GI issues or masses
- Eye and ear inspection — Checking for discharge, infection, or parasites
- Heart and lung evaluation — Using a rabbit-appropriate stethoscope
- Nail trim — Most vets include this or offer it for a small fee
Questions the Vet Should Ask
A good rabbit vet will want to know about:
- Your rabbit's diet — type and amount of hay, pellets, vegetables
- Water consumption and urination habits
- Poop quality and frequency (yes, really!)
- Activity level and behavior changes
- Any recent stress or environmental changes
Building a Relationship
Schedule regular wellness visits (at least annually, ideally twice yearly for rabbits over 5 years). This helps your vet establish a baseline for your rabbit and catch problems early. Bring a fresh stool sample to each visit — it can help with parasite detection.
Emergency Warning Signs
Rabbits can deteriorate rapidly due to their fast metabolism. Know the warning signs and be prepared before an emergency happens.
Not eating
Refusing food for more than 12 hours is an emergency
No droppings
Not producing droppings for 24+ hours
GI stasis
Distended abdomen, loud gurgling stomach, lethargy
Difficulty breathing
Open-mouth breathing, wheezing, nasal discharge
Seizures or collapse
Any loss of consciousness
Bleeding
Any uncontrolled bleeding
Acute bloat
Hard, distended stomach, signs of pain
Critical Warning
If your rabbit is breathing with mouth open, this is a critical emergency. Get to a vet immediately — this can quickly become fatal.
Urgent — See a Vet Within 24 Hours
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Eye problems — discharge, cloudiness, bulging
- Head tilt (wry neck)
- Skin wounds or sores
- Sudden behavior changes
- Significant weight loss
Be Prepared: Emergency Kit
Transport
- Hard-sided carrier sized for your rabbit
- Blanket or towel for bedding
Feeding
- 1ml and 3ml syringes
- Critical Care formula powder
Warmth
- Microwaveable heating pad
- Battery-operated heat source
Documents
- Recent photos of your rabbit
- Vet records and medical history
Have a Vet Recommendation?
If you know of a rabbit-savvy veterinarian in Texas not listed here, let us know. We want to grow this directory to help more rabbit owners find the care their pets deserve.
Submit a Recommendation