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34 Pet owners who welcome dogs and cats into their family always want to do what is best for them, whether we are talking about giving them love and attention, offering forms of exercise or providing them with the best care. When a situation arises, they can also breathe easier knowing that if a health or wellness issue presents itself, the doctors, specialists and technicians at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in South Weymouth can provide the best care for their loved one. Thankfully, people who give a loving home to exotic animals can now find the same level of expertise when taking care of their pet. That, in large part, is due to the newest veterinarian to join the staff at VCA South Shore, Dr. Amber Lee, who will head up the avian and exotic animal department. "Dr. Bernstein (Medical Director at VCA South Shore) envisioned a full-service hospital offering all of the major specialty services," said Dr. Lee, when discussing the new avian and exotic animal department. "With such an increase in popularity with these sorts of pets, people are truly showing the same level of dedication, care and commitment with exotic animals as those who have dogs and cats. The demographic and culture is changing. Pets are family. This has long been the case with dogs and cats, but now that trend is also shifting to the exotic animal owners as well." Growing up in Australia, Dr. Lee's passion for these animals stemmed from an early age, when she helped raise cockatiels and parrots. After attending the University of Melbourne, she did her internship and residency work in Indianapolis before coming to Massachusetts. As she had also worked at a VCA specialty hospital in Indiana during her internship, she knew that she wanted to remain in that great work environment. She said that it is very attractive to work with so many great doctors and other specialists within the same building. "It is great to have everything in one spot," said Dr. Lee. "My goal is to have all of the staff at VCA South Shore comfortable when treating the exotics. Being able to consult with all of the specialists to provide an integrated medicine approach will only benefit these animals. Since I just started here in December, this may be a relatively new concept for many people, but I am more than happy to serve as a resource for the community." Dr. Lee said that she is happily available to advise clients on the possibility of adopting or rescuing an exotic animal, whether that be a parrot, rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla, lizard, snake, turtle, tortoise, backyard chicken or various other possibilities. "Some of the information that you may find on the internet is not always accurate," she warns. "We at VCA South Shore are trying to provide accurate information and appropriate advice for clients. I have resources available, including information on husbandry, diet, how often to come in for a visit and many other topics. I also encourage people to make an appointment to discuss a potential purchase of by Rob Kelley, photography by Susan Hagstrom "My goal is to have all of the staff at VCA South Shore comfortable when treating the exotics." - Dr. Amber Lee VCA South Shore in Weymouth is Shifting Toward an Exciting – and Exotic – New Trend