Kristin Valdes, DVM
Every pet owner has questions— and that’s a good thing. The more you ask, the better pet owner you’ll be. Our expert staff is always here for you.
Meet the Vet
Now get even more information from our Ask the Vet feature! Meet Kristin Valdes, DVM, of Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital. She’s got the answers you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.
IMPORTANT — If you have immediate health concerns about your pet, contact your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital. The Animal Store Blog posts occasional questions to and answers from one of our favorite vets. This column is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered a substitute for regular veterinary care for your pet.
Bird Enrichment
Here at The Animal Store, we love birds. If you love birds, then you'll love this video by veterinarian Dr. Laurie Hess. She explains how you can provide bird enrichment by encouraging natural foraging behavior, which is key to its health and wellbeing. Bird Enrichment Opportunities Providing plenty of bird enrichment opportunities will keep your pet happy and healthy. And keeping your bird busy will also minimize negative behaviors, like [...]
Ask the vet … are reptiles scary?
by Dr. Kristin Valdes Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital Some may call them cute Others are a little wary. Don’t be afraid, though, Reptiles aren’t that scary! Happy October! Did you know that October 21 is Reptile Awareness [...]
Fall is for Ferret
OK, we're about a week early (fall officially starts Tuesday, September 22), but we're really excited about ferrets. So excited, in fact, that for every ferret we sell between now and October 8, The Animal [...]
Ask the Vet … about Hamsters
Russian Dwarf hamster* You asked: What should I know about adopting a hamster? Answer: Dwarf hamsters are solitary or social; Syrian hamsters are solitary Syrian hamsters and Chinese hamsters, unlike chinchillas, are solitary pets. Syrian hamsters [...]
Ask the Vet … about Adopting Chinchillas
You asked: What should I know about adopting a chinchilla? Answer: Chinchillas are social. We highly recommend the book Behavior of Exotic Pets by Valarie V. Tynes as a way to begin to understand any [...]
Ask the Vet … about Bunnies!
Welcome to Ask the Vet, a new regular feature here on The Animal Store Blog. We have teamed up with the great veterinarians at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, who will answer your most pressing pet questions [...]
Now You Can Ask the Vet
Every pet owner has questions. Lots and lots of questions. And that's a good thing. The more questions you ask, the better you will be able to care for your pet. Our expert staff [...]
