CARE is an avian, reptile and exotic veterinary practice in Klapmuts, Western Cape.

At CARE, we work with patients whose needs are often more specialised, subtle and species-dependent. Birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents and other exotic companion animals do not always show illness in obvious ways. Their care requires careful history-taking, appropriate handling, clinical observation and an understanding of the environment they live in.

Our consultations are guided by the patient’s species, behaviour, diet, housing, recent changes and clinical findings. Depending on the case, care may include examination, diagnostic testing, treatment planning, surgery, hospital support or follow-up guidance.

CARE was developed around the clinical needs of avian, reptile and exotic patients.

Our practice includes facilities and equipment used in the care of these species, including digital radiography, ultrasonography, microscopy, electrosurgery, endoscopy, exotic animal ventilators, anaesthetic monitoring and support equipment, fluid pumps, syringe pumps and dental machinery.

For exotic patients, the clinical environment matters. The size of the patient, the species, the stress response, the anaesthetic risk and the housing requirements all influence how care is planned.

That is why our approach is practical and patient-specific. We consider the animal in front of us, the owner’s observations, the clinical findings and the next most appropriate step.

Dr de Beer qualified with a BVSc (Hons) from the University of Queensland. He later worked at The Unusual Pet Vets in Perth, a busy avian and exotic-only veterinary clinic, and completed examinations to become a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Avian Health.

His work is focused on birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, mice and other exotic companion animals. This focus shapes how we consult, handle, investigate and treat our patients at CARE.

Dr de Beer is registered with the South African Veterinary Council and is publicly listed with the Association of Avian Veterinarians. In 2019, he was named South African Young Vet of the Year by the South African Veterinary Association.

His professional background also includes contribution to the wider exotic animal veterinary field, including veterinary publishing contexts where he has been listed as Head of Service, Centre for Avian, Reptiles and Exotics, Klapmuts, South Africa.

Exotic animal care often begins before the examination.

A clear patient history helps us understand what has changed. Details about diet, enclosure setup, lighting, temperature, humidity, supplements, medication, appetite, droppings and behaviour can all be clinically useful.

Our role is to assess the patient carefully, explain the findings clearly and guide the next steps in a practical way.

We do not treat birds, reptiles and exotic animals as unusual versions of cats and dogs. Each species has its own anatomy, behaviour, risks and care requirements.

That is why species-specific veterinary care matters.