Avian and Exotics Center of Nashville

THANK GOD FOR DR. RAY & STAFF! Being a vet, tech myself, I am a bit critical of service given to owner and care given to the patient. My parrot has been to a few different vets and this is by far the best care he has received. A very thorough exam of my little boy and a huge education lesson for myself. I am so beyond happy that I finally took my parrot Crimson to an avian specialist. Dr. Ray thoroughly explained so much in great detail and her staff echoed the words and was able to help me understand what I needed to do to get my little boy back healthy again. Beyond appreciative and relieved that he finally has a top notch clinic to go to for care.

Meet our bird, Chico. He has bornavirus and PDD, and let me just tell you—he’s a handful, but we love him to pieces. Chico is silly, goofy, smart, and just an overall handsome little character. Unfortunately, the past few months have been tough with his bornavirus symptoms and PDD flare-ups, but Dr. Ray has been nothing short of incredible in helping him through it. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a last-minute emergency visit late at night, Dr. Ray has always been there for Chico. Time and time again, she’s gone above and beyond to make sure our boy is taken care of, and we are endlessly thankful for her expertise, compassion, and dedication. On top of it all, our baby boy absolutely loves Dr. Ray cuddles, which just shows how safe and cared for he feels. We couldn’t ask for a better veterinarian for our feathered family member.

She's saved my leopard geckos life! She was kind and non judgmental and thorough without racking up the bill. While it wasnt cheap, I felt like it was VERY appropriate for the extensive care she provided my baby. She could guess his movements before he even did them. And she treated him like he mattered, instead of "just a lizard". Talked to him like I do, called him by his name, and the staff called me "fynn's mommy". That may not mean much to some people. But the amount of comfort it gave me was priceless. I know any reptile i bring to them will be well cared for.

Dr Ray and the staff here are always professional and very caring. They have helped with my geckos multiple times and have always done their best and supported me while going through any issue. This is a great place to bring your Exotics for help and check ups.

In the thick of the most recent winter storm, I was in a panic worried about my beardie as we were going into day 5 of no power. I called around to find a reptile vet that would offer me some advice on what I could do to ensure he would make it until our power was back on. I reached out and left a message for Dr. Ray, and within a couple hours, she returned my call. She offered me some pointers, eased my worries and was genuinely so nice. I will now make sure she is my vet of choice the next time my beardie or budgie needs vet care. Thanks so much, Dr. Ray

Our bearded dragon Scales has been a patient of Dr. Ray’s since he was a baby, and he is THRIVING. Dr. Ray has a patient, gentle, and kind bedside (kennel-side?) manner. She has consistently helped us manage Scale’s health, and subsequently avoid the health issues commonly seen in bearded dragons. He is a beautiful healthy beardie, and we are grateful to Dr. Ray and everyone at Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville!!

I’m writing this with a heavy heart and a lot of frustration. I called this clinic the night before an emergency visit for my exotic pet. I’m not a member, but I left a message anyway, hoping they’d show basic compassion. To their credit, someone did call me back at 8:02 AM—right when they opened. I was told they were booked for the day, but they might be able to fit me in on an emergency schedule. I said yes, absolutely, I’d pay whatever was needed. She said she’d check with the doctor and let me know. She never called back. No follow-up, no update, no "we’re sorry, we can’t help." Nothing. I waited. My pet waited. We were both in distress. It’s now a full day later. If you market yourself as a clinic that sees exotics and claims to care about emergency cases, then follow through. Or at least have the decency to communicate when you can’t. This silence wasn’t just unprofessional—it was cruel. Fortunately, the wonderful people at Priest Lake Vet did step up. They got me in at 5 PM the same day, showed compassion, and gave my pet the care he desperately needed.