Dr. Jay Johnson

Exotic Veterinarian Dr. Jay Johnson

Hi, I am Dr. Jay Johnson, a co-founder of Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, the Valley’s first hospital devoted exclusively to the care of exotic pets.

As a boy growing up in Tucson, I was fascinated with exotic pets, especially reptiles. I kept a variety of these unusual pets throughout my childhood including snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, tarantulas, rabbits, a cockatoo, pygmy goats, as well as more traditional pets like dogs and horses.

I don’t remember exactly when I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian but I never remember wanting to be anything else. I received my Bachelor’s degree in veterinary sciences from the University of Arizona in 1992 and went on to veterinary school at Colorado State University where I graduated with my DVM degree in 1996.

During veterinary school I was involved in a variety of research projects with exotics pets and wildlife. I did a lot of work with Siberian polecats that were being studied as models for the care of the endangered North American black-footed ferret. As these are closely related to the domestic ferret, I was able to learn quite a lot that I apply whenever I care for a pet ferret. I also did a lot of research with Sonoran desert tortoises. One of the projects I worked on developed the dose for an antibiotic clarithromycin that is commonly used to treat desert tortoises with upper respiratory disease caused by mycoplasmosis. I worked for Arizona Game and Fish for a while examining the health of some wild populations of tortoises and continue to be an active adviser to different projects of desert tortoise conservation work.

I became active with the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians after school. I served on the board for many years and became President of the organization 2005-2006. I continue to serve as a peer review editor for the association’s scientific publication, the Journal of Herpetological Medicine.

I’ve lectured at many continuing education conferences for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. I really enjoy helping other professionals learn how to provide quality medicine and care to reptiles. I also enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge by writing and I have published in many journals and books on exotic pet and reptile medicine and surgery.

I currently reside in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains on the far east side of the Phoenix Metro area. My family and I share our home with over 50 exotic pets.

Our Hospital

We are the largest complete care hospital in Arizona that restricts its practice to exotic pets!

Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital

is located a few blocks north of downtown Main Street in Mesa at 744 N. Center Street. We are within a 45 minute drive of most of the Valley via the 202, 101 or 60 (outside of rush hour!). Although the majority of our clients come from Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Ahwatukee, we have clients devoted to their pets who travel from as far away as Kingman, Flagstaff, Sedona, Casa Grande, and even Kanab, Utah!

Our goal is to provide the highest quality veterinary care for your exotic pet in surroundings devoted to its well-being.

Contact Us
Address – Click Here for a Map.

744 N. Center Street
Mesa AZ 85201

Phone: (480) 275-7017
Fax: (480) 284-5045
Email:

Appointment Hours
(Drop-off appointments can be scheduled before these times. Please call for availability.)

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