NORTHEAST TALLAHASSEE, FL — TALLAHASSEE - Tallahassee is welcoming a new addition to its animal care community with the opening of a private veterinary hospital inside the PetSmart on Capital Circle Northeast. The long-abandoned Banfield space has been transformed into one of the only veterinary practices in the city dedicated to exotic, wildlife, and specialty animal care.
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Tallahassee pet owners are excited about the new facility, which expands local access to advanced veterinary services for animals that often require highly specialized treatment.
"I'm really excited about this coming to our community. I think it's great," Bella E., a Tallahassee resident, said.
Her excitement reflects a growing need in the city, especially for pet owners who don’t fit the traditional dog-and-cat mold.
Dr. Cesar Mena, Owner of PetSmart Veterinary Services, says families with exotic pets or wildlife often have limited options, forcing many to delay care or travel out of town.
"Sometimes pet owners have to try to figure out a remedy online or go without care altogether, and in some cases, their pets don't make it," Dr. Mena said.
The need is significant, according to data compiled by ZipDo Education Reports, exotic pet-related veterinarian visits have increased by 30% over the last five years, a growing demand for specialized care that Dr. Mena says he is already seeing firsthand.
"Since opening, about half of the pets we’ve seen have been exotic animals. We’re seeing hamsters, tarantulas, reptiles, and birds," Dr. Mena said.
As part of PetSmart Veterinary Services, veterinarians have the opportunity to fully own and operate their practice while still receiving support from the PetSmart team.
Independent owners retain complete autonomy over how their hospital is run.
Dr. Mena made sure his facility would serve everything from household pets to animals that previously had nowhere to go.
"My goal is to have an all-in-one, under-one-roof practice. We do exotics, dogs, cats, you name it, we do it," Dr. Mena said.
For pet owners, that means less stress and more peace of mind.
"I think good vets are important, and quality veterinary care really matters. I have two cats," Bella E. said.
With the opening of this hospital, Dr. Mena says he hopes Tallahassee gains a much-needed resource for exotic, wildlife, and specialty animal care, strengthening the city’s ability to meet the diverse needs of pets and their families.
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