Does Polly need a doctor?

LYNNWOOD — Dr. Jennifer Graham is about as rare as the animals she treats.

The Lynnwood-based exotic pet veterinarian is one of less than 100 board-certified avian pet specialists in the nation, and only three in the state, meaning she can handle just about any bird you put in front of her.

"Birds of a feather flock together," said Dr. Bob Featherston, chief medical officer for Pet’s Choice, a chain of veterinary clinics that runs the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Lynnwood, where Graham has worked since September.

Graham, 28, brought her specialty to Lynnwood after finishing a three-year residency at the University of California at Davis, and serving a couple one-year residencies at other major universities.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

But her treatment doesn’t end with rare birds. She has to be ready for anything, from a ferret to an iguana, and just about anything in between.

"We had an axolotl come in," she said, referring to a salamanderlike amphibian with gills that lives under water. "It ate a bunch of rocks, and basically packed itself full of rocks.

"That’s been the most interesting thing here so far."

Featherston said the clinic was looking for an exotic pet specialist, as the need became greater. As more people move into apartments, they’re turning to smaller pets, such as ferrets, hamsters or birds.

"People who live where they don’t have a backyard are going to other animals. Birds are one of those in a growth pattern," he said. "People get attached to their birds, just like they get attached to other companion pets available for people to associate with."

In addition to treating exotic pets for emergencies, Graham wants to provide regular care, just as pet owners would have for dogs and cats.

"They should be brought in for regular checks," she said. "They’re very good at hiding signs of illness — especially birds, because if they showed they were ill, especially in the wild, they could get eaten."

Also, because many exotic pets are so rare, it’s important for owners to know how to care for them. There is a lot of misinformation about caring for rare pets, even from stores that sell them, Graham said.

"Certain products being sold can cause harm, or even kill an exotic pet," she said. "We can help owners avoid problems with their pet."

Birds, for example, shouldn’t live on an exclusively seed diet, she said. Such a diet can result in malnourishment and premature death.

Most of Graham’s patients, however, will come from referrals from regular veterinarians who might find themselves at a loss for how to treat certain pets.

Graham, from Huntsville, Ala., found her interest early on in veterinary school, when she worked with birds of prey, including eagles, hawks and owls. When she found there weren’t many specialists in that area, she decided to pursue it.

"It’s always been something I’ve been interested in, because it’s not the same thing over and over," she said. "You never know what’s going to walk through the door next. It’s exciting every day."

And she certainly is excited. Featherston, a general practitioner, focusing mostly on dogs and cats, said Graham impressed him right away. As part of the interview, every candidate was required to make a presentation relating to treating exotic pets.

"Hers was on dentistry in rabbits, and I can tell you, there’s not much that sounds less interesting to me than that," he said. "But she even got me excited about dentistry in rabbits. That’s a reach, I’ll tell you."

Reporter Victor Balta: 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

‘No Kings’ rallies draw thousands to Everett and throughout Snohomish County

Demonstrations were held nationwide to protest what organizers say is overreach by President Donald Trump and his administration.

Police Cmdr. Scott King answers questions about the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace approves Flock camera system after public pushback

The council approved the $54,000 license plate camera system agreement by a vote of 5-2.

Cascadia College Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Midori Sakura looks in the surrounding trees for wildlife at the North Creek Wetlands on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Cascadia College ecology students teach about the importance of wetlands

To wrap up the term, students took family and friends on a guided tour of the North Creek wetlands.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen goes through an informational slideshow about the current budget situation in Edmonds during a roundtable event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor recommends $19M levy lid lift for November

The city’s biennial budget assumed a $6 million levy lid lift. The final levy amount is up to the City Council.

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Snohomish County property owners can prepare for wildfire season

Clean your roofs, gutters and flammable material while completing a 5-foot-buffer around your house.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

Marysville is planning a new indoor sports facility, 350 apartments and a sizable hotel east of Ebey Waterfront Park. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New report shifts outlook of $25M Marysville sports complex

A report found a conceptual 100,000-square-foot sports complex may require public investment to pencil out.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County Board of Health looking to fill vacancy

The county is accepting applications until the board seat is filled.

A recently finished log jam is visible along the Pilchuck River as a helicopter hovers in the distance to pick up a tree for another log jam up river on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Granite Falls, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tulalip Tribes and DNR team up on salmon restoration project along the Pilchuck River

Tulalip Tribes and the state Department of Natural Resources are creating 30 log jams on the Upper Pilchuck River for salmon habitat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.