Laurie Hess, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Hess is 1 of approximately 100 board-certified avian specialists worldwide. After graduating from Yale University, she earned her veterinary degree at Tufts University and completed a 1-year internship and 2-year residency in avian/exotic pet medicine at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York, New York. She was cohead of the Avian & Exotic Pet Service at the AMC, and opened the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics in Westchester County, New York. She also serves as the lead specialty (exotic) pet veterinarian for pet product retailer Chewy. Hess is the author of Unlikely Companions: The Adventures of an Exotic Animal Doctor–a memoir about life as an exotic animal veterinarian, and an active member of several veterinary professional organizations.