For Pet's Sake - The Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital of Atlanta

The only veterinary hospital in Georgia
devoted solely to avian and exotic
animal species.

(404) 248 - 8977

About Us
The history of For Pet's Sake spans over 20 years. Recognizing a need for professional avian and exotic animal care, Dr. Mimi Shepherd started For Pet's Sake in 1987 as a house-call service. From day one, she saw only avian and exotic animals. In 1990, Dr. Shepherd opened the doors to the avian and exotic animal hospital; which has seen a variety of domestic animals and wildlife come thru the door, including a mountain lion, fox, peacock, and raccoons. The states Dr. Shepherd's clients come from are also varied - with clients coming from Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.	What Our Clients Say: "Thanks so much for taking wonderful care of Louie!" --Brandy
With a busy schedule and new practice under her wing, Dr. Shepherd received her Diplomate ABVP (Avian) status in 1995. This board certification meant that Dr. Shepherd had demonstrated by the certification process that she is capable of providing a level of clinical practice that is clearly superior to the norm of the profession. In 1996 Dr. Shepherd hired vet student Jason Hutcheson as her assistant while he attended UGA. Dr. Jason was a fresh face and avid herp lover. Dr. Jason brought with him a love of everything reptiles. In 2001 Dr. Shepherd hired Dr. Jason Hutcheson full-time. In 2006 Dr. Shepherd sold the practice to Dr. Jason Hutcheson. Dr. Shepherd continues to work at For Pet's Sake as the only avian certified veterinarian inside the perimeter working in private practice. One thing that has not changed is the feel. For Pet's Sake is still the best small-town feel for board certified professional care for your avian and exotic pets.

Our Veterinarians
	Mimi Shepherd, associate veterinarian, graduated from Florida State University in 1975 earning a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics. After working at the Food and Drug Administration for a few years, she attended the University of Georgia; earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. In 1999, she obtained Diplomate (Avian) status of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). Dr. Shepherd is one of only 112 veterinarians in the United States certified in avian medicine. Dr. Shepherd lives with a flock of small birds, three dogs, and one tortoise.
	Jason Hutcheson, hospital owner, earned a BS in Biology from Georgia Southern University in 1994. He then obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1998. He worked at For Pet’s Sake while attending vet school and joined the veterinary staff full time in 2001. He lives with four dogs, two birds, and several snakes.

Veterinary Technicians and Staff of For Pet's Sake

Sonja - Veterinary Assistant	Melissa - Veterinary Assistant	Stacy - Retail Manager
Janelle - Head Veterinary Technician (LVT)	Anthony - Hospital Owner and Practice Manager	Debbie - Receptionist

For Pet's Sake veterinarians are active members of the following organizations:
Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)	Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV)	Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)	Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA)	American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American Federation of Aviculture (AFA)	Cobb County Veterinary Medical Association	Georgia Cage Bird Society

© 2008 Avian Veterinary Services of Georgia, Inc., All rights reserved.
Last modified: 05/23/08