Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals

Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals (SMHSM), located at 45 Portland Rd #10, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA, stands as a unique and invaluable resource in the veterinary landscape of Maine. It is distinguished as Maine's first general practice exclusively dedicated to the care of exotic companion mammals. You can reach them by phone at (207) 535-9330 or +1 207-535-9330. Since its opening in October 2023, SMHSM has rapidly built a reputation for its specialized expertise and compassionate approach to treating a wide variety of small companion mammals.

The Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals is situated in the Shoppers Village Shopping Center on Route 1 in Kennebunk, offering an accessible location for pet owners. While specific details about the interior design or eco-friendly initiatives are not widely publicized, the clinic is clearly designed to cater to the specific needs of small mammals. Customer reviews consistently highlight a "beautiful, welcoming space" and describe the environment as one where small pets are "spoiled rotten and given so much attention." The staff's interaction, where they "always obsessing over my buns whenever I bring them in," speaks to a warm, attentive, and pet-friendly atmosphere. The hospital's focus on small mammals likely means the facility is thoughtfully arranged to minimize stress for these often-nervous patients, with appropriate housing, quiet areas, and specialized equipment. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, by appointment only, ensuring dedicated time for each patient and reducing wait times.

Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals offers a comprehensive range of veterinary services tailored specifically for exotic companion mammals. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of species, including but not limited to: rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and degus. Their specialized services include:

• Healthy Pet Checkups: A cornerstone of their practice, these involve comprehensive, nose-to-tail physical examinations. Dr. Ford works with owners to determine the most appropriate annual or alternative checkup schedules based on the pet's age and medical condition.

• Routine Procedures: Dr. Ford has extensive experience with common procedures for exotic companion mammals, including spaying and neutering. They prioritize patient comfort and safety, particularly during the post-operative period.

• Rabbit and Rodent Dental Procedures: Recognizing the unique dental challenges faced by rabbits and rodents due to their continuously growing teeth, Dr. Ford has received advanced training in this area. They have extensive experience in working with various dental abnormalities specific to these species.

• Advanced Surgeries: Beyond routine procedures, SMHSM is equipped to perform more complex surgeries, including growth removals, amputations, cystotomies, and enucleations, demonstrating a high level of surgical capability for small mammals.

• Diagnostics: The hospital is equipped with in-house diagnostic tools, including X-ray (digital radiography), ultrasound, hematology, blood chemistries, and urinalysis. These tools allow for rapid and accurate diagnosis of internal issues.

• Consultations: They provide expert consultations for specific concerns and offer referrals to board-certified specialists when necessary, ensuring pets receive the most appropriate and advanced care.

• Vaccinations: SMHSM offers vaccinations, including the crucial vaccination for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2), which is vital for rabbit health in the region.

• Patient Resources & Care Guides: The clinic provides valuable resources and care sheets for owners, empowering them with knowledge to better care for their unique pets.

Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals stands out for several key features that make it a premier choice for owners of exotic companion mammals:

• Exclusive Specialization: This is their most significant feature. SMHSM is Maine's first and only general practice exclusively dedicated to exotic companion mammals. This specialization means the veterinarians and staff possess a depth of knowledge and experience with these species that is rarely found in general practices primarily focusing on dogs and cats. They truly are "small animal experts and lovers," as one review states.

• Expert and Passionate Veterinarian (Dr. Matthew Ford): Dr. Matthew Ford, the owner and veterinarian, graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and has 17 years of experience in Maine veterinary practice. After a decade as owner and medical director of a large companion animal practice, he opened SMHSM to focus solely on his passion for exotic mammals, which began when he got his first rabbit in college. He is affectionately known as an "intense bunny guy" and is consistently praised in reviews for being "kind and knowledgeable," "so caring towards these animals," and "extremely knowledgeable."

• Deep Understanding of the Human-Animal Bond with Small Mammals: Customer reviews repeatedly highlight the clinic's understanding and respect for the unique bond owners share with their small pets. One client explicitly states, "Finding a vet who cares, respects and understands that bond can be difficult. SMHSM got us in... The Dr Ford was kind and knowledgeable and I feel very comfortable choosing them as my new vet for my rabbits." This empathetic approach is a major comfort to owners of these often-misunderstood pets.

• Compassionate and Attentive Staff: The entire team receives consistent praise for being "absolutely wonderful," "kind, knowledgeable, and truly seemed to love what they do," and "very welcoming and always obsessing over my buns." This creates a truly positive and reassuring experience for both pets and their owners.

• Rapid Appointment Availability: The ability to get an appointment "the very next day after calling" indicates a commitment to timely care, which is crucial for often fragile small mammals.

• Partnership with Animal Welfare Society (AWS): SMHSM has partnered with AWS in Kennebunk to provide a voucher for a FREE wellness exam and nail trim for every small, exotic mammal adopted from AWS. This initiative promotes responsible pet ownership and ensures newly adopted pets receive immediate, specialized care.

Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals actively promotes itself as the go-to destination for specialized care for exotic companion mammals in Maine. They emphasize their unique position as the state's first dedicated hospital for these pets, filling a crucial gap in veterinary services. Their promotional message revolves around the deep expertise and passion of Dr. Matthew Ford and his team, highlighting their commitment to providing the highest quality of care with profound compassion and respect for the human-animal bond. They invite owners of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and other small mammals to experience the difference that specialized knowledge and dedicated attention can make. Testimonials are a powerful promotional tool, showcasing the positive experiences of clients whose pets have received excellent care, from routine checkups to complex surgeries, and whose emotional connection to their pets was fully understood and respected. The partnership with the Animal Welfare Society further reinforces their community involvement and commitment to the welfare of small animals. For anyone seeking a veterinary practice that truly understands and cherishes their unique small pet, SMHSM presents itself as the definitive choice for expert, compassionate, and specialized care in Southern Maine.