About Dr. Mike | Mike's Clinic Veterinary Care

Our Story

About Mike's Clinic — More Than Just a Vet

Mike's Clinic was built on a single, unwavering belief: that every animal — from a golden retriever to a ball python — deserves the same caliber of compassionate, evidence-based medical care. Here's the story of how we got here, what drives us every day, and what makes our clinic different.

Mike's Clinic opened its doors in 2013 in a modest two-room space on the east side of Austin, Texas. Dr. Mike had just completed his residency in exotic animal medicine and returned to the city where he grew up with one goal: build a veterinary practice that would treat every species — not just the common ones. Those early days were scrappy. Dr. Mike cleaned the kennels himself, answered phones between appointments, and once drove 40 miles after closing to pick up a sick bearded dragon whose owner had no way to transport it.

Word spread quickly. Austin's pet-owning community — known for its love of all creatures, not just the conventional ones — responded enthusiastically. Within 18 months, the clinic had a waitlist. In 2015, we relocated to our current 4,200 sq. ft. facility on Paw Print Blvd, adding two surgical suites, an in-house laboratory, digital radiology, and a dedicated exotic species ward. Today, Mike's Clinic is one of Austin's most trusted multi-species veterinary practices, with a team of five veterinary professionals and a caseload of over 3,500 active patients.

But size and statistics don't define us — our culture does. We have always believed that a veterinary clinic should feel like a place where both pets and their people feel safe, heard, and respected. That belief has shaped every decision we've made, from how we train our team to how we design our waiting room.

Our Journey

A Decade of Growth & Milestones

2013

Doors Open

Mike's Clinic launches in a 900 sq. ft. space in East Austin with Dr. Mike, one technician, and a vision to serve every species.

2015

New Facility & Lab

We move into our current 4,200 sq. ft. building, adding surgical suites, in-house diagnostics, and a dedicated exotic ward.

2017

Fear Free Certification

The entire clinical team completes Fear Free certification, cementing our commitment to low-stress, anxiety-free veterinary visits.

2019

Wildlife Rehab Partnership

We formalize our partnership with Austin Wildlife Rescue, providing veterinary evaluations and medical clearances for injured native animals.

2021

1,000th Reptile Patient

We celebrate treating our 1,000th reptile patient — a milestone that reflects Austin's growing community of exotic pet enthusiasts.

2024

3,500+ Active Patients

Mike's Clinic reaches 3,500 active patients across 20+ species, earning a 4.9-star average rating and recognition as Austin's top exotic vet.

What Drives Us

The Pillars of Our Practice

🐾

Species-Inclusive Care

We refuse to turn away a patient because of their species. Dogs, cats, reptiles, wildlife — all receive our full attention and expertise.

🔬

Science-Led Decisions

Every treatment we recommend is grounded in peer-reviewed veterinary medicine. We pursue continuing education constantly so our patients benefit from the latest breakthroughs.

💬

Radical Transparency

You will always know what we recommend, why we recommend it, and what it costs — before anything happens. No surprises, no pressure.

🤍

Emotional Intelligence

Pets are family. We train our team to support pet owners emotionally, especially during difficult diagnoses or end-of-life decisions.

🌱

Environmental Stewardship

We use eco-conscious supplies, minimize single-use plastics in our clinic, and support conservation organizations working to protect wild habitats.

📚

Education & Empowerment

A well-informed pet owner is a pet's best defense. We invest time in every visit to help you understand your animal's needs at home, not just in the clinic.

Our Facility

Built for Every Kind of Patient

Our 4,200 sq. ft. clinic on Paw Print Blvd was purpose-designed to handle the full spectrum of veterinary care — from a routine puppy vaccine to a complex reptile surgery. We've invested heavily in equipment that most clinics would refer out, because we believe your pet deserves answers here, today, not a week from now at a specialist across town.

We also understand that a clinic's environment matters. Our waiting area is thoughtfully divided into separate zones for dogs, cats, and exotic species — reducing stress for every patient before they even reach the exam room. Our exam rooms are stocked with species-appropriate handling equipment, and our surgical suites are maintained to the same sterility standards as human operating theaters.

✓ Two fully equipped surgical suites
✓ In-house hematology & chemistry lab
✓ Digital X-ray & portable ultrasound
✓ Dedicated exotic species ward with climate control
✓ Separate dog, cat & exotic waiting zones
✓ Online booking, digital records & e-prescriptions
✓ Accessible parking & ground-floor entry

Community & Giving Back

🏕️

Austin Wildlife Rescue Partner

We provide pro-bono veterinary evaluations for injured native wildlife brought to Austin Wildlife Rescue, helping injured animals return to the wild.

🎓

Student Externship Program

Each year we host veterinary students from Texas A&M for hands-on externships, giving the next generation of vets real-world exotic species experience.

🐕

Free Wellness Days

Twice a year we partner with local shelters to offer free wellness exams and core vaccinations for newly adopted pets within their first 30 days of adoption.

📣

Public Education Workshops

Dr. Mike hosts quarterly workshops at Austin Community Library covering topics like reptile husbandry, exotic pet nutrition, and recognizing signs of illness in unusual species.

Hi, I'm Dr. Mike — Your Pet's Best Friend

12 Years of Caring for Every Kind of Pet