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Tender Loving Care

Animal Hospital

Online Pharmacy

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(815) 235-1401

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  • Small Mammals >
  • Pocket Pets

various small mammals

You’ve heard of a pocket watch, but what about a pocket pet? That’s right, a pocket pet is a small, furry little pet that can fit straight in your pocket! The pets that fall into this category are animals like rats, hamsters, hedgehogs, gerbils, and their slighter larger counterparts such as chinchillas, or guinea pigs. While these pets may not require daily walks or get excited about belly rubs, they’re still fun and unique animals. 

Before you decide to go out and purchase a pocket pet, it’s important that you know what type of living arrangement it needs, what it eats, if it needs exercise, and what type of veterinary care may be necessary. Each of the tiny pets listed above should be cared for just as traditional pets. To learn more about each of these pocket pets, read the articles below.

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  • "I have taken my fur babies to Tender Loving Care Dr. Heitzman for over 12 years now and won't go anywhere but! Dr. Heitzman and staff have ALWAYS been so caring, gentle and compassionate with my animals as if they were their own! Not only putting animals health first, but listening to my concerns as pet owner. Every concern or question is addressed with the utmost compassion, even silly questions are answered with the same sincere care! Thank You Dr. Heitzman and staff for your compassion, concern and truly caring for my babies as you have from day one many years ago and continuing thru the present to the future!!!!"
    Colleen M
  • "Dr. Heitzman and his staff are so wonderful and caring! They understand that our furry friends mean so much to us. They listen and care about what we tell them. To me and my four legged friends they are truly the best around! Thank you so much!"
    Melissa C.
  • "Super Vet...calm, caring and conscientious! Office staff are efficient and courteous."
    JoLique P.
  • "This is the place to take your pet! I love that when I call them, say who I am, they remember me and my dog. Dr. Heitzman is wonderful and I totally trust him in the care of my furry baby. He also took care of both of my cats before they passed away. I won't take my pet any where else."
    Amy P.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

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  • September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

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  • Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

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  • August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems

    Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health? ...

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  • August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety

    Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help. ...

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  • July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet

    Is daycare right for your pet? ...

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  • July Newsletter: Do Pocket Pets Need Regular Exams?

    How often should you take your pocket pet to the veterinarian? ...

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  • June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases

    Could X-rays protect your pet oral health? ...

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  • June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

    Do you know how often your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for vaccinations? ...

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  • May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight

    Do you know how to help you cat maintain the ideal weight? ...

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