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At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we offer experienced and thoughtful snakes care for owners across Sacramento, Fair Oaks, and surrounding Northern California communities. Whether you’re caring for ball pythons, corn snakes, garter snakes, or king snakes, our team provides guidance and medical support tailored to your specific snake species.
We understand the complex needs of reptiles and offer preventive care, health screenings, and treatment for common problems like shedding issues, appetite loss, and internal and external parasites. From young owners with a new snake to long-time herpetology enthusiasts, we’re here to help keep your pet snake healthy and thriving.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Snakes are often seen as low-maintenance pets, but they have specific environmental, nutritional, and health requirements that must be met for long-term well-being. A healthy snake needs the right enclosure setup, consistent feeding routines, and routine veterinary checkups.
Key aspects of snake care include:
Proper heat regulation using safe heat sources – different snake species have different body temperatures to support digestion and immune function
Controlled humidity levels and clean enclosures to support skin health and shedding
A safe habitat that allows your snake to stretch fully (often several feet long)
Feeding schedules based on species, age, and weight – most snakes do well with frozen-thawed prey, offered at regular intervals
Minimizing contact with other reptiles to avoid stress and disease transmission
If your snake stops eating, shows poor shed quality, or becomes inactive, it may be time to contact a snake vet for a wellness exam.
With most snakes, proper care starts with understanding their natural habitat and behavior. Each snake species has its own requirements for humidity, enclosure size, and preferred diet. At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we help owners across Fair Oaks and Northern California navigate the specific needs of pet snakes, from beginner-friendly species to more advanced reptiles.
Common species we care for include:
Ball pythons – known for being docile and relatively low maintenance
Corn snakes – ideal for first-time owners due to their manageable size and temperament
King snakes – hardy and adaptable, but require specific enclosure security due to their strength
These snakes vary in length from under 3 feet to over 5 foot long, and each one may require different temperatures or habitat setups to thrive. A healthy snake maintains regular feeding habits, sheds completely, and responds to handling without aggression. Any sudden change in behavior, feeding, or appearance may point to internal and external parasites or other hidden concerns.
If you’ve recently adopted a new snake or need help identifying proper care practices for a specific snake species, our team is here to support your journey. We also provide guidance on housing other reptiles in proximity and how to reduce risks from external parasites, improper body temperature regulation, or environmental stress.
Like all reptiles, snakes can suffer from a range of preventable or manageable conditions. Our team is trained to diagnose and treat issues unique to snakes, including:
External parasites like mites and ticks can cause irritation and stress
Internal parasites, such as worms or protozoa, may cause weight loss or lethargy
Incomplete or irregular shedding due to improper humidity or temperature
Burns or injuries from unsafe heat sources or rough handling
Digestive issues are tied to improper feeding or enclosure temperature
If you notice the following signs – swelling, refusal to eat, visible skin irritation, or unusual behavior – schedule a visit. We take great care in evaluating reptile species and providing safe, species-specific treatments.
My dog Aurora had mouth cancer. I found out and had such little time to schedule her surgery because it was so aggressive. I was referred to Dr. Sam by a friend. I live in Santa Barbara and made the trip up to Sacramento. I am still impressed how well everything went! She had to have almost half of her jaw removed. She is cancer free and looking amazing! Back to her puppy self. First picture is only 2 months after surgery! 2nd and 3rd are the day of. Dr. Sam saved my baby
- Hannah N.This Clinic would not hesitate to go beyond to help your pet. Our boy’s doctor Tyler is an amazing doctor and we are blessed to have him. Diamond was very ill needed emergency treatment /surgery and he received excellent care. We are so thankful for all the doctors surgeons did for our baby.
- Yliana T.Dr. Sam and the team went above and beyond to ensure my pet's safety and recovery. Highly recommended!
- Lisa P.I drove 95 miles to have Dr. Sam at Broadway Vet perform surgery on my kitten. The hospitality and professionalism demonstrated by the entire staff was second to none and I will be a return customer for all my future veterinary needs! My kitty bounced back so quickly because Dr. Sam is an expert in his field and knew just what needed to be done. Highly recommend Broadway Veterinary Hospital! Thanks, Dr. Sam!
- Madison G.Comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet’s health and happiness, delivered by our experienced medical team.
Our experienced veterinarians provide many surgical services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures.
Our skilled team delivers comprehensive medical care, equipped to handle everything from routine visits to complex conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Regular wellness exams and vaccinations are essential to your pet’s long-term health. Our comprehensive wellness programs include:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
Our team at Broadway Veterinary Hospital provides expert care for exotic pets and reptiles, including many snake species commonly kept as companions in Sacramento and beyond. Whether you’re raising garter snakes, king snakes, or ball pythons, we’re here to help ensure proper husbandry and early detection of health concerns.
We offer a calm and supportive environment for exams, working carefully to minimize stress during handling. From new owners learning the basics of snake care to seasoned keepers with advanced habitat setups, our goal is to offer reliable, knowledgeable care every step of the way.
Call 916-446-6154 or use our contact form to schedule
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Urgent Care: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Urgent Care: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
*Holidays and staff training may affect these hours