`
 
 
 

 Our Practice

Maine’s first general practice for exotic companion mammals!

Some cat and dog practices are willing to see exotic pets but are only able to offer a limited menu of services. We are the opposite—we exclusively see exotic pets so we are uniquely well suited to meet their needs!

 
 
 
 

 Meet Our Team

 
Featured
Matthew Ford, DVM · Owner
Matthew Ford, DVM · Owner

Dr. Ford graduated from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing in Maine for 17 years. Dr. Ford spent ten years as the owner and medical director of Scarborough Animal Hospital, a large four-doctor companion animal practice. During his time at SAH, Dr. Ford practiced top quality cat and dog medicine while also working hard to develop relationships with exotic animal owners, breeders and rescuers both locally and regionally. In 2023, Dr. Ford is very excited to build on this work with his next venture, a hospital exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of exotic companion mammals. Dr. Ford got his first rabbit in college and has been a “crazy bunny guy” ever since, so he is delighted to have the opportunity to meet the needs of this underserved population!

 
Featured
Amy Ford · Practice Manager
Amy Ford · Practice Manager

Practice Manager Amy received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Middlebury College. She has more than twenty years of recruiting, human resources and business management experience, including seven years at IDEXX Laboratories and eight years as the practice manager of Scarborough Animal Hospital. Like Dr. Ford, Amy has been crazy about bunnies since college, and she is never happier than when a new bunny owner has questions about husbandry or behavior. She shares Dr. Ford’s dedication to caring for rabbits, rodents and other small critters whose needs are sometimes overlooked. Dr. Ford and Amy share their lives with a menagerie of rabbits and rodents as well as their daughter Ava and their two Labradors, Phil and Rockford.

 
 
Testimonials
— Loving pet parents Mark and Jeri Basko

"Dr. Ford is exceptional!  There isn't another veterinarian that I would trust more with my little girl bunny Lucy than Dr. Ford.  He is so loving, caring and gentle.  He did surgery on our first bunny Scamper removing a tumorous growth and has fixed issues that Lucy has had with molar spurs on her teeth.  Dr. Ford was able to give us more years with our precious bunnies because of his knowledge, skills and his love for those pets that he works on.  I can't recommend him highly enough!  If your little exotic means as much to you as Lucy does to me then Dr. Ford is the vet for you.  P.S. Amy is awesome too!”

—The Jordan Family

“The Jordan Family animals have been patients of Dr. Ford for almost 15 years. Dr. Ford has always been very kind, gentle, patient, and knowledgeable as both a veterinarian and an individual. He has helped our family and animals countless times and is one of our favorite vets.”

—Danielle G.

“We love Dr Ford and the care he gives to our small animals! I’ve brought Guinea pigs, bunnies, rats and hamsters to him and travel over an hour one way to go to him because I trust him more than anyone else I’ve found throughout my years of small animal pet keeping! Not only is his care and knowledge amazing but his staff is incredible and always available to help me through things as well! I’m forever thankful to have found this team!”

—Corey L.

“We have been taking our fluffle of bunnies to see Dr. Ford regularly since 2012. His real world experience surpasses other vets who might just have 'training' with rabbits and other small mammals. He is also kind and compassionate. His love for animals is easy to see.”

—Lindsay S.

“Dr. Matt Ford has been my veterinarian since becoming a rat mom! Dr. Ford is very caring & truly passionate for the small critters. Whether it's for a routine check up, a meet and greet or surgery, we, humans and animals are met with kindness & respect. One of my rats climbed onto Dr. Ford's shoulder and started grooming herself, which tells me that Dr. Ford is a wonderful vet, all the animals can tell too!”

—Danielle A.

“Dr. Ford is caring, compassionate, supportive, communicative and knowledgeable. There was always a great need for a small mammal practice in Maine, and Dr. Ford’s passion proves he is the right veterinarian to provide that need. He’s always treated my pets like they’re his own, so I trust that my current rabbit (and all my future rabbits) will receive the best care at Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals!”

—Sarah M.

“Dr. Ford has provided exceptional care to my five rabbits over the last decade at all stages of their lives. He has treated them as I can imagine he treats his own rabbits and I can tell that vet visits have never been stressful. They have also certainly enjoyed all the attention and cuddles. His care and treatment plans have always factored in my rabbits’ comfort and emotional health. I’ve always felt confident that my fur-babies were receiving the best care possible, not just medically, but for the best quality of life.”