Love Knows No Size
Caring for birds, ferrets, pocket pets, reptiles, and more.
Love Knows No Size
Caring for birds, ferrets, pocket pets, reptiles, and more.
Medical Services
We are fully equipped to manage the medical and surgical needs of your exotic pet. We are experienced in anesthetic protocols and pain management of these pets. Our in-hospital incubator provides temperature and humidity control and is a necessity in treatment of critically ill and post-surgical exotic pets. We are staffed 24 hours a day and our support staff is specially trained to handle the needs of these non-traditional species.
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Exotic Pets We Treat
- Skunks – Dr. Krupka has published many articles about skunks and consults with veterinarians worldwide about medical and surgical management of this species. He is also the veterinarian for Skunk Haven, a local skunk shelter.
- Ferrets – We are equipped to manage the medical and surgical diseases of ferrets. Dr. Krupka is experienced in surgical procedures such as adrenalectomies, cryosurgery, pancreatectomies, and more. His work with Ferrets Unlimited Rescue Services, a local ferret rescue group, has allowed Dr. Krupka to stay at the forefront of ferret medicine.
- Birds
- Rabbits
- Pocket Pets – chinchillas, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, mice, rats, sugar gliders, etc.
- Reptiles – iguanas and other lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises
- Amphibians – salamanders, frogs, newts
- Wildlife – Dr. Krupka frequently consults with the rehabilitation department at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.
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Meet Our Exotics Team
Caitlin Wamelink
Dr. Wamelink grew up in Cleveland Heights with her parents, her sister, and their two cats. When she was younger, she also participated in horseback riding. Dr. Wamelink attended Tulane University of New Orleans where she attained a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Cell and Molecular Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University in 2018. While attending veterinary school, Dr. Wamelink was actively involved with Shelter Medicine Club and VBMA, a student-led Veterinary Business Management Association. Dr. Wamelink is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Her special interests include feline medicine, small mammal exotic medicine, and behavior medicine.
While not caring for pets at Avon Lake Animal Clinic, Dr. Wamelink spends her time with her two cats Dinah and Alice. She also enjoys spending time with her family on the east side, traveling, going to Indians games, and activities such as rowing and cycling.
Frank Krupka
Dr. Krupka, one of our published authors on staff, has written a number of articles that have appeared in The Exotic Guidebook as well as Exotic DVM Magazine. His special interests are in non-traditional species medicine and surgery and we are pleased to offer his services at Avon Lake Animal Clinic, where he has been a part of our team since 1999.
Dr. Krupka earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Heidelberg College and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a recipient of the Buddy Award from Hills Pet Nutrition, and he is an active member of a variety of prestigious veterinary organizations, including Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, and Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.
When he isn’t practicing medicine, Dr. Krupka can be found spending time with his wife, three children, and pets: two cats named Tiger and Lilly, and a Cavachon dog named Brutus. He is also a soccer coach and a Boy Scout leader who enjoys camping, hiking, and fishing. Fun fact: Dr. Krupka is also a small scale hobby farmer!
Sasha Emerman
Dr. Emerman grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio with her parents, her sister, and their dogs. During her childhood, she was very active in sports and outdoor activities. Dr. Emerman attended The Ohio State University for a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Russian Literature. She continued her education at Ohio State, completing her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Her special interests include internal medicine, endoscopy, soft tissue surgery, and exotic medicine and surgery. Dr. Emerman is an active member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.
When she is not practicing medicine, Dr. Emerman enjoys spending her time running outside, hiking, and kayaking when weather permits, and boxing, cooking, and crossword puzzles when it doesn’t. She also loves taking trips together with her husband, or spending weekends at home with their two kittens Barbara and Francine.
