Who Are the Veterinarians at For Pet's Sake?
Updated
For Pet's Sake is an exotic-animal-only veterinary hospital in Decatur, Georgia, and its veterinary team works exclusively with exotic pets rather than dogs and cats. The practice's site names Jason Hutcheson, DVM as its veterinarian, and notes that the doctors are members of several exotic-animal and general veterinary associations. If you are looking for a clinic that treats birds, reptiles, amphibians, or exotic mammals, this team's background is directly relevant to that choice.
The veterinarian named on the site
The practice's "Our Veterinarians" section lists Jason Hutcheson, DVM. His stated background:
- BS in Biology, Georgia Southern University, 1994
- Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 1998
- Worked at For Pet's Sake while attending veterinary school
- Joined the veterinary staff full time in 2001
- Purchased the practice from Dr. Shepherd in 2006
That timeline means he has been with this specific practice for more than two decades, first as a student and staff veterinarian, then as owner. The site also notes the practice has provided care in the Atlanta area for over 25 years.
What "exotic only" means for your visit
The site states the hospital is "dedicated solely to exotic animals" and that its doctors "work exclusively with exotic animals." In practical terms, that is the main filter for whether this clinic fits your situation:
- Likely a fit: birds, reptiles, amphibians, and exotic mammals (the associations listed below map to these groups).
- Likely not a fit: routine dog and cat care, since the practice describes itself as exotic-only.
If you are unsure whether your species counts as "exotic" here, the safest step is to contact the clinic directly and describe your pet before booking.
Professional associations
The site lists the following memberships for its doctors:
| Association | Focus |
|---|---|
| Association of Avian Veterinarians | Birds |
| Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians | Reptiles and amphibians |
| Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians | Exotic mammals |
| American Veterinary Medical Association | General veterinary profession |
| Georgia Veterinary Medical Association | State veterinary profession |
Membership in the first three is the clearest signal of species-specific training and continuing education beyond general veterinary medicine.
Practical notes before you go
- New patients: the practice offers new patient/client forms online, so you can complete paperwork before your visit.
- Prescriptions and diets: the site states medications and veterinary diets are available through a partnership with Chewy — add "For Pet's Sake - GA" under "My Vet Clinics" on Chewy.com.
- Contact and scheduling: the site directs you to call or email; staff respond as soon as possible. Specific hours, appointment availability, and pricing are not stated on the pages summarized here, so confirm those directly with the clinic.
Bottom line
If your pet is a bird, reptile, amphibian, or exotic mammal and you are in or around Decatur/Atlanta, For Pet's Sake's team — led by Jason Hutcheson, DVM, a University of Georgia graduate and practice owner since 2006 — is built specifically around that kind of care. For dogs and cats, or for anything not covered by the exotic-animal scope described on the site, look elsewhere or call first to confirm.