About Us
Dr. Rich and the Staff at The West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic
The West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic is led by the highly skilled animal lover, Dr. Gregory A. Rich. Our clinic has more than 25 years of combined hands-on experience working with birds and exotic animals. We provide medical, surgical, nutritional, behavioral and general care for a large variety of birds, reptiles and small exotic animals. We have given superior care to all species of birds and reptiles as well as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, frogs and many more.
Having more than 20 years of individual experience in providing unsurpassed veterinary care, Dr. Rich is well known for his skill and expertise. Dr. Rich has a veterinary database that comprises world-renowned peers whom he can contact on cases that go beyond the normal scope of veterinary medicine, consultation and research.
Dr. Rich has been featured in several veterinary texts and periodicals during his practice. He has also lectured at a wide variety of veterinary and aviculture conferences. (See below for Dr. Rich’s biography)
Dr. Rich is supported by an outstanding team of caring professionals who have a genuine love for animals and interest in their well-being. The staff is very knowledgeable and is ready to deliver the very best nursing, surgical and medical care to each and every one of our exotic patients. We are proud to have Christy Nuss on our staff. Christy, the technician with the dark blue scrubs, is a 2008 graduate of the Delgado Veterinary Technician program and is a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Dr. Rich is also supported by Dr. Leslie Pence. A graduate of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, Dr. Pence served a one-year internship with Dr. Rich and is now a proud member of the family here at The West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic.
Dr. Rich’s Biography
Education
- 1977 - BS Environmental Health LSU
- 1980 - BS Medical Technology LSU School of Medicine
- 1985 - DVM LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
Publications
November 1991
Veterinary Clinics of North America
W.B. Saunders
“Pet Avian Medicine - Basic History Taking and the Avian Physical Examination”April 1993
Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine
W.B. Saunders
“Soft Tissue Surgery - Surgery of the Head”September 1996
Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds
Williams and Wilkins
“Traumatic Disorders”January 2002
Veterinary Clinics of North America
W.B. Saunders
“Rabbit Orthopedic Surgery”
Speaking Engagements - Avian topics
- Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference - 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992-1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2007, 2008
- Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association - New Orleans - 1996
- Western Veterinary Conference - Las Vegas - 1998, 2000, 2007
- AVMA Annual Conference - New Orleans - 1999; Boston - 2001
- International Aviculture Society - West Palm Beach - 1992; Orlando - 1996
- American Federation of Aviculture - New Orleans - 1995
- Midwest Avian Research Expo - Louisville - 1997
- CE on VIN - 1998, 2000 - American Board of Veterinary Practice online CE course
Offices Held
Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association
- Rabies Campaign Chairman 1990-1995
- President Elect 1991-92, 2001-02
- President 1992-93, 2002-03, 2009-10, 2010-2011
Association of Avian Veterinarians
- Public Relations Chairman 1991-1995
- Board of Directors 1995-1998
Mardi Gras Aviculture Conference
- Director/Founder 1989-present
- Charity Animal Hospital Coalition 1999-2005
Honors
- Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges – 1985
- Who's Who in Business – 1997
- LSU School Of Veterinary Medicine – Outstanding Alumnus – 2006
- Association Of Avian Veterinarians – Service Award – 2006
- City Business (New Orleans) Health Care Hero –2010
- LSART paraprofessional with BP Oil Spill – 2010
- 2011 Oxbow Exotic Mammal Health Award Winner
Dr. Leslie Pence
Education
- 2009 – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
- 2005 – BS in Wildlife Management from Mississippi State University
Volunteer Work
- 2010 - BP Deepwater Horizon oiled bird clean-up
- 2005-2009 – Raptor Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit
- 2005 – Hurricanes Katrina and Rita animal rescue response
Awards and Accomplishments
- 2009 – Kaytee Avian and Special Species Excellence Award, awarded to veterinary students in North America during their 4th year Companion Animal rotation
- 2008 – Dean’s Honor List – LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
- 2008 – Raptor Wildlife Rehabilitation Achievement Award
Professional Affiliations
- Louisiana State Animal Rescue Team
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association
- Association of Avian Veterinarians
- Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
The West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic
3640 West Esplanade Ave.
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504-455-6386
Fax: 504-455-9331
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Appointments are necessary for routine visits. We have a drop off service for those clients with busy schedules. We are always available for emergencies during our normal hours of operation.
Should you have an after hours avian/exotic pet emergency, we advise that you call Southeast Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Hospital at 504-219-0444. They will contact Dr. Rich or his associate to help you with your exotic pet’s emergency.
The West Esplanade Online Store
Visit the West Esplanade Store to purchase all your pet and animal supplies from toys to medication, accessories, books, DVDs and more.
You can now shop in the comfort of your home at our online store. Get your favorite brands that are known and used widely for the best in animal care.
We offer brands including Harrison’s Bird Foods, Crazy Corn, Oxyfresh and more. Click here to go to the West Esplanade Store.