More Than a Clinic
Dr. Carla Christman began her career at a mixed animal practice in Deerfield, Wisconsin, caring for everything from farm animals to family pets. She quickly realized her true passion was companion animal medicine, and in 2001 she purchased a small practice on Madison's East Side: just two exam rooms and about 1,000 square feet.
From that modest start, Healthy Pet has grown into one of Madison's most trusted clinics, especially for pet owners who need advanced small mammal care that's hard to find anywhere else. Dr. Christman and her team have been dedicated to Madison's East Side community ever since.
More than two decades later, that founding vision hasn't changed. Every patient, whether a Labrador, a house cat, or a rabbit with a dental issue, receives the same level of thorough, compassionate, and expert care.
"We respect the cherished bond that exists between people and their beloved pets, and we want to do everything possible to keep pets happy and healthy throughout their entire lives."Dr. Carla Christman, Founder & Owner
A Veterinarian Who Built Her Practice Around Small Mammals
Dr. Christman didn't just add small mammal care as a side offering. She built Healthy Pet around it. With over 20 years of hands-on experience treating exotic small mammals, she brings a depth of knowledge that most general practice veterinarians simply don't have.
Her four years serving on the board of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) gave her access to the latest research, treatment protocols, and an international network of exotic animal specialists. That experience directly informs the care your pet receives at our clinic every single day.
Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets are prey animals. They instinctively hide signs of illness. By the time most owners notice something is wrong, the condition may already be advanced. Dr. Christman's training and extensive experience means she knows what to look for, how to diagnose accurately, and how to treat effectively, often catching issues that would be missed elsewhere.
When she's not at the clinic, Dr. Christman enjoys spending time in her garden, camping, and hiking. She shares her home with dogs, cats, and ferrets, because she doesn't just treat small mammals, she lives with them.
Why We Don't Say "Pocket Pets"
We call rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and similar species what they truly are: Exotic Companion Mammals. These animals have fundamentally different anatomy, dietary needs, and health risks than dogs and cats. At Healthy Pet, they're not an afterthought. They're a core part of who we are, seen here every single day.
Our Philosophy
We believe informed pet parents make the best decisions. We take time to explain every option, answer every question, and empower you to be your pet's best advocate.
We treat every client like family and every patient like our own. That philosophy isn't a marketing line. It's the foundation Dr. Christman built this clinic on in 2001.
We stay current on the latest veterinary technology and treatment options. Our team is always learning, always improving, and always pushing for the best possible care.
Whether it's a call, email, or text, we want to be the first people you reach out to with questions about your pet's health. No question is too small.