Dr. Laurence Labrecque

Dr. Laurence Labrecque graduated from the University of Montreal, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. She brings extensive experience in exotic animal medicine and has worked with a wide range of species throughout her career.

During her five years of veterinary school, Dr. Labrecque gained hands-on experience with birds of prey through her work at a rehabilitation center and completed externships at several renowned zoos, including the Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Manitoba, where she also completed a one-year veterinary internship in zoological medicine. Dr. Labrecque also participated in spay-and-neuter clinics in First Nations villages of Northern Quebec and volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Belize, further enriching her background in wildlife and exotic care.

Before joining Exotic Animal Veterinary Center in 2016, Dr. Labrecque practiced at an exotic animal hospital in Quebec, where she expanded her medical and surgical skills across a variety of species. She also developed animal care protocols and trained staff members in exotic medicine at a newly established animal shelter in the Montreal area.

At EAVC, Dr. Labrecque treats a wide range of exotic pets and particularly enjoys working with small parrots, earning her the affectionate nickname “the budgie vet.” She also enjoys working with reptiles, with a special interest in California desert tortoises, which are among her favorite species.

She has a strong passion for client education and emphasizes the importance of preventive medicine to help all pets live healthier lives.

Originally from Canada, Dr. Labrecque decided to trade snowy winters for the sunshine of Southern California. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, backpacking, paddleboarding, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Dr. Labrecque is fluent in French, English, and Spanish and is pleased to assist clients in any of these languages.