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Chasewood, Where East Meets West for the Best

Location

Primary Location

2532 W. Indiantown Road #A2

Jupiter, FL 33458

561-745-4944

561-745-2520

Monday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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  • Turtles

Turtles are not easy or low maintenance reptiles. Generally, turtles (including the commonly found red eared sliders) are messy, long-lived, get quite large (so need large housing), and need exposure to ultraviolet light. If you can deal with these factors and commit to caring for a turtle over its long life span, a turtle might be a good pet for you, but by far the most important factor is knowing the proper dietary and environmental needs of the species you choose.

Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles are popular as pets. The most well known is probably the red eared slider, although there are several other species which are kept as pets. Turtles have been popular for a long time. Baby red eared sliders were readily available and inexpensive many years ago, which unfortunately resulted in a lot of neglected turtles. They were often sent home with tiny plastic bowls with a little plastic tree (unfortunately these are still sold with turtles in some places). With no filtration system and no room to grow, these little babies didn't have much chance. In the 1970s, the US government banned the sale of turtles less than 4 inches long, once the connection was made between turtles and Salmonella infections, especially in children. It is not that baby turtles carry more Salmonella than larger ones; it is more of a case of children being more likely to handle the smaller turtles (and/or put them in their mouths!).

Sadly, many turtles are still sold to people who have little idea how much care turtles require, including large tanks, special lighting, good filtration and lots of cleaning. Even worse, they are sometimes given out as prizes at fairs and at other events. All too often aquatic turtles die due to stress and neglect - and sometimes they suffer so much stress, overcrowding and neglect during transport and in shops (and fairs) that even if a new owner provides ideal care the turtles may be so ill they die anyway.

Turtles & Children
Turtles are not ideal pets for children. They are not easy to care for, not great for handling, and in addition they often do harbor Salmonella bacteria which can be passed to the children who don't understand the need for careful hygiene. Many children do not have the interest or ability to provide the amount of care and cleaning that a turtle rightfully requires, so parents must realize the responsibility for care ultimately falls to them if the kids lose interest.

Size & Life Span

Many people also do not realize how big aquatic turtles can get. Red eared sliders and a couple of the other commonly available pet species will grow to at least 10-12 inches long and thus will require correspondingly large enclosures. All turtles have the potential to enjoy a very long life span (i.e. several decades!) if cared for properly.

Housing
Aquatic turtles require fairly elaborate housing. They need regular exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, so pricey bulbs designed for reptiles that produce UVA and UVB light are needed for turtle tanks. Without this light, metabolic bone disease (soft shell syndrome) can result. Turtles are messy, and a good filtration unit will be necessary to help maintain water quality, as will regular cleaning. They should have deep enough water to allow swimming, along with a place to get out of the water to bask (heated from above with a basking light.) In addition, appropriate water and ambient temperatures should be maintained.

Feeding
Although turtle foods have come a long way they are not recommended as a sole source of food for aquatic turtles. Most are omnivores (and preferences for different foods might change at different points in the life cycle), and offering a good variety of foods is the best way to feed most turtles. As a rule, feeding turtles in a separate plastic tub will allow the mess associated with feeding to be contained (turtles are messy eaters, and this will reduce the need for tank cleaning a bit) and allow monitoring of food intake of each turtle if multiple turtles are kept.

If You Choose A Pet Turtle

Having said all that, given the right person and the right commitment turtles make beautiful, fascinating, and enjoyable pets. The first step is to research the species available and the care required by each. While the basics of aquatic turtle care are similar for all species, potential owners need to consult specific care sheets for details on housing, environment and feeding for the species in which they are interested.

For beginners, the hardier turtles are recommended, such as red eared sliders, cooters, and mud and musk turtles, keeping in mind that sliders and cooters will reach a mature length of greater than 12 inches, while mud and musk turtles are about half that size. Map and painted turtles, as well as some of the less common species are a bit less hardy. Softshell and snapping turtles have a reputation for being large, aggressive, and generally more difficult to care for so are not good for beginners.

Beyond providing a proper environment and diet for aquatic turtles, they do not need a lot of attention, although regular interaction may result in a tame and sociable turtle. In any case, they are lovely and if properly cared for should provide years of enjoyment.

  • Red Eared Sliders
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Reptiles, Turtles

    Red eared sliders are semi aquatic turtles that are very commonly kept as pets. Unfortunately, lack of understanding what they require means that many red eared sliders have died from improper care. While they are not overly demanding as pets, many unsuspecting owners have been told that it was fine

    Read more
  • Box Turtles
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Reptiles, Turtles

    North American box turtles are mainly terrestrial turtles, although they do spend some time in shallow water (Asian box turtles tend to be a bit more aquatic). Compared to aquatic turtles such as red eared sliders, they are more challenging and complex pets, and are not the best choice for beginning

    Read more
  • Tortoises
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Reptiles, Turtles

    Tortoises can make an interesting pet, although they can present a challenge, due to their size and dietary habits. Their diets vary based on species, but all need quite a variety of foods, with careful attention paid to the amount of roughage as well as calcium/phosphorus balance. Some species have

    Read more
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Office Hours

Monday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonials

  • "Dr Maria, Ashley, Wendy and All

    Appreciate your time, care and attention to my newest family member. It has been since 2011 when I lost my standard tri-red to have an incredible new Aussie bud and mascot that had to be the right one. Many others have come through via rescue, long term care when owners were ill and fostering, but it took a long time to find Teddi.

    Thank you all under these current times continuing to provide the great care you always do.

    I refer all my real estate and networking contacts to you. Why would I suggest anyone go elsewhere when you are the best!

    Many thanks!"
  • "Hi all, I wanted to say that Chasewood has always had FANTASTIC vet techs!! But especially want to thank Sam for all of her special attention and love from Sitka!!! The whole team literally saved her life. Also, thanks from little Kenai, for just putting up with his naughty puppyisms. I promise, he’s getting better. I keep forgetting that labs stay PUPPIES for more than only 15 months!!!
    By next time he comes, he’ll be a GOOD BOY. THANKS- SAM hope you had a lot of appreciation for Vet Tech Appreciation Week"
    Bonnie & Rick​​ 10/22/19
  • "This Vet is the best! Maria is so experienced and knowledgable!! Her advice and instructions are priceless!! She's saved many of my animals over the years being able to diagnose most issues that other Doctors couldn't. I am indebted to her and her incredable staff."
    Lisa. M 11/27/19
  • "I have used Dr. Maria for 25 years always there when I need her. She has taken care of many of my pets over the years and came to my house so I could be with my Cocoa for his last day!"
    Dave & Jane M. 01/08/2019
  • "excellent care"
    Barbara B. 03/29/2019
  • "Friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Having relocated from out of state, I’m glad we found Dr Maria and staff."
    Debbie S. 04/27/2019
  • "Everyone is so caring and helpful at this office."
    Jennifer/Andrew M. 05/16/2019
  • "It was our first visit to Chasewood Animal Hospital, they were recommended to us by our neighbor. it's been several years since I have had a dog, and its my wife's first.Dr. Maria and their entire staff are so nice, I feel we made the right choice and I look forward to keeping our little girl happy and healthy. Thanks Dr. Maria!"
    ​John M. 11/27/19
  • "Doc Maria and staff are always very caring and professional. Doc Maria makes me laugh!"
    Henry F. 04/13/2018
  • "On this visit he had teeth cleaned. Good job and not put all the way under. On other visits, I have requested blood work and the price was reasonable as well and the advice good. My dog doesn't have much wrong but Dr. Maria is on anything... I have been with her for most of the last 21 years."
    Frances M. 12/13/2018
  • "Dr. Maria and Staff are excellent. Very loving and caring. We have been going to them for many years. They are especially generous in helping pets find loving homes - we have adopted numerous cats from them including TomTom, Mr and Mrs Love, Maggie and Amy. We very much recommend them."
    Patricia P. 12/20/2018
  • "We have been bringing our cat Penny to Chasewood Animal Hospital for three or more years now. Dr. Lowry and her staff are really nice, competent, skilled and caring people. We have also boarded Penny there occasioally and have been very happy with all of the services Penny has received there. We hope to be seeing them for a long time to come. Ray, Elaine & Penny McGuire"
    Elaine M. 03/01/2019
  • "The staff at Chasewood Animal Hospital is so nice. Doc. Maria really knows her stuff and loves all her animals.​"
    Henry F. 05/07/2019
  • "We travel all the way from Delray Beach to Jupiter which is approximately 45 minutes to an hour just to have this vet. Many many vet's that are near us and not one of them come close to the care, knowledge, professionalism and care that she and her entire team give."
    Bill V. 08/27/2019
  • "Outstanding service and caring staff. I will be taking all my pets to Chasewood Veterinary from now on."
    James W. 8/22/19
  • "As always, Dr. Maria and her staff are pleasant, caring, and helpful. I am glad to have such a great place to bring my pets to where they get greatr care from people who really love animals!"
    Debbie S.​ 8/26/19
  • "Blue Velvet had a rabies vaccination and a checkup. We are pleased with the attention she gets with Dr. Maria Lowry. She does not hesitate to seek other advice when necessary. Everyone at the clinic really cares for the animals."
    Sue & Jim W. 02/08/2019
  • "Always caring and thorough and the best. R"
    Robert M. 02/18/2019
  • "I feel that the entire staff at Chase Animal hospital are very friendly and take great care of their patients ( animals).Dr. Maria is an excellent Veterinarian. My cat Brasco loves it here."
    Martha D. 02/18/2019
  • "I love Dr. Maria and all of her staff I have been going to her for almost 15 years and have always had nothing less than a great experience there. Her expertise, kindness, and caring cannot be found anywhere else."
    Haylee B. 03/01/2019
  • "As always, Dr. Maria Lowry was helpful, kind and always very knowledgeable. As well, the assistants in her office are helpful, kind and efficient. Of all animal hospitals we've been to in our 9 moves in 18 years, Chasewood Animal Hospital is at the top of the list!!"
    Jerry And Bev B. 03/18/2019
  • "Really like the Vet and her staff. Answered all my questions and they were really helpful. Very thorough."
    Dawn S. 05/02/2019
  • "Good Vet. All went well."
    Frances M. 05/23/2019
  • "We love Dr. Maria and the staff. They are always prompt and knowledgeable. My pets are in good hands!"
    Julie D. 07/20/2019
  • "CHASEWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALWAYS SO HELPFUL FRIENDLY AND KIND!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
    Beth P. 08/15/2019
  • "Love this office, staff is great but dr Marie is the best. I drive from Coral Springs to take my dog. Best vet in Florida"
    Shelly T. 09/28/2019
  • "Experienced and professional team! We felt the care we have been looking for here. I have wanted to make my girl's food, Now I feel equipped to do that. This team takes care from the ears to their waggy tails. Great Experience!"
    Linda B. 7/18/19
  • "They are always very nice. Dr Lowry is great and takes good care of my friend!"
    Brian W. 08/24/2019
  • "We just adopted two amazing Siamese kittens from Chasewood and the entire staff has been wonderful to us. They were very sick little guys and nursed back to 100% with love and patience. Stand out: Ashley rocks!!!!​​"
    Inez H. 10/04/2019

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