It's important to find the right vet for your pet.Many vets have experience with animals.Not many have experience working with exotic pets.It can be difficult to find an exotic animal vet for your pet.Finding a vet who can handle and treat your exotic pet will help ensure that it stays healthy and happy throughout its life.
Step 1: Ask your friends.
Talk to your friends who own exotic animals if you are not sure where to start.You can get a recommendation from an exotic animal vet.Ask your friends why they chose that vet.What do you think about the vet?Is there anything that you don't like?How long have you taken your pet to the vet?Is your pet comfortable with the staff?
Step 2: You can call your local store.
Contact your local pet store to speak with other pet owners.Exotic pets can be found in a pet store.Exotic animal vets are used to care for exotic pets at the store.
Step 3: Speak to your local veterinarians.
There are different types of veterinary clinics in your area.Exotic animal vets in your area are recommended by a local veterinary clinic.
Step 4: There are business pages in the phone book.
You can find an exotic animal vet through the business pages of a phone book.If you're looking for a specific category on exotic animal vets, you can search through the heading 'Veterinarians.' However, the listings in the phone book will likely not be as extensive as searching online at http://www.yellowpages.com, which is the online version.
Step 5: You can visit veterinary websites.
There are directories of veterinary clinics in that state.You can find the website of your state veterinary medical association.If you can't find what you're looking for on the internet, call the association to find out if they have exotic animal vets in your area.The websites of veterinary associations for exotic animals include the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian veterinarians.You can find exotic animal vets on each of the websites.
Step 6: Exotic animal interest groups can be found in your area.
Specific breeds or species are the focus of animal interest groups.You can conduct an online search to find animal interest groups that focus on exotic pets.You can find an interest group for your exotic pet.Exotic animal vets will be recommended by the members of the interest group.
Step 7: Don't rely on review websites alone.
If you want to find out how other pet owners feel about vets in your area, review websites are a good place to start.The reviews may not be very reliable because they don't represent the average client experience.Don't make your decision on an exotic animal vet based on online reviews.
Step 8: There are several veterinary clinics.
If you have any recommendations for exotic animal vets, visit them.The visits will give you a good idea of how each clinic works and how comfortable the staff is with handling exotic pets.You can decide which one will work best for you and your pet after visiting several clinics.If you have a pet, you can visit the office.Schedule an appointment first if you want to bring your pet with you.
Step 9: Determine if the clinic has the right equipment.
Exotic pets don't necessarily need equipment that works well for examining and treating them.If the clinic works with exotic pets, it should have small scales to weigh tiny animals and tanks to hold larger animals.If you can't visit the clinic, ask a staff member about the equipment they have for exotic pets.The staff might not have much experience working with exotic pets if the clinic doesn't have the proper equipment.This may not be the right place for you and your pet.Take note of how the clinic looks and smells if you are able to tour it.
Step 10: Take a look at how the staff handles exotic pets.
If you bring your pet with you to the clinic, watch how the staff handles it.Exotic pets can become stressed when handled by people.The staff might not know how to handle your pet.If the staff is relaxed and comfortable with your pet, that is a good sign that you could trust them to care for it.
Step 11: Ask how the clinic handles emergencies.
It's possible that your exotic pet needs emergency care.Pet owners will be referred to emergency clinics by veterinary clinics that are not open 24/7.The emergency clinics are prepared to deal with dog or cat emergencies, but may not have the equipment to handle exotic emergencies.Ask the clinic how they deal with emergencies.If you want to take your pet to an emergency clinic, make sure the exotic animal vet you choose knows about it.
Step 12: Inquire about the costs of exotic animal services.
Some veterinary clinics charge different fees for different services.You should be aware of the cost of an average veterinary visit and other services at each clinic.You can compare the costs to see if the fees are in line with your budget.What types of payment do you accept?Do you offer payment plans for your clients?
Step 13: The vet has exotic animal training.
Training on exotic animals is not offered by veterinary schools.To become an exotic animal vet, vets need more specialized training.Ask the vet what training they have received, such as a residency in exotic animal medicine.A residency takes several years to complete.After completing a residency program, a vet can take a standardized test to become board certified in exotic animal medicine.Ask your vet if they have this certification.There is a requirement for vets to take a certain number of hours of continuing education.The number of hours varies from state to state.Ask the vet if they take continuing education courses that focus on exotic animal care.
Step 14: Discuss your experience working with exotic animals with the vet.
If you want your exotic pet to get excellent care, you need a vet with a lot of experience working with exotic pets.Ask how often they see exotic pets.The vet may not have enough experience or knowledge to adequately care for your pet if they only treat a few exotic pets a month.Ask the vet about their experience with exotic pets.
Step 15: Ask what professional organizations your vet belongs to.
Ask the vet if they belong to any of the above groups.This can indicate a strong interest in caring for exotic animals if the vet is a member of one of these organizations.