What does an exotic animal veterinarian do?

What is an Exotic Animal Veterinarian?

Exotic animal veterinarians are vets who specialize in the medical care and treatment of exotic animals. The US Code of Federal Regulations states that an exotic animal is an animal that does not originate from within the United States. This strict definition makes the classification of exotic animals different from place to place. For example, a zebra would be considered an exotic animal in the United States because they do not live in the wild there, nor are they kept as common household pets. In general, however, the term exotic animal is wide-ranging, and may include a diverse array of species, including giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, tigers, reptiles and aquatic animals. Sometimes the term exotic pet is used interchangeably with the term exotic animal.

The work of the exotic animal veterinarian can be challenging and calls for an in-depth understanding of the specific needs of each species. By the nature of their work, these specialists often contribute to the conservation of endangered species, fostering a better understanding of them and helping to preserve biodiversity.

What does an Exotic Animal Veterinarian do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Exotic animals have unique physiological and behavioral characteristics that require specialized knowledge and skills for proper diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. The responsibilities of the specialized veterinarians who work with them typically include:

• Medical Care – conducting physical examinations and diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, blood tests, and MRIs; interpreting test results; treating illnesses and injuries in exotic animals
• Preventive Care – providing vaccinations, parasite control, and other preventive measures to maintain the health of exotic pets
• Surgery – performing surgical procedures on exotic animals when necessary; these can range from routine spaying and neutering to more complex procedures
• Husbandry Advice – offering guidance on proper nutrition, housing, and general care for exotic species
• Emergency Care – responding to emergencies and providing critical care to injured or sick exotic animals
• Client Communication – discussing treatment plans with clients / pet owners and addressing any concerns they may have
• Public Education – educating pet owners, zoo visitors, and the general public about the proper care of exotic animals and conservation efforts
• Administrative Tasks – updating patient records, ordering supplies, and keeping abreast of the latest research and advancements in exotic animal medicine

Types of Exotic Animal Veterinarians
Within the field of exotic animal veterinary medicine, there are different types of veterinarians whose work focuses on specific areas and/or particular groups or species of animals. Here is an overview of specialized exotic animal vets:

• Avian Veterinarians – Specializing in the care of birds, including both pet birds and those in aviaries or zoos, these veterinarians may treat common pet bird species, such as parrots, as well as exotic and wild bird species.
• Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians – Focusing on the health and medical care of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and salamanders, these vets, also known as herpetological veterinarians, are knowledgeable about the unique physiological and environmental needs of these animals.
• Zoo Veterinarians – As the name implies, these veterinarians work in zoos and wildlife parks, providing medical care to a wide range of exotic animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They often collaborate with other professionals to manage the health and wellbeing of animals in captivity.
• Aquatic Veterinarians – These vets specialize in the care of aquatic animals, including fish, marine mammals, and amphibians that live in aquatic environments. They may work in aquariums, marine parks, or research institutions.
• Wildlife Veterinarians – Focusing on the health and conservation of wild animals, including those in rehabilitation centers, sanctuaries, or involved in conservation projects, wildlife veterinarians may work with a variety of species to address both individual and population health.
• Exotic Pet Veterinarians – These vets work in general veterinary practices that specifically cater to exotic pets, which can include a variety of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
• Small Mammal Veterinarians – Focusing on the medical care of small mammals, such as ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hedgehogs, small mammal vets may work in general practices or specialize in exotic pet care.

These specializations often require additional training, education, or experience beyond the standard veterinary curriculum to ensure that veterinarians have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective care for their chosen group of exotic animals.

What is the workplace of an Exotic Animal Veterinarian like?

Exotic animal veterinarians can work for various organizations and institutions that involve the care, management, or study of exotic and non-traditional animals. The following are among their most common employers:

• Private Veterinary Practices – Some veterinarians choose to work in private practices that specialize in exotic pet care and cater to owners of exotic animals. In these environments, the typical work setting is an office or clinic.
• Zoos and Wildlife Parks – Zoos and wildlife parks employ veterinarians to care for a diverse range of exotic animals in captivity. In these workplaces, vets spend much of their time in outdoor enclosures where the animals are housed, and may have access to veterinary hospitals or clinics within the zoo or park.
• Aquariums and Marine Parks – Facilities that house aquatic animals, such as fish, marine mammals, and other marine species, may employ veterinarians with expertise in aquatic animal medicine. In these parks, which have facilities with tanks and pools for aquatic animals, vets may be involved in water quality management as well as the overall health and wellbeing of marine species.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers – Veterinarians may work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, where they provide medical care and rehabilitation for injured or orphaned wild / exotic animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats. This work environment may encompass both indoor and outdoor spaces where injured or orphaned animals are housed.
• Research Institutions – Some veterinarians may work in research institutions that study exotic animals. This can involve participating in scientific studies, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the understanding of various species. Vets in this setting typically have access to laboratories, research facilities, and offices.
• Government Agencies – Government agencies responsible for wildlife management, conservation, or public health may employ exotic animal veterinarians. These veterinarians may be involved in disease control, wildlife management, or regulatory oversight. They may work in offices, labs, or in the field.
• Conservation Organizations – Non-profit organizations and conservation groups often hire veterinarians to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. This may involve working on projects aimed at protecting and preserving endangered species. Fieldwork and office and lab work are common in this sector.
• Educational Institutions – Colleges and universities may employ veterinarians for teaching and research positions related to exotic animal medicine. They may also work in veterinary schools, educating future veterinarians in the care of exotic species. Offices and classroom are their typical work settings.
• Corporate Entities – Some corporations involved in the pet industry or those that own and manage facilities with exotic animals, such as pet stores, breeding facilities, or entertainment venues, may employ exotic animal veterinarians.
• Mobile or Freelance Practice – Some exotic animal veterinarians choose to work independently or provide mobile veterinary services, offering their expertise to a range of clients, including pet owners, pet stores, and facilities housing exotic animals.

It’s important to note that some exotic animal veterinarians may engage in a combination of these roles throughout their careers. For those working in zoos or wildlife rehabilitation centers, collaboration with zookeepers, curators, researchers, wildlife biologists, or other professionals is common.