While pets such as dogs and cats can easily find qualified veterinarians, exotic animals are a bit more difficult. If you have a snake, bird, gerbil, chinchilla, or other pet, you want an exceptional veterinary doctor with the experience and knowledge so they can provide your pet with quality care.
To help make sure you find a great exotic animal hospital in Orlando, here are a few things to keep in mind.
They Can Provide Emergency Care
Exotic animal specialists are few and far between, and those you do find may not have the means to handle an emergency. Unfortunately, this is something that many pet owners don’t think about until such an emergency occurs and their pet needs immediate care.
When looking for a unique pet specialist, ask if they provide emergency care. While you don’t want to visit the vet unexpectedly, it can be reassuring to know that the option is there and you don’t have to worry if your pet needs emergency help.
The best way to prevent an emergency is to give your pet regular and annual exams. This will prevent illnesses from getting out of hand and identify many problems before they become an emergency. Even so, ask about emergency care before it becomes necessary.
They Have Experience With Your Pet
There are a wide number of exotic pets that people can have, from turtles and chameleons to monkeys and ferrets. No veterinarian will have experience treating every species. Unfortunately, this can make finding a doctor for your pet more difficult.
While it may be tempting to pick any veterinarian near you, take the time to find one who has experience treating your particular pet. This will help ensure that they can come up with the right treatment for your pet.
It is important to note that most veterinarians will not undergo training for your pet during academic training. The treatments they learn and use will be learned as they work. This can be daunting for many pet owners, but it is possible to find veterinarians with the previous experience and necessary qualifications to provide your pet with safe, high-quality care.
Veterinarians specifically interested in exotic pet care are often members of certain organizations such as the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. If you find a vet who is a member of a relevant organisation, then this is a good sign that they will be able to take care of your pet.
They Are Comfortable To Handle Your Pet
Some exotic pets can scare people. Tarantulas and snakes, for example, are two pets that tend to be wary of people. Your vet needs to feel comfortable handling your pet, so make sure they are careful when examining it.
Watch how comfortable a veterinarian is when picking up, examining, and handling your pet. If they seem relaxed and have a plan, they likely have experience working with your pet. If they seem cautious or confused, they probably don’t have the necessary experience.
Conclusion
Exotic pets can bring a lot of fun to your home. Regardless of your pet, it’s important that you have a way to care for them when the time comes. Choosing the right exotic vet is a big part of this, so take the task seriously with your pet’s best interests in mind.
