We all want the best veterinary care for our furry friends.
But what if you need treatment for something other than a cat or dog? If you have an exotic pet, you have to face a unique set of challenges—including finding an exotic vet with the skills and experience to provide the best care.
Here are the questions you need to ask to find an exotic pet vet that can do the job.
1. Do They Accommodate Exotic Pets?
The first and most important question for your potential vet is whether they accommodate exotic pets.
Not all vets and pet hospitals do, which is why you need to find out if they have adequate tools and care facilities to handle your pet. The needs of snakes and exotic birds (to say nothing of capybaras and fennec foxes) tend to be quite different from those of cats and dogs.
2. Is the Staff Comfortable Handling Exotic Pets?
Even when you find a good exotic pet vet, it helps to ask if the support staff at the facility is fine with handling your exotic pet.
After all, sometimes even the most enthusiastic animal lovers balk at handling certain species, such as snakes and lizards. Pet health and pet safety are both a priority, so you want to make sure that everyone handling your pet is qualified to do so.
3. Do They Have Experience with Your Exotic Pet Species?
There are so many different animal species, and exotic pets come in such a wide range that it can be tough to find an adequate veterinarian for your needs.
So, don't hesitate to ask your potential exotic vet whether they have hands-on expertise in treating your specific exotic pet species.
4. Does the Vet Have Special Credentials?
The most experienced exotic vets, of course, will have specialized training. Exotic pets require a different set of credentials, and not every veterinarian will necessarily have them.
That's why it helps to ask your potential vet about what accreditation they might have (for instance, a specialty in avian medicine) that qualifies them to treat your exotic pet.
5. Do They Offer Emergency Care?
Finally, always ask your potential exotic vet if they provide urgent or emergency care services. Exotic pets are liable to health issues, and not all pet hospitals have support staff available who can handle these special needs.
So always ask your potential exotic vet how prepared they are to respond to possible emergency medical issues.
Find the Best Exotic Vet in Scarborough
These are the right questions to ask when looking for an experienced exotic vet to provide medical care for your exotic pet friend.
We know that the owners of exotic species love their pets just as much as cat and dog lovers. If you're looking for comprehensive pet care in Scarborough, Toronto, and neighbouring areas, you've come to the right place.
We provide quality care for all kinds of exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, ferrets, and other small mammals. So, don't hesitate to make an appointment at Amherst Veterinary Hospital today.