Working as an exotic veterinary technician can be a dream come true for animal lovers who enjoy working with unusual species. Exotic veterinary technicians care for a wide range of animals, from birds and reptiles to amphibians and small mammals.
Their work involves conducting medical procedures, monitoring animal health, and providing care and handling instructions to veterinarians. Exotic veterinary technicians often work in zoos, wildlife parks, and private veterinary clinics that specialize in exotic animals.
To become an exotic veterinary technician, one typically needs to earn an associate's degree in veterinary technology and obtain certification through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
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Responsibilities and Specializations
As a veterinary technician specializing in exotic animals, you'll have a unique set of responsibilities. You'll need to take electives in clinical management of exotic animals and Exotic Animal Medicine 1 and 2.
These electives will give you a deeper understanding of the specific needs of exotic animals. You'll learn how to manage their care, diagnose and treat their illnesses, and perform medical procedures.
To gain hands-on experience, you'll complete a veterinary practicum in an exotic animal hospital, zoo, or animal reserve. This is a crucial part of your training, allowing you to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting.
During your practicum, you'll work directly with exotic animals, developing your skills and confidence in their care. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and make a difference in the lives of these fascinating creatures.
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Meet the Professionals
Kate, a Licensed Veterinary Technician, has been working in the veterinary field since March 2008, initially focusing on dog and cat medicine before switching to exotics in 2019.
Her passion for all animals, big and small, is evident in her work and personal life. Kate has multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Norwegian language from Pacific Lutheran University in 2016.
Kate's professional interests include the science behind animal medicine, animal behavior, and educating clients about their pets. She hopes to go back to school to complete another degree and potentially become a veterinarian herself.
Claudine, who has lived in Africa, Europe, and traveled to all continents, moved to Seattle in 2014 and now lives on a farm with her husband, where she cares for a variety of animals, including horses, pigs, and reptiles.
On a similar theme: How to Become an Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Weina Dai, DVM
Weina Dai, DVM, graduated from UC Davis School of Vet Med in 2018. She then went on to do a small animal emergency specialty internship at a private practice in Illinois, followed by a wildlife internship at WSU/PAWS.
Dr. Dai enjoys eating and playing Dungeons and Dragons in her free time.
She is a cat lover and owns two cats and four ferrets.
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Kate Licensed Technician
Kate is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who has been working in the veterinary field since March 2008. She's been passionate about animals her entire life, starting with her childhood attempts to befriend feral cats.
Kate's educational background is impressive, with multiple degrees under her belt. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2016 with a double major in Chemistry and Norwegian language. She also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Pima Medical Institute-Seattle in June 2021.
Her insatiable appetite for knowledge has led her to pursue further education, with plans to complete another bachelor's degree and potentially become a veterinarian herself one day. Her professional interests include the science behind animal medicine, animal behavior, and educating clients about their pets.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys reading, arts and crafts, practicing martial arts, and taking care of her pets.
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