How to Become an Exotic Animal Veterinarian and Change Lives

Becoming an exotic animal veterinarian is a dream job for many animal lovers. You'll get to work with a wide range of fascinating animals, from birds and reptiles to mammals and amphibians.

To get started, you'll need a strong foundation in veterinary medicine, which typically requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited program. This involves four years of intense study and hands-on experience.

You'll also want to gain experience working with exotic animals, which can be done through internships, volunteering, or working at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary. This hands-on experience will help you develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed in this field.

By following these steps, you can become an exotic animal veterinarian and make a real difference in the lives of these incredible animals.

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To become an exotic animal veterinarian, you first need to complete a five-year degree course in veterinary medicine and register with the RCVS.

Acceptance to these courses typically requires 3 A-Levels in relevant subjects, one of which must be Biology, and most courses require grades of AAA.

You'll need to gain some professional experience treating domestic animals before taking extra courses and qualifications in wildlife health or zoological medicine.

A placement working with exotic animals and a residency program, such as those offered by the European College of Zoological Medicine, are also essential steps in your career.

Working with exotic animals can be a dream come true, and there are many jobs beyond being an exotic animal veterinarian that can make this a reality. If you're not ready to commit to becoming a vet, but still want to care for these amazing creatures, consider becoming a vet nurse.

Vet nurses are essential assistants to the vet surgeon, and their role is just as crucial in exotic animal care as it is in traditional veterinary practices. They work closely with the vet to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.

Exotic vet and zoo vet technicians are also in high demand, working behind the scenes to provide top-notch care to these incredible animals. They're often the ones administering medication, taking samples, and performing routine checks.

Working in a zoo or exotic animal clinic can be a thrilling experience, with no two days ever the same. You'll have the opportunity to work with a wide range of animals, from birds to reptiles, and even mammals.

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To become a licensed exotic animal veterinarian, you'll need to obtain a license from your state's veterinary board. This typically involves earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.

State licensure requirements vary, but most states require candidates to pass a jurisprudence exam on veterinary laws and regulations. You'll also need to complete continuing education to renew your license every 1-3 years.

Before applying for a license, you'll need to accrue a few years of experience in the field. This hands-on experience will help you build a strong foundation for your future career.

Board certification is also an option for exotic animal veterinarians. To become a diplomate, you'll need at least six years of experience in a high-quality practice and a passing score on a statewide examination.

Exotic animal vets can make a broad range of salaries, from $60,000 to $100,000 per year, with experience and setting playing a significant role in determining their pay.

Salaries increase with experience, and the setting also factors into the salary, with some exotic animal hospitals bringing in clients who are willing to pay higher amounts for treatment.

The job prospects for exotic animal vets are opening up, particularly since they make up the smallest contingent of practicing veterinarians.

The movement towards purchasing more exotic pets has upgraded the demand for exotic animal vets, making it easier for them to gain employment compared to small animal veterinarians.

Exotic animal veterinarians in the United States earn an average annual salary of $85,171, according to Indeed.

On the upper end of the salary spectrum, some exotic animal veterinarians can earn up to $109,128, while those in the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $66,473.

The demand for exotic animal veterinarians is set to increase by 19 percent between 2021 and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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