Exotic Animal Veterinarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world fascinated by the extraordinary, the role of exotic animal veterinarians is constantly evolving.

As our understanding of wildlife broadens, the need for skilled professionals, who can diagnose, treat, and protect our planet’s most unique creatures, escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an exotic animal veterinarian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker keen to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the world of exotic animal care,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible exotic animal veterinarian job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Duties and Responsibilities

Exotic Animal Veterinarians are tasked with the medical care and treatment of a variety of non-domestic animals, including reptiles, birds, amphibians, and small mammals.

These professionals must be well-versed in the unique medical needs and health issues of these animals.

The duties and responsibilities of an Exotic Animal Veterinarian include:

• Examining and diagnosing health problems in exotic animals
• Performing surgeries and other medical procedures on exotic animals
• Administering vaccinations and preventative treatments
• Advising animal owners on the proper care and maintenance of their exotic pets
• Performing regular health checks and screenings
• Treating injuries and illnesses specific to the species
• Prescribing medication and rehabilitation therapy
• Performing euthanasia when necessary and humane
• Maintaining records of animal patients
• Collaborating with other veterinary professionals and animal care staff
• Staying updated on the latest veterinary techniques and medical research relating to exotic animals
• Providing emergency care outside of regular working hours

 

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Exotic Animal Veterinarian to join our team.

This role entails diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of diseases and injuries in exotic and non-domestic animals.

Responsibilities include conducting regular check-ups, advising on care and diet needs, and performing surgeries when necessary.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in handling and treating exotic animals and be comfortable interacting with them.

Ultimately, the Exotic Animal Veterinarian’s role is to ensure the health and well-being of a diverse range of animals.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform regular check-ups on exotic animals to assess their health condition and discover possible diseases or illnesses
• Diagnose and treat animals with illnesses and injuries
• Conduct surgical procedures on animals if necessary
• Vaccinate animals to prevent diseases
• Educate animal owners on the dietary and medical needs of their pets
• Collaborate with veterinary assistants and other medical staff to provide top-quality care to patients
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in veterinary medicine and techniques

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Veterinarian, preferably with exotic animals
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
• State Veterinary Board License and willingness to obtain license in our state
• Excellent verbal communication skills to interact with pet owners and team members
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose illnesses and develop appropriate treatment plans
• Strong surgical skills
• Experience in exotic animal medicine is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Veterinary services at a discounted rate

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Exotic Animal Veterinarian
• Work Environment: Veterinary clinic with a variety of exotic animals. Some travel may be required for house calls or emergency situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Veterinarian or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our clinic. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and your DVM license to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Exotic Animal Veterinarian Do?

Exotic Animal Veterinarians are specialized practitioners who focus on treating non-domestic animals, including, but not limited to, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and sometimes zoo animals.

They diagnose and treat diseases in a wide range of exotic animals.

This involves interpreting diagnostic tests, operating medical equipment, conducting surgeries, prescribing medications, and providing necessary treatment.

Exotic Animal Veterinarians also educate animal owners about proper care, dietary needs, habitat requirements, and the special needs of their pets.

They may also perform regular health checks and administer vaccinations to prevent diseases.

Part of their job is to handle emergency cases that may require immediate medical attention, which can include fractures, serious infections, or severe illnesses.

Exotic Animal Veterinarians often work closely with wildlife rescue organizations and rehabilitation centers, providing medical care to injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals.

In addition to clinical practice, they may engage in research to develop new treatment methods or improve existing ones for exotic animals.

They might also be consulted for legal cases involving exotic animals.

 

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Qualifications and Skills

Exotic Animal Veterinarians have a unique set of skills and qualifications due to their specialization in treating non-traditional pets and animals, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of various exotic animal species, their characteristics, behaviors, and unique health issues to provide appropriate treatment.
• Strong diagnostic skills to identify health issues in exotic animals that may not present symptoms in the same way as common pets.
• Advanced surgical skills, as exotic animals often require specialized surgical procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with animal owners, clearly explain the condition of the animals, and educate them on proper care and treatment.
• Compassion and patience to handle animals that may be stressed or scared due to their surroundings or health conditions.
• Ability to work in a team with other veterinarians and veterinary technicians, often in high stress situations.
• Resilience and adaptability as working with exotic animals can often be unpredictable and require flexibility.
• Commitment to ongoing education and learning to keep up with the latest research, treatments, and techniques in exotic animal medicine.

 

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Experience Requirements

To become an Exotic Animal Veterinarian, professionals typically need to have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited university.

During this education, students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, where they learn about various animals and diseases.

Entry-level exotic animal veterinarians usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or residency program at an accredited zoo, wildlife rehabilitation center, or exotic animal hospital.

This provides them with practical experience in exotic animal medicine, surgery, and preventive care.

Exotic Animal Veterinarians with 3 to 5 years of experience are likely to have developed their skills in diagnosing and treating a wider range of diseases in various exotic animals.

They may also have gained experience in conducting research in the field of exotic animal medicine.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have significant exposure to a variety of exotic animal species and have developed advanced surgical and medical skills.

They may also have managerial experience, having led a team of veterinary technicians or having managed an exotic animal facility.

Additional certifications, such as being a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Exotic Companion Mammal Practice, can be valuable and may require additional years of practical experience in the field.

 

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Education and Training Requirements

To become an Exotic Animal Veterinarian, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is required.

This involves four years of post-undergraduate study, covering coursework such as animal anatomy, physiology, disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Prior to veterinary school, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or animal science, is usually necessary.

Some veterinary schools may accept students after two or three years of undergraduate study and completion of the prerequisite courses.

Admission to veterinary schools is highly competitive and requires a strong academic record, experience with animals, and passing scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Some schools may also require the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT).

After obtaining a DVM, aspiring exotic animal veterinarians typically complete an internship and a specialized residency in exotic or zoo animal medicine.

This can take up to four years and provides practical experience under the supervision of experienced veterinarians.

Veterinarians must be licensed to practice in all states.

This involves passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), as well as state-specific exams.

Additional certification, such as becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in Exotic Companion Mammal Practice, can further enhance career prospects.

Continuing education is important in this field as it helps veterinarians stay updated with the latest medical advancements and treatments.

 

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Salary Expectations

An Exotic Animal Veterinarian earns an average salary of $92,125 (USD) per year.

This salary may fluctuate depending on factors such as years of professional experience, additional specialized training, geographical location, and the specific institution of employment.

 

Exotic Animal Veterinarian Job Description FAQs

What skills does an exotic animal veterinarian need?

Exotic animal veterinarians require a unique skill set that includes keen diagnostic abilities as exotic animals can’t express their symptoms like humans or domestic pets.

They need excellent communication skills to interact with animal owners, excellent problem-solving skills to make quick decisions, and solid animal handling skills, given the wide variety of species they deal with.

 

Do exotic animal veterinarians need a specialized degree?

Yes, to become an exotic animal veterinarian, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is required, followed by additional specialization in exotic animal medicine.

This specialization can be achieved by undertaking residencies and fellowships in exotic animal medicine post-graduation.

 

What should you look for in an exotic animal veterinarian resume?

Apart from the necessary qualification of a DVM degree, look for experience in treating exotic animals.

Certifications from recognized bodies like the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) or similar can denote a higher level of expertise in the field.

Also, consider any internships, residencies, or fellowships in exotic or zoo animal medicine as positive indicators.

 

What qualities make a good exotic animal veterinarian?

A good exotic animal veterinarian should be passionate about animals and conservation, have excellent observational skills, and be adaptable to handle various species.

They should also have good interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with pet owners and colleagues.

Additionally, they should be lifelong learners as the field of exotic animal medicine is constantly evolving.

 

Is it challenging to find qualified exotic animal veterinarians?

Yes, it can be challenging to find qualified exotic animal veterinarians.

The field requires extensive specialized training and experience, which is not as commonly pursued as small animal or large animal veterinary medicine.

Therefore, the pool of candidates is smaller, making recruitment a bit more challenging.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed into the captivating realm of being an exotic animal veterinarian.

Intriguing, isn’t it?

It’s not just about treating illnesses and injuries.

It’s about ensuring the health and wellbeing of some of the world’s most unique creatures, one diagnosis at a time.

With our detailed exotic animal veterinarian job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this career path.

But why limit your exploration?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for perfecting your job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every diagnosis, every treatment, is a part of a bigger mission.

Let’s champion that mission. Together.

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