Adopting a pet is an exciting decision! People recently have been straying from the typical dog and cat pets and looking into exotic pets. There are quite a few things to consider before adopting an exotic pet. It is important to note that every species of exotic animal is different and requires specific care and diet needs. Proper research is very important. Here is our guide on adopting and exotic pet!

Housing

One of the first things to consider before adopting an exotic pet is what their housing will look like. Every animal is different, and that’s especially true with exotic animals. You want to ensure your pet has an ample amount of living space and is comfortable in their surroundings. In addition, their habitat needs to include any other necessities for their species. These are housing requirements for popular exotic pets.

• Snake: Terrarium large enough to suit their growing bodies.
• Lizard: Terrarium with UVB light
• Bird: Cage in a well-trafficked, sunny spot (not direct sunlight), away from drafts.
• Turtles: Semi-aquatic environment depending on species with heat bulb.
• Rodent: Cage that escape-proof, adequate ventilation, out of direct sunlight, room to burrow.

Diet

Diet is an important aspect of pet care, especially for exotic pets. One of the best ways to ensure your pet is eating proper food is to chat with an exotic pet veterinarian. This way you know exactly what your pet should and should not be eating. The quality of their life results from their housing and diet. You want to make sure your pet is receiving all the nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy!

Care

One of the best things you can do for your pet is annual wellness checks to make sure they’re healthy. Exotic pets are different than your ordinary pets, like cats and dogs. Not every veterinarian is trained in exotic animal care. At Andes-Straley, Dr. Andes is one of the few vets that treat exotic animals in the Tri-City area. In addition, our staff is trained to provide high-quality medical care for all our patients- feathered, scaled, or otherwise. Your reptiles, birds, small mammals, fish, and more are unique and should receive the highest standard of animal care.

If you would like to learn more about our exotic animal care, please visit Andes-Straley Veterinarian Hospital. We provide a variety of services including exotic animal care because we believe all animals deserve high-quality care. To schedule an appointment, please visit us online here or call us at (423) 378-4443 today!