Finding the right herp vet - Dr. K from the Nat Geo show?

[Cheesenugget]

I want to take Gaga to a vet for a check up and fecal exam. She isn't sick, eats fine, poops ok although a little mushy so I'm concerned for parasites. I live in South Florida, less than 10miles from Broward Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital, where Dr. Kelleher is filiming her tv show on Nat Geo. I had never seen her show, not sure if I want to, I heard rumours that she likes to make comments about the owners behind their backs on camera. Idk how much or if that is true.

She charges $60 per exam and requires that I bring my basking and Uvb light. I asked if I could take a photo or provide the brand names. No, they need to test the lights themselves. I have a Reptisun tube 10.0. Plus the hood which costs me a lot of money. They are also pretty long at 30 inch. It's very inconvenient to carry and I worry they would break my lights. Also, I though it strange that they would ask me to provide all my personal info before finding out what I wanted (I didn't even get the chance to tell then I would like to schedule the appt).

I called 3 more exotic vets and they do not require me to bring my lights. One girl even responded surprised, telling me that they would only need the name of the brand.

The next closest exotic vet is Dr. Ferber, about 30-35 miles away. That's pretty far but he charges a normal visit rate at $48 per exam. I read some good reviews about him.

Should I give Dr. K a try? This first impression already made me a little nervous and annoyed. I don't care for her tv show but because my beardi is blind, i don't want Nat Geo see that as an opportunity to interfere to stir up drama just so they get better ratings. Most of the positive reviews on her clinic was about Dr. Diaz who left last year.

Last thing, when I asked how much experience the vets have dealing with reptiles, the receptionist responded that they have a lot of years working with exotics or else they wouldn't be specialists in this field. I asked her, ok, then how many years working with strictly reptiles? She couldn't give me a straight answer.

 

[CooperDragon]

I've never heard of requiring someone to bring their equipment along. Usually a description will do so they can just verify that you have a solid setup. Even on here when you say which light you are using, how old it is, and how far above the basking area it sits I can tell you if it's effective or not without seeing it or testing it in person. That said, if they're running UVB meters then they can tell for sure what the output of your specific light is and how far it should be mounted to be in the proper range so there is something to be said for it.

I think that it's important to have a good relationship with your vet. If a vet hasn't made a good impression or you are uncomfortable bringing your pet in for a checkup, then I'd try to find someone who is a better match and you're comfortable working with. Especially since this is a wellness visit I think it's a good opportunity to try a vet out and see how you feel about their approach and expertise with a dragon. I'd trust your gut in this situation.