Tips for finding a good Herp Vet?

[KristenT]

Hi everyone... I just moved to another state, (ok, moved about a year ago now) and Taz is acting a little off, so I'm looking for a vet to take him to. Does any one have any tips on how to tell if a vet is just a 'reptile enthusiast' or an actual herp vet? So far, all the vets I've found in the area that are listed on "The Herp Connection" have only DVM after their name, and then in the profiles basically list "Have owned reptiles for X amount of years" etc. I'm in the DFW, Texas area... so if anyone can recommend a good Herp vet in the are too, that would be awesome!
I just don't want to end up going to a vet and paying a fee just to find out they really don't know as much about beardies as they let on.
I did find two vets that had notes of "We run a reptile rescue and use this vet for everything"... but again, they were still just listed as a general, all around, cat/dog/exotics/pocket pet (which I hate that term... but I digress) vet.

 

[Taterbug]

ARAV.org is the association reptile and amphibian veterinarians - you can check if there is a registered vet in your area.

Otherwise find some referals (pet shops, non-exotic vets, rescues, sometimes zoos or university vet programs etc) and then call them. Politely ask questions of the staff and the vet who would see your animals.

I usually ask how many reptiles they see as well as specifically dragons. How long they have worked with reptiles etc. What they do at a check up, what services they offer (fecal exams are sent to an outside lab by some clinics, others may have diagnostic limits etc). Think about what's important to you the vet does or doesn't do and ask questions accordingly. For non-specialists if they have a clinic or hospital they refer special cases to.

Other than trying to get information and referrals ahead of time sometimes it's still a disappointment. Exotic vets stil see more common pets - reptiles are too small a population to keep a clinic open. I try to find one that is willing to work together with me and listen to me, rather than hand me some meds and a bill.

 

[KristenT]

Thanks, Taterbug... looking at that website, I did find a vet listed near me that has some pretty good reviews. I've got a small list going... looks like I've got a few calls to make now. :wink:

 

[Taterbug]

Thanks, Taterbug... looking at that website, I did find a vet listed near me that has some pretty good reviews. I've got a small list going... looks like I've got a few calls to make now. :wink:

Best luck!