How to become an exotic animal veterinarian

How to become an Exotic Animal Veterinarian

Becoming an exotic animal veterinarian involves a genuine passion for working with diverse animal species, a specific educational pathway including undergraduate and veterinary school education, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Here is an overview:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since not all schools offer an undergraduate program in veterinary medicine, many aspiring veterinarians opt for a degree in animal sciences, zoology, biology, chemistry, or another related field. Typical prerequisite coursework for veterinary school includes classes in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Animal Experience
Seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience with exotic animals during your veterinary school years. This can include internships, externships, or volunteer work at zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or exotic animal clinics.

Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)
Prepare for and take the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). This standardized test assesses prospective veterinary students’ academic and scientific knowledge in areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Apply to Veterinary School
It's important to note that admission to veterinary school is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants often need a strong academic record, relevant animal experience, letters of recommendation, and a well-prepared application.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree
Apply to and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited veterinary school. These programs typically last four years and include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Core coursework focuses on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, and clinical skills. Practical experience in various aspects of veterinary medicine is gained through clinical rotations and externships in animal hospitals associated with the veterinary school.

Specialized Training or Residency (Optional)
After completing veterinary school, you may choose to pursue additional training or a residency program in exotic animal medicine. Specialized training can provide you with more in-depth knowledge and experience in caring for a variety of exotic species.

Licensing Exam
After completing the DVM program, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or a state-specific licensing exam to become licensed to practise veterinary medicine.

Seek Employment or Start a Practice
Apply for positions that involve the care of exotic animals. This can include roles in zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, research institutions, private exotic animal practices, or government agencies focused on wildlife management and conservation. Some veterinarians choose to start their own practices.

Build a Professional Network
Connect with professionals in the field, including other exotic animal veterinarians, researchers, and experts in zoo or wildlife management. Networking can open up opportunities for collaboration, job opportunities, and ongoing professional development.

Certifications / Professional Organizations
While not mandatory, some exotic animal veterinarians choose to pursue board certification in a specialty related to exotic animal medicine. Board-certified veterinarians are recognized for their commitment to excellence, expertise, and advanced knowledge in a particular field. They often use the title ‘Diplomate’ of the respective college or board.

Here are some college / board certifications and professional memberships that may be pursued by exotic animal veterinarians:

• American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) – The ACZM is a specialty board that certifies veterinarians in the field of zoological medicine. Veterinarians seeking board certification with the ACZM must complete a residency program in zoological medicine, publish research, and pass a comprehensive examination.
• European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) – The ECZM is the European equivalent of the ACZM and offers board certification for veterinarians in zoological medicine. The certification process involves completing a residency program, contributing to scientific publications, and passing an examination.
• Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) – While ARAV does not offer board certification, it provides membership and resources for veterinarians specializing in reptilian and amphibian medicine. ARAV membership can be beneficial for networking, continuing education, and staying updated on advancements in the field.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – The AVMA is the primary professional organization for veterinarians in the United States, encompassing various specialties, including exotic animal veterinary medicine.
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) – The ACVIM provides board certification in internal medicine, with subspecialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and other areas.
• American College of Theriogenologists (ACT) – Veterinarians with a focus on reproduction and theriogenology, which encompasses expertise in reproductive physiology and management, can become board-certified by the ACT.
• American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) – Veterinarians focusing on dermatology can seek board certification through the ACVD.
• American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) – The ACVO offers board certification in veterinary ophthalmology for veterinarians specializing in eye care.
• American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) – For veterinarians specializing in dentistry, the AVDC offers board certification in veterinary dentistry.
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) – Veterinarians interested in behavioral medicine can pursue board certification through the ACVB.

Also supporting the exotic animal veterinary community are these associations and organizations:

• Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) – AEMV is dedicated to advancing the veterinary care of exotic mammals. The organization provides resources, educational opportunities, and a community for veterinarians with a focus on small exotic mammals.
• Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) – AAV focuses on the health and wellbeing of birds, both companion and wild species. The organization provides education, resources, and a community for veterinarians with an interest in avian medicine.
• American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) – AAZV is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of zoo and wildlife medicine. Members include veterinarians working in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. The organization offers conferences, publications, and opportunities for collaboration.
• International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM) – IAAAM is dedicated to the veterinary care of aquatic animals. Members include veterinarians working with marine mammals, fish, and other aquatic species. The organization offers an annual conference and resources for professionals in the field.
• Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) – While not specific to veterinarians, WDA is an international organization that brings together professionals interested in wildlife health and diseases. It includes veterinarians, researchers, and other wildlife health specialists.