The following is reprinted from the Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society's newsletter, visit us online at
http://www.pnhs.net. <br><br>
<b>Question:</b> I want to take my snake to a veterinarian, but I don't have any idea where to go. How do I know which one to pick?<br><br>
<b>Answer:</b> The best way to find a good vet is to talk to people. Talk to local herpers and ask who they go to. Ask what they like about their vet. Call around the vet clinics and hospitals in your area and talk to the staff. Make sure you feel comfortable with their expertise and confident that your animal's health is in good hands.
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Here are some questions you can ask to find out how knowledgeable a vet is:
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1. Have you ever treated reptiles and amphibians before?<br>
2. Have you ever treated a (insert species of choice) before?<br>
3. How many years have you been in practice?<br>
4. How long have you seen reptiles as patients?<br>
5. Approximately how many reptiles do you see a month?<br>
6. What percent of your patients are reptiles?<br>
7. What was your primary area of study in veterinary school?<br>
8. Do you belong to the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)?<br>
9. How do you keep current on new developments in herpetocultural medicine?<br>
10. Do you attend continuing education classes?<br>
11. Do you keep any reptiles or amphibians as pets?<br>
12. Have you kept any in the past?<br>
13. Does your practice provide full services for reptiles, such as surgeries?<br>
14. Do you recommend annual exams?<br>
15. If so, what does an annual exam consist of?<br>
16. What services are performed during the initial visit?<br>
17. Have you ever treated (insert condition of choice) in reptiles?<br>
18. Are you willing to consult with other veterinarians?<br>
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<i>Thanks to the staff at the Bird & Exotic Clinic of Seattle and the folks online at rec.pets.herp for helping with this article!</i><br><br>
PNHS also maintains a database of known herp vets in Washington state, as well as a short list (3) of our favorite recommended vets in the Seattle area. Let me know if I can help you find one!
Article: how to choose a herp vet
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