“I just see dogs and cats”
That has been the phrase embarrassed by roughly 80% of the veterinary world over the past decade. And to be fair, its understandable. For years, exotic pet care was largely relegated to specialists—avian veterinarians, herp experts, and small mammal aficionados operating in niche referral hospitals. But today, a quiet shift is happening: exotics are making a comeback in general practice.
Whether it’s a bearded dragon with impaction, a cockatiel with a respiratory infection, or a rabbit that hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, more general practitioners are seeing—and treating—species that once felt off-limits. So why the shift? And what does it mean for the future of veterinary medicine?
The New Normal in Patient Demographics
As pet ownership diversifies, so do patient rosters. Rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, and backyard chickens are no longer rare companions. For many families, these animals are just as cherished as their dogs and cats—and they are growing to expect a higher level of care and access from their local vet.
This change in patient expectations has nudged general practitioners to step up. Many are brushing off their exotic textbooks, seeking CE in pocket pets and birds, and leaning into the challenge. Plus, seeing exotics, although daunting, can actually be pretty exciting and novel.
Access Gaps in Specialty Care
The rise in exotic ownership hasn’t been matched by an explosion in board-certified exotic vets. In many areas, it’s hours—or even days—to the nearest specialist, if there are any to be found at all. In many towns and smaller cities, there isn’t a specialist for exotics of any kind. However, as owners become more knowledgeable and passionate about their exotic friends, they are better at recognizing when to self manage their pets, and when they need reinforcements. Owners are more interested than ever in finding the right general practice that can help triage, stabilize, and often manage cases solo.
As a result, “exotics-lite” is becoming part of the modern GP’s skillset. You may not be performing orthopedic surgery on a gecko anytime soon—but knowing how to handle a GI stasis rabbit safely is increasingly beneficial.
Tools, Tech, and Team Training
Advancements in diagnostics and equipment have made exotic care more accessible. Small digital scales, specialized imaging protocols, and improved anesthesia monitoring make it possible to provide good care without a specialty setup. Meanwhile, technicians and support staff are stepping up with training in exotic handling, restraint, and husbandry counseling. It’s becoming a team sport. Add in access to novel, world class libraries (shameless plug for our Vetsie team!), and you now have a formula for a team that is ready for anything and anyone who walks in the door seeking help.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a boarded exotic vet to make a difference in these patients’ lives. You don’t have to know every disease and treatment by heart. All you really need are the right resources to find the answer to whatever your question is, and a team who can adapt to each patient’s needs. By embracing a generalist approach to exotic care—with a commitment to continued learning and collaboration—you can expand your impact and meet the needs of a seemingly ever changing patient population. Take it from a small animal veterinarian who can ultrasound fish: learning something new is always exciting, and keeps us all excited to continuing down our wonderful and at times wacky career.