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Exotic Animal Vet Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Technician

Spring, TX ยท On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

True Animal Vet is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate veterinary technician to join our ... A degree or certification in veterinary technology is not required. We are looking for someone who ...

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Exotic Animal Vet Tech information

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How much do exotic animal vet tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for exotic animal vet tech in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the exotic animal vet tech position?

To thrive as an Exotic Animal Vet Tech, you need specialized knowledge of exotic animal species, veterinary nursing skills, and a relevant veterinary technology degree or certification, such as a CVT or LVT. Experience with animal handling equipment, laboratory diagnostics, and medical record systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this field. These qualities are vital for ensuring the safety and proper care of diverse and sometimes high-risk animal patients in unique clinical settings.

What is an exotic animal vet tech?

An Exotic Animal Vet Tech is a veterinary technician who specializes in the care of non-traditional pets and wildlife, such as reptiles, birds, small mammals, and zoo animals. They assist veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostic tests, anesthesia monitoring, and patient care. Their responsibilities may also include educating pet owners, administering medications, and handling specialized equipment. This role requires knowledge of unique species, their behaviors, and specific medical needs. Many Exotic Animal Vet Techs work in specialty clinics, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or zoos.

How to become an exotic animal vet tech?

To become an exotic animal vet tech, you typically need to complete a veterinary technology program accredited by a recognized agency and obtain certification or licensure as required by your region. Gaining experience with exotic animals through internships or volunteering and developing skills in handling and caring for diverse species are also important steps.

What are some common challenges exotic animal vet techs face in their daily work?

Exotic Animal Vet Techs often encounter challenges such as handling unpredictable or stressed animals, adapting to a wide variety of species with unique medical needs, and performing specialized procedures. They must be prepared to work in dynamic environments, where protocols can vary significantly depending on the animal. Additionally, staying current with best practices for less common species and managing emergencies with rare animals can require continuous learning. These challenges make the role rewarding but also demand resilience, adaptability, and a passion for ongoing professional development.

Do exotic animal vet techs get paid more?

Exotic animal vet techs generally earn higher salaries than general vet techs due to specialized skills and knowledge of unique species. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and geographic location, with those working in specialized or high-demand environments often earning more. Certification in exotic animal care and experience with rare species can also influence pay rates.

Can you work with exotic animals as an exotic animal vet tech?

Exotic animal vet techs work with a variety of non-traditional pets such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals, often assisting with exams, treatments, and surgeries. They need knowledge of species-specific care, proper handling techniques, and may require specialized training or certifications in exotic animal care. Working in this field involves understanding the unique needs of different species and maintaining a safe environment for both animals and staff.
More about Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs
What cities are hiring for Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs? Cities with the most Exotic Animal Vet Tech job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs? The most popular types of Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs are:
What states have the most Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exotic Animal Vet Tech jobs are:
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal Vet Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Veterinary Technician, Exotics

Ethos Veterinary Health

West Springfield, MA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Technician, Exotics | $18โ€“$28/hr

Location: West Springfield, MA

Schedule: Full-Time | Three 10-hour shifts per week

Compensation: $18โ€“$28/hour + Additional Earning Potential for VTS Technicians

Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH) in West Springfield, MA is hiring an experienced Veterinary Technician to join our Exotics team. This full-time Veterinary Technician opportunity is ideal for a Vet Tech who enjoys working with exotic animal patients while growing advanced anesthesia, specialty medicine, and patient care skills.

Join a collaborative emergency and specialty animal hospital where youโ€™ll provide high-quality care for unique patients including birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other exotic companion animals while working alongside an experienced clinical team.

Compensation

  • Non-Credentialed Veterinary Technician: $18โ€“$22/hour

  • Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT): $23โ€“$28/hour

  • Compensation may be higher for VTS candidates

Full-Time Benefits:

  • Continuing Education + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)

  • Paid Shoe Stipend & Scrubs provided (free to you!)

  • CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement

  • RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills

  • Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support

  • 16-Week VTNE Study Group

  • Professional Development Assistance

  • PTO + Sick Time

  • Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount + Immediate Family Pet Discount

  • Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans

  • NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount

  • Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options

  • Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

  • Full-time

  • Three 10-hour shifts weekly

  • Current schedule:

  • Wednesday

  • Friday

  • Saturday

Responsibilities

As an Exotics Veterinary Technician, youโ€™ll play an important role in delivering safe, compassionate, high-quality care to exotic animal patients throughout diagnostics, treatment, anesthesia, and recovery.

  • Assist veterinarians with patient exams, treatments, and diagnostic procedures for exotic species

  • Support anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for surgical and procedural cases

  • Obtain and process laboratory samples

  • Perform patient restraint, treatment support, and nursing care for birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other exotic companion animals

  • Maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation

  • Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, discharge instructions, and post-operative care

  • Assist with inventory management and stocking of exotics-related supplies and equipment

  • Support advanced technical procedures including catheter placement, advanced monitoring, and specialty treatments

  • Collaborate closely with Emergency, Specialty, and technical teams to deliver exceptional patient care

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of Veterinary Technician experience required

  • Small animal anesthesia experience required

  • Veterinary Technology degree or equivalent training required

  • CVT / LVT / RVT preferred

  • Experience working with exotic animal patients strongly preferred

  • Strong anesthesia monitoring and patient care skills

  • Excellent communication and client service skills

  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced emergency and specialty hospital environment

  • Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management

  • Positive, team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach to patient care

  • Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH)

We are a 24-hour, VECCS Level 2 Certified, state-of-the-art Emergency + Specialty veterinary hospital.

Like human medical specialists, VESH supports primary care veterinarians with the evaluation and treatment of pets affected by trauma, chronic issues, serious illness, or unusual disorders requiring advanced training, while also providing critical and emergency veterinary care.

We offer a variety of specialty services including Advanced Imaging (CT), Internal Medicine, Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Emergency and Critical Care.

At VESH, youโ€™ll join a collaborative team committed to exceptional medicine, compassionate care, and continued learning. Every role in our hospital contributes to improving the lives of pets and the families who love them.

Surrounding Areas

Our hospital is located in West Springfield, MA, and draws talented veterinary professionals from throughout the region, including:

  • Springfield, MA & Chicopee, MA

  • Holyoke, MA & Longmeadow, MA

  • Agawam, MA & Northampton, MA

  • Amherst, MA & Enfield, CT

  • Suffield, CT & Hartford, CT

This location offers access to a broad veterinary talent market across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.

Know Someone Amazing?

If this role isnโ€™t the right fit but you know a great CVT, send them our way!

Email Katelin.Shephard@ethosvet.comโ€”you could earn a $1,250 referral bonus if theyโ€™re hired.

Considering Relocating?

Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. Youโ€™ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. Youโ€™ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isnโ€™t just a job, itโ€™s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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