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Exotic Pets Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Treat dogs, cats, exotic pets, and avian patients * Support hospital operations and enhance the client experience Qualifications * DVM degree with a Maryland veterinary license (or eligibility to ...

$115 - $145/hr

Portland, Phoenix, or Mesa About Us Exotic Pet Vets is the largest, privately owned veterinary group in North America that focuses exclusively on exotic pets. Our hospitals offer specialist level ...

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... exotic animal programs in the Midwest, providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and referral care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, zoological species, aquatic animals ...

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Exotic Pets information

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How much do exotic pets jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for exotic pets in the United States is $13.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are exotic pets?

Exotic pets are animals that are not commonly kept as household pets, such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals, and even some insects and arachnids. These animals often come from different parts of the world and may require specialized care, diets, and habitats. Keeping exotic pets can be rewarding, but it often involves unique challenges, including legal restrictions, veterinary needs, and specific environmental requirements. It's important to thoroughly research any exotic species before deciding to keep one as a pet.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exotic pet veterinarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exotic Pet Veterinarian, you need specialized knowledge in exotic animal medicine, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, and often additional training or certification in zoological or avian medicine. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, specialized surgical instruments, and veterinary management software is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential soft skills for educating pet owners and handling diverse species. These skills ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and care tailored to the unique needs of exotic pets, promoting animal health and client trust.

What are some common challenges faced by exotic pet veterinarians when treating less common species?

Exotic pet veterinarians often encounter challenges such as limited diagnostic resources, scarce species-specific medical information, and the need to adapt treatment protocols for a wide variety of animals, from reptiles to birds and small mammals. Additionally, handling and restraining exotic pets safely requires specialized training and equipment. Building trust with both the animals and their owners is crucial, as many clients may be unfamiliar with proper husbandry, leading to cases that require extensive client education.

What is the difference between Exotic Pets vs Exotic Animal Care Specialist?

AspectExotic PetsExotic Animal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge, some certifications in pet careSpecialized certifications, veterinary training
Work EnvironmentPet stores, private homes, rescue centersZoological parks, wildlife sanctuaries, clinics
Industry UsagePet ownership, retailWildlife conservation, research, veterinary care

Exotic Pets generally refers to individuals who own or sell unusual animals, often with minimal formal training. In contrast, Exotic Animal Care Specialists have specialized education and work in professional settings like zoos or clinics, focusing on the health and conservation of exotic animals.

More about Exotic Pets jobs

What cities are hiring for Exotic Pets jobs?

Cities with the most Exotic Pets job openings:

What states have the most Exotic Pets jobs?

States with the most job openings for Exotic Pets jobs include:

Infographic showing various Exotic Pets job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,914 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

Compassionate Vet for Small/Exotic Pets -- Flexible Schedule

Groton, CT • On-site


VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


$120 - $180/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital in Groton, Connecticut is seeking a compassionate and skilled full-time Veterinarian to join their dynamic team. This role requires a passion for delivering high-quality veterinary care, particularly for avian and exotic pets. The ideal candidate will enjoy a collaborative environment with experienced technicians and managers. Offering a competitive salary of $120,000 - $180,000 depending on experience, along with additional benefits such as signing bonuses, paid time off, and opportunities for career development, this is a unique chance for those looking to grow in a supportive setting. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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