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Exotic Pets Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... exotic pets, and small farm animals. Our appointment-based practice also accommodates urgent care and drop-off appointments as workflow allows. Our recently renovated 3,100-square-foot hospital ...

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Exotic Pets information

See Texas salary details

$7

$12

$17

How much do exotic pets jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for exotic pets in Texas is $12.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.20 and $14.33 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.

Infographic showing various Exotic Pets job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,938 per year, or $13 per hour.

Veterinarian, Medical Director

Austin Pet & Exotic Hospital

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Veterinarian, Medical Director Brand New, Beautiful Hospital!  Austin Pet and Exotic Hospital, Austin, TX    About You As a key leader in our hospital, you'll drive positive changes and growth. Your influence will shape our vision, foster an exceptional culture, and maintain high standards of care. Partnering with the practice manager and leadership team, you'll develop strategies, implement improvements, and guide our hospital towards excellence in patient and client care, while supporting staff development.   Experience & Skills Requirements
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VMD) or equivalent degree required.
  • State Veterinary Board License and must be in good standing for the state where they intend to be hired, before their start date.
  • An active DEA license or DEA licensure is eligible.
Austin Pet and Exotic Hospital is seeking a Veterinarian Medical Director to lead our team as part of the Thrive Pet Healthcare community.   As a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, you will have the support, tools, and resources to elevate your skills. As a hospital deeply rooted in the local community, you will experience the best of both worlds: a genuine local feel with the benefits of Thrive's national resources.   About Our Hospital Austin Pet and Exotic Hospital is a new, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in North Austin, Texas, specializing in exotic pets, birds, dogs, and cats. After over 35 years of service to our community, we recently transitioned into our new hospital, designed to support exceptional care and comfort for our patients and team.   Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality veterinary care throughout every stage of life. We’re more than just a hospital; we’re a supportive community of veterinary professionals committed to advancing your career and empowering your success with the tools, training, and collaboration you need.   Our experienced team—comprising licensed veterinarians, skilled technicians, and dedicated support staff—prioritizes exceptional patient care and client service. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where continuous learning, mentorship, and professional growth are encouraged. Committed to innovation, we regularly evaluate and integrate new technologies, products, and equipment to ensure we deliver the highest standard of care.   Life in Austin,TX Discover life in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World. Enjoy a vibrant mix of music, culture, and culinary delights, with festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities year-round. Austin offers a unique blend of ambition, creativity, and opportunity in the scenic Texas Hill Country.   Join our dedicated team of veterinarians, nurses, and support staff as we deliver the very best veterinary medicine. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our clients and their beloved pets.   Providing services for:  Exotic Pets, Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles plus Dogs and Cats.   We are open Monday–Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturdays, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon   Serving Brentwood, Allandale, Rosedale, and North Austin.   Provide your best care as a Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarian. Support and mentor veterinarians at your hospital toward achieving medical excellence and enhancing patient care and outcomes through close collaboration with practice managers and hospital leadership. With our comprehensive support, you'll be empowered to perform at your best. Utilize leadership training resources and mentorship programs to develop your skills and advance your career.   Your success in caring for your patients matters to you, and your success matters to us. Our progressive compensation model includes competitive base salaries with production compensation opportunities, plus no negative accrual.   Benefits – our care in action Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Medical Director Stipend
  • Relocation Allowance 
  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Mental health resources, including 24/7 access to Lyra Health
  • Paid parental and purr-ental leave
  • Employer-sponsored childcare and elder care
  • Personalized care for every family-forming journey
  • 401(k) match
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan management tools and assistance
Thrive’s Medical Excellence and Education Department leads training and mentorship programs designed to support and empower you with the knowledge, tools, and resources to strengthen and nurture your professional journey, whether you're a vet technician, doctor, or in hospital leadership, at any point in your career.   Plus, we have an innovative Medical Leadership Program that equips you with essential skills in leadership, hospital operations, and medical excellence. It combines self-paced learning, live presentations, and mentorship. With on-demand support and 1:1 mentor buddy, we ensure our medical leaders have the support they need to excel.   To learn more about this amazing opportunity, apply today or reach out to us at GPrecruiting@thrivepet.com.   About Thrive Vet-founded and Austin-born, Thrive Pet Healthcare has expanded to over 380 partner hospitals nationwide, united by a mission to shape the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community.  We bridge general practice, urgent care, specialty, and emergency care, and our locally rooted, nationally connected hospitals benefit from Thrive's extensive resources while maintaining their unique identities.   We believe that supporting our people is the key to helping pets thrive through every stage of life.  Join us where #WeThriveTogether. We provide customizable professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment that values work-life rhythms, and 24/7 mental health support.   At Thrive Pet Healthcare, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity of all of our team members, pet owners, and pets. We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members are empowered and feel a sense of belonging.