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Reptile Vet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Practice Partners

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... reptile patients, including work with wildlife turtles. We are happy to support you if you want to ... After writing articles for popular vet med blogs, he presented lectures on business and wellness ...

Veterinary Practice Partners

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... reptile patients, including work with wildlife turtles. We are happy to support you if you want to ... After writing articles for popular vet med blogs, he presented lectures on business and wellness ...

Lakewood Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... reptile patients, including work with wildlife turtles. We are happy to support you if you want to ... After writing articles for popular vet med blogs, he presented lectures on business and wellness ...

Veterinary Practice Partners

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... reptile patients, including work with wildlife turtles. We are happy to support you if you want to ... After writing articles for popular vet med blogs, he presented lectures on business and wellness ...

Lakewood Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Morris, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... reptile patients, including work with wildlife turtles. We are happy to support you if you want to ... After writing articles for popular vet med blogs, he presented lectures on business and wellness ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Woodhaven, MI

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

... bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total store cleanliness ... transport to the vet as needed. * Assists and works in various areas throughout the store ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Lewisville, TX

$14 - $16/hr

... bird, reptile, small animal, cricket, and fish aquariums). * Maintains total store cleanliness ... transport to the vet as needed. * Assists and works in various areas throughout the store ...

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All JobsReptile Vet Jobs

Reptile Vet information

See salary details

$15

$29

$57

How much do reptile vet jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for reptile vet in the United States is $29.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of vet is the highest paid?

Specialized veterinary fields such as veterinary surgeons, cardiologists, and oncologists tend to be the highest paid within the veterinary profession. Reptile veterinarians generally earn less than those in high-demand specialties or with extensive experience in large animal or exotic animal medicine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reptile Vet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reptile Vet, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, state licensure, and specialized knowledge in reptile anatomy, physiology, and diseases. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging, laboratory equipment, and specialized reptile handling tools is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment. Strong observation skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with pet owners set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies ensure proper diagnosis, compassionate care, and effective client education, which are vital for the health and well-being of reptilian patients.

Is 27 too late to become a vet?

Becoming a veterinarian, including a reptile vet specialization, typically requires completing a bachelor's degree followed by veterinary school, which can be started at any age. Many people enter the field later in life and successfully become licensed vets, so 27 is not too late to pursue this career path.

How do you become a reptile vet?

To become a reptile vet, you need to complete a bachelor's degree followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college. Afterward, gaining experience in exotic animal medicine, including reptiles, through internships or specialized training, and obtaining state licensure are essential steps in pursuing this career.

What is a vet for reptiles called?

A veterinarian who specializes in reptiles is called a reptile vet or herpetologist veterinarian. These professionals have specialized training in reptile anatomy, health, and diseases, and often work in clinics or wildlife centers with appropriate tools and knowledge for reptile care.

What is the difference between Reptile Vet vs Small Animal Veterinarian?

AspectReptile VetSmall Animal Veterinarian
CredentialsVeterinary degree, specialized reptile medicine certificationVeterinary degree, general small animal practice certification
Work EnvironmentExotic animal clinics, specialized practices, zoosPet clinics, animal hospitals, general practice clinics
Industry UsageFocus on reptiles and exotic petsFocus on cats, dogs, and small mammals
Common Search/ComparisonReptile Vet vs Small Animal Vet

Reptile vets specialize in diagnosing and treating reptiles and exotic pets, often requiring additional certifications. Small animal vets focus on cats, dogs, and small mammals, working mainly in general pet clinics. While both are veterinary professionals, their expertise and work environments differ significantly, catering to distinct client needs.

What are some common challenges faced by reptile vets, and how can new professionals prepare for them?

Reptile vets often encounter challenges such as diagnosing subtle health issues, managing species-specific husbandry requirements, and educating owners on proper care. Unlike more common pets, reptiles may mask symptoms of illness, requiring keen observation and specialized diagnostic skills. New professionals can prepare by gaining hands-on experience with diverse reptile species, continually updating their knowledge of exotic animal medicine, and building strong communication skills to effectively guide reptile owners. Networking with experienced exotic vets and joining professional associations can also provide valuable support and learning opportunities.

What are reptile vets?

Reptile vets, also known as reptile veterinarians or exotic animal vets, are licensed veterinarians who specialize in the medical care of reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses specific to reptiles, which often require unique knowledge and skills compared to traditional pets like dogs and cats. Reptile vets may work in private clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers, and often provide guidance on proper nutrition, habitat, and husbandry for reptile owners.
More about Reptile Vet jobs
What job categories do people searching Reptile Vet jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Reptile Vet jobs are:
Reptile Vet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reptile Vet job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,051 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
SFDK Vet Tech Assistant $26.00/HR

SFDK Vet Tech Assistant $26.00/HR

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$26/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Six Flags rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 523 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 56 rated theme parks

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Clean and maintain professional appearance of Vet Clinic and surrounding outdoor areas including sweeping and mopping of all areas, emptying trash, dust and cobweb removal, etc.
  • Answer phones, assist veterinarians/Vet technicians, or fill Rx's as requested, and assist with any trainer concerns
  • Administer treatments such as oral, IM or SQ medications as required
  • Assist with the preparation of animals for treatments and procedures
  • Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and maintain other hospital equipment in proper working order
  • Perform radiographs using stationary or portables x-ray units in a safe manner; maintain records of setting in logs
  • Process laboratory specimens in house and maintain cleanliness and appearance of the laboratory
  • Report all animal health issues to Veterinarian and Vet Clinic Supervisor
  • Maintain drug cabinets and kits, restocking as needed and monitoring expirations
  • Enter pertinent treatment or observation data in computer for appropriate animals
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Minimum of two years experience as a veterinary assistant, certification or license preferred
  • Must be able to perform minimum in house laboratory procedures such as fecals, urinalysis and microbiology; ability to analyze bird and reptile blood desired but not required
  • Knowledge of animal restraint techniques required
  • Proficiency in surgical preparation and assistance and have ability to administer and monitor anesthesia
  • Must be able to perform venipuncture on a variety of animals
  • Must be able to swim
  • Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
  • Must be able to walk the park and run if necessary
  • Must have mental and physical capacities to perform requirements of the job
  • Must be able to work with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to work weekends and holidays as assigned
  • Must be proficient in computer programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, InfoPath, etc.)
  • Must possess a valid drivers license

Working Conditions:
Work is both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Lighting is both natural and artificial. Will require close contact with all species of animals at the park both in the clinic and in animal enclosures, including pools or tanks. Equipment used includes office equipment, computers, and all standard veterinary equipment including x-ray machines, needles, and sharp instruments. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, kneeling, squatting, lifting, carrying, climbing, stair walking. Hours and days may vary and must work weekends, evenings and holidays.

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