What to look out for when trying to find a good exotic vet

Choosing the right veterinary care for hedgehogs, tenrecs, and other exotic small mammals

Finding a veterinarian can be challenging, but finding a good exotic vet is something else entirely. While cats and dogs dominate most veterinary practices, owners of exotic animals like African pygmy hedgehogs and tenrecs often discover that not every vet is prepared, willing, or even able to provide proper care for their animals.

Small insectivores have unique anatomy, physiology, and husbandry needs. Misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, or a lack of experience can lead to unnecessary suffering or even death. That’s why it’s essential to know what to look for, and what to avoid, when choosing a vet for your exotic companion.

Experience vs. willingness: They are not the same

Many general practice vets are well-meaning and willing to “see what they can do.” While kindness and curiosity are important, willingness is not a substitute for experience. A good exotic vet is someone who:

• Has handled and treated your specific species before
• Knows the anatomical differences between hedgehogs, tenrecs, rodents, and other small mammals
• Understands the unique responses these animals have to drugs, anesthesia, and stress
• Recognizes when to refer to a specialist instead of guessing

It’s perfectly okay to ask, “Have you treated hedgehogs (or tenrecs) before?” If the answer is vague or hesitant, you may want to keep looking.

Knowledge of species-specific conditions

Exotic pets are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms can resemble more common conditions seen in dogs or cats. For example:

• A hedgehog with hind limb weakness may be misdiagnosed with Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome without any diagnostic work-up
• A tenrec in torpor may be mistaken for lethargy, and overtreated or euthanized
• Mites may be ignored or mistreated because “the skin doesn’t look red”
• Antibiotics or antiparasitics may be prescribed at doses suitable for ferrets or rabbits, with toxic consequences

A competent exotic vet should know how to rule out similar-looking diseases and understand the proper diagnostic process, even if treatment options are limited. They should also be familiar with zoonotic risks, nutritional requirements, and common environmental mistakes that cause illness in captivity.

Respect for the species’ needs, not just the symptoms

A good exotic vet doesn’t just “treat the problem”; they consider the whole animal. That means:

• Handling the animal gently, with appropriate stress management
• Avoiding unnecessary procedures or long waits in loud, dog-filled waiting rooms
• Understanding the importance of species-specific housing, lighting, temperature, and diet
• Giving realistic advice, not recommending frequent bathing or milk for hedgehogs

They’ll also know what not to do. For example, they won’t attempt to anesthetize a tenrec with isoflurane without temperature support, or inject ivermectin into a hedgehog without justification and caution.

Access to diagnostics (and willingness to use them)

Hedgehogs and tenrecs are small and that makes diagnostics more challenging. But not impossible. A quality vet will:

• Know how to safely draw blood (jugular vein, cephalic vein, heart stick if needed)
• Be able to assess hydration, body condition, and temperature accurately
• Recommend fecal testing, urinalysis, or imaging when indicated
• Be upfront about limitations and risks in small exotics

Importantly, they won’t diagnose based on assumptions or visual inspection alone. If a vet declares “It’s probably WHS” or “I think it’s neurological” without ruling out parasites, trauma, infection, or metabolic disorders, that’s a red flag.

Communication, honesty and transparency

A good exotic vet is one who talks with you, not over you. They:

• Explain the rationale behind diagnostics and treatment
• Are honest about costs, risks, and limitations
• Welcome your questions, even if you’re informed and experienced
• Acknowledge when they don’t know something, and refer you if needed

No veterinarian knows everything about every species, and a good one doesn’t pretend to. You should feel safe, heard, and included in decision-making about your animal’s care. If you feel rushed, judged, or dismissed; trust your instincts.

What to ask before you commit

Here are some key questions you can ask before booking a consult:

• “Do you regularly treat hedgehogs or tenrecs?”
• “How would you approach a neurological case in a hedgehog?”
• “Do you have access to exotic-safe anesthetics and pain management?”
• “Are you comfortable performing blood draws or X-rays on small mammals?”
• “Do you have experience with mites, dental issues, or chronic diseases in these species?”

You can also ask what species they personally feel confident treating. Their answer will tell you a lot.

Red flags to watch out for

Even the best practices may have blind spots. Some common red flags include:

• Recommending milk or human baby food for insectivores
• Suggesting regular bathing for dry skin
• Dismissing weight loss or lethargy as “normal”
• Diagnosing serious diseases without tests
• Refusing to refer to a specialist or second opinion
• Misgendering or misidentifying species
• Using standard doses of dog or cat medications on exotics

These may seem minor, but in a fragile animal, small errors can have big consequences.

Where to start looking

Finding a good exotic vet may take time, but there are some helpful strategies:

• Ask breeders, rescue organizations, or local exotic pet keepers
• Check exotic vet directories online (e.g., AEMV, ARAV, BVZS, EAZWV)
• Read reviews from exotic pet owners, not just general pet reviews
• Visit the clinic in person to observe how they handle exotics
• Stay open to traveling a little further for specialized care

Final thoughts

When it comes to exotic animals, the right vet can save your animal’s life and the wrong one can cause harm, even with the best intentions. It’s not about perfection, but about humility, care, and a commitment to learning.

Don’t be afraid to advocate for your animal. Ask questions. Push back if something doesn’t feel right. And most importantly, build a long-term relationship with a vet who respects both your knowledge and your animal’s unique needs.