Treating Rare and Exotic Pets

An exotic pet is an animal that is thought of as rare or unusual, or one that is not typically thought of as a pet. The definition is somewhat fluid as some rodents, reptiles, and amphibians have so saturated the market that they are no longer considered exotic. Often retail pet stores classify any animal beyond dogs, cats, birds, or fish as exotic. Not to worry — at MarketPlace we are happy to discuss the care of your unique pet.

Each type of exotic pet has different needs and vulnerabilities to illnesses. We are available to evaluate the health needs of any pet you own. For special cases, such as fish with a surgical need, we can find a referral veterinarian to assist you.

Basic Care

Caring for an exotic pet requires the correct enclosure for a species’ size, and a structure that can be kept clean, dry, and sanitized. Environmental issues such as temperature, lighting, and food are critical to keeping these unique pets healthy and safe from injury over a lifetime.

We believe in the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Most problems we see in exotic pets have been caused by neglect. After the initial infatuation wears off, the rigors of maintaining a healthy environment take their toll. Animals kept in enclosures that are too small are very susceptible to disease. Contaminants build up and the pet cannot escape this unhealthy situation. Parents should keep watch as to how well children are caring for the pets under their supervision, as their interests change. Owners sometimes forget how vulnerable pets can be. We encourage pet owners to explore all the informational resources available on our website.

In addition, you may enjoy the following informational links addressing a variety of exotic pet concerns.

Simply call 916-939-1705 or email us to schedule an appointment for your exotic pet.