Exotics 101: Down the Rabbit Hole Literally and Figuratively

The exotic pet trade is a growing industry, with the AVMA noting that an increasing number of U.S. households own a specialty or exotic pet, such as fish, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, turtles, snakes, lizards and amphibians. But what do we really know about exotic pets? Does the human-animal bond exist between these animals and their owners? And what’s it like to provide veterinary care for these unique pets? In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, NAVC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Dana Varble — who is an associate veterinarian for Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital — chats with host Dr. Cassi about exotic animal medicine. With humor and compassion, they cover topics such as captivity vs domestication, legal regulations regarding exotic pets, and some of their favorite exotic patients.