How does one locate a vet for their snek?

So as I'm reading about the various things here, I run across several threads involving vets and realize that I live in BFE Maine and have absolutely no idea where the closest snek vet is. Boston is 5 hours away so I know they would have several but up here, who knows? I have two Australian Shepherds so am familiar with the routine but have no idea what to ask to make sure they actually know what they're doing. Also, what is the best way to search for a reptile vet? TIA

Look for an exotic animal vet around you to start.
Might try to find other locals with reptiles and ask them.

I called the animal hospital near me and they gave me the number for an exotic vet in their area, so I guess also my area-ish, that sees snakes. But I live in BFE so nothing is really in my "area" lol

I keep calling my 5mo normal, Twig, a "he", but I plan on making an appointment after Christmas to get "him" sexed to know for sure. But "he" feels like a boy in my heart lmao I'm too excited about it lol

There's a thread somewhere on the forum that lists exotic vets by state. I couldn't find it at a quick glance, but hopefully somebody more tech savy than me will link it...

Oh, i didnt read your whole post, sorry, but to add, I'd read threw the reviews on the vet online or asking around about that vets office if you can, that's just something I do for all my animals exotic or not when vet shopping, also making an appointment and experiencing that vet yourself if you cant find reviews. Trial and error. I've gone to countless vets because I didnt care for them for even things like bedside manners (not to just me as an owner but for my pet) till I found one I liked. These are the general guidelines to vet shopping I personally go by for all my animals (mostly dogs) like I said in my last reply, I'm working on getting my snake in one after xmas sooooo.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

There's a thread somewhere on the forum that lists exotic vets by state. I couldn't find it at a quick glance, but hopefully somebody more tech savy than me will link it...

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https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...tic+vets+state

Is this the one your talking about?

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...tic+vets+state

Is this the one your talking about?

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That's the one!!! Thank you!! :gj:

1. Check with your local reptile rescue for a list. Most have one. Contact them if needed.
2. Check with your local herp society.
3. Check the veterinary association for reptiles. They have a database of vets certified to care for reptiles (general). Then, call them and ask if how many years of experience does he or she treating (species). Do not just say snake. Treating reptiles almost always means checking its husbandry, and saying that they have experience with snakes (usually the common ones like corn) is not the same as treating a green tree boa.

Another good way is to simply call all the local Vets and ask if they have a reptile experienced Vet on staff.

Vets often move around from one clinic to another. So lists aren't always current, neither are Facebook pages, etc. If you are lucky enough to live in a area that has a actual Vet or Clinic that caters to Exotics its easier. But many live in areas that do not.

Currently I only have one single Vet that is experienced with Reptiles within easy driving distance (45 mins). He works at a regular Vet clinic and people with reptiles have to request an appointment with him, as there are 3 other Vets working there.

Back when I lived in Savannah I had the most awesome Vet ever. He was wonderful with my reptiles, which was a good thing, because back then I did rescue and had to take quite a few animals to him. He always discussed each case with me, educated me, let me see everything through the microscope, etc. He was also great with the animals, had a real passion for them and for helping them. Such a Vet is worth their weight in gold.

So far I haven't had to take a single animal (reptile) to the Vet since moving here 10 year ago (knock on wood). I hope that Vet that is around here is a good one. There really aren't many options around where I am. Most likely I would have to drive 2 hours+ to have more options.

Check here: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...tic+vets+state

Is this the one your talking about?

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That's from 2007, it's not up to date. ;)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

That's from 2007, it's not up to date. ;)

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Yeah I noticed it's also missing a few states. Lol

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

Yeah I noticed it's also missing a few states. Lol

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Some of them are still in operation but many things change from that many years ago.

THIS is the best for current info (to repeat myself, lol):

*********** https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 ************

I call around, my vet gave me a couple names, those names gave me other names lol. I don't have a lot of options where I live so I try out the closest and go from there. So far it's worked out decently for me and I've found great ferret and reptile vets, while not local, within driving distance.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

That's the one!!! Thank you!! :gj:

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No one in Maine. I knew I lived in BFE!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Check here: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

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One in Maine....but 3 hours away:(.....but there's one in Maine!:taz:

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Originally Posted by MR Snakes

No one in Maine. I knew I lived in BFE!

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Nothing in indiana either #BFE

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Originally Posted by MR Snakes

One in Maine....but 3 hours away:(.....but there's one in Maine!:taz:

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Still call around. There are four exotic specialists near me, two have opened up within the past year. None of the four is listed in ARAV, including SEAVS in northern VA which is one of the top 3 exotic specialists in the US.

Just to add - if you find a good vet there is a thread to let us know and we will add it to the existing list. We will also remove vets if they are no longer current.

We try and make it as current a list as we can but rely on our members to inform us. :oops:

Thank you to everyone that has answered here. I will call around and have a couple picked out so I can be as prepared as possible. Living in BFE means we're pretty use to traveling for things so just knowing where we'd have to go is reassuring.:bow: