Recommended Herp. Vet in Kern County, CA

[karb0n13]

I'm pretty new to the Ball Python world, and last time I owned any reptiles I lived around the corner from the local zoos herpetologist, but now I'm in Bakersfield and don't have any idea who might be a good vet around here.
This isn't because I think anything is wrong with my snake, but because I believe a good pet owner should establish themselves with a good vet in case something does end up happening. It'd also be nice to know my snakes gender.
I contacted the local zoo(ish) place and asked for any references they could give me, but the woman who answered didn't have any information.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[SlitherinSisters]

If you want to know the sex of your BP I would get in contact with a local breeder-they could also help you find a good vet. I'm sure there are breeders in your area, they are pretty much everywhere. There are three of us in a 40 mile radius here in Iowa, and it used to be four back in July You can find local breeders by looking around on this site. There is a forum section by region at the bottom of the forum list page, you might have some luck there. As for finding a good herp vet, I can't really help you on that one. There is a website you can do a search for herp vets, but I don't remember the site, if Deborah sees this, she'll link the site for you. Just be aware that some herp "expert" vets are just putting that in their name. I went to the only herp "expert" in the area and he sexed my BP by the spurs. He said a few other things that were a bunch of bull. Do some research on BPs before you go to the vet to make sure they actually know a thing or two about BPs. Not all vets can know everything about every species, but they should have a pretty good idea about herps if they claim to be experts.

[karb0n13]

The fear of a vet just saying they know reptiles because they saw a lizard in their garden is exactly why I posted here.
I will follow your advice and seek out a breeder to follow up with though. Thank you

[SlitherinSisters]

The fear of a vet just saying they know reptiles because they saw a lizard in their garden is exactly why I posted here.

Exactly.

I just found this with a quick search, it's pretty neat because it has reviews of people who have taken their animals there. This one has several in Iowa, all almost 2 hours from me, but the other site I've looked at didn't have any herp vets in Iowa. http://www.herpvetconnection.com/calif.shtml

If you find a breeder they should know a vet in the area, or a least a vet in the area that can get you the meds you need for various infections BPs commonly get.