Would you ever take your snake to the vet?

[butterballpython]

For $1 to meet who will take care of your snake if something went wrong is definitely worth it. First impressions are everything and often you don't get those kind of chances until your herp is sick and you have no choice. I would do it to see what kind of impression they leave and how they handle your snake. What will it hurt? To transport I would just buy a $5 tub and put your snake in with maybe a homemade hide out of a box or butter bowl or something, I would also try to keep your vehicle at decent temp so don't blast the ac.

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Agreed. Besides, sometimes if vets get busy, they'll tell you that they're not taking new clients. For a dollar, you'll have your foot in the door. And if you're worried about the snake's weight, that dollar will be well spent on veterinary advice. It sounds like a great deal to me.

[m1lkhoney]

Yes, I would really like to meet the care team and I would also feel so much better if I knew Henry was really okay.

For $1 to meet who will take care of your snake if something went wrong is definitely worth it. First impressions are everything and often you don't get those kind of chances until your herp is sick and you have no choice. I would do it to see what kind of impression they leave and how they handle your snake. What will it hurt? You may find out something you didn't know or give you the reassurance that everything is ok. To transport I would just buy a $5 tub and put your snake in with maybe a homemade hide out of a box or butter bowl or something, I would also try to keep your vehicle at decent temp so don't blast the ac.

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[Willowy]

Make sure they actually know something about and are willing to treat reptiles. Not all vets will treat reptiles, and some of those that do treat them don't know enough :/.

[O'Mathghamhna]

Virtually every snake I've owned has been to the vet, but that's because they are all rescues and some were found in terrible shape. Luckily for me, I have an experienced herp vet in my area. Since your folks are only charging $1 for a meet and greet, I would certainly bring the snake by in a pillowcase and just ask. Most of us don't take our snakes to the vet because we know how to treat basic ailments and issues. If you're BRAND new to the hobby and not sure how often you should feed or the proper size based on your snake's history, you can always ask a herp vet. Like others have said, make sure they know how to treat reptiles (specifically snakes), as some vets don't really feel comfortable examining snakes and some are grossly misinformed about them (I've heard on these very boards where a vet thought the hemipenes were prolapsed--it was the spurs on either side of the cloaca. Really).

We can all speculate and offer advice on how to feed your snake, but without seeing it in person, knowing its history, palpating its body and abdomen, etc, we can't be sure.

The only stupid question is the question that isn't asked. No worries.

[m1lkhoney]

They're a reptile vet!

[chrid16371]

Make sure they actually know something about and are willing to treat reptiles. Not all vets will treat reptiles, and some of those that do treat them don't know enough :/.

The OP did say it was a reptile clinic so they probably know a lot more than most vets. Hopefully they have been practicing there profession long enough to give the proper care instead of reading out of a text book. The fact they are offering a $1 wellness screen and meet and great gives a very good impression but things are not always as they seem so taking the opportunity they're offering and time to go is important. If they do not leave a good impression it will give you time to find a new reptile vet. Most people don't think to find one until something goes wrong but IMO it should be the first thing you think about before buying a herp along with being able to afford the vet cost. It's better to have something and not need it then to not have it and need it, especially when it comes to the care of your pets.

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[bcr229]

Even if you don't take your snake you should go and observe. There's a big difference between an exotic specialist and a vet that "sees snakes".

FWIW the vet I use for the snakes doesn't see dogs, cats, or livestock, only reptiles, birds, and non-typical mammal pets like guinea pigs, rabbits, hedgehogs, etc.

[SlitherinSisters]

I get a little antsy about taking my snakes anywhere other reptiles have been or will be. A vet office is definitely much cleaner than a pet store, but if the risk isn't necessary I would consider not doing it. That's just me though. If they seem like a good, knowledgeable, reptile vet clinic it could be fun. Just be careful of the advice you hear. Even veterinarians aren't ball python husbandry experts. They are experts when it comes to surgeries/health of animals, but they most likely don't have decades of ball python specific husbandry experience.