How to Locate a Vet That Will Treat a Pet Opossum

As a prospective owner of any exotic pet, your first priority should be to obtain the services of a veterinarian that will treat the type of animal you have in mind. Not every vet will treat a pet opossum. It may take some patience and determination to find one that will not only meets your needs, but also one who shares your enthusiasm for these animals. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Locate a Vet That Will Treat a Pet Opossum

1. Call all of the veterinarians in your area one by one and find out if they treat pet opossums. Don't take it personally if they don't, since it may be a matter of insurance regulations, and not personal politics. And remember to always thank them, and ask for a possible referral to a vet that might treat exotic pets.
2. Locate online discussion forums or chat rooms for exotic pets owners. These are often valuable resources for all sorts of information, such as appropriate veterinarian care and tips on diet, grooming and general care for your animal.
3. Ask an opossum breeder in your area about vets who will treat your exotic pet. If you do purchase your opossum from a breeder, they should not only provide you with a list of appropriate vets, but they should be able to get you a proper referral as well.
4. Consult online resources, such as the official website for the National Opossum Society, to locate a vet that will treat your pet opossum (see Resources below).
5. Discuss all of your concerns with the vet once you have chosen one. Find out if the vet has previous experience with treating opossums. Watch the vet while they examine the opossum, and see if they have a genuine concern and enthusiasm for the animal, or if they seem slightly nervous or agitated around it. While true "opossum specialists" are rare, your vet should act like you animal is worthwhile, and not a pest or a "varmint."

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid vets that will want to charge you double or triple their usual rate to treat an exotic animal. These vets may not share your enthusiasm for your choice of pets and may not have any real experience with treating such animals as well.