Rats are prone to a number of different health conditions. With this in mind, it is worth setting up a vet fund, as health issues can become pretty expensive for exotic pets.
Before obtaining rats as pets, it is incredibly important to find a vet that;
Within the veterinary industry, rats are considered an exotic species. Due to this, not all vets will be trained in great detail on rat care and treatment. At vet school, the main focus is cats and dogs, with the absolute basics on exotics. Learning more about the treatment of exotic pets requires additional training and qualifications, which not all vets will have done which is why it is important to find a vet who is happy to see rats, and is confident and knowledgeable when treating them.
With this in mind, it is worth noting that sometimes, travelling further than your most local vet for veterinary care may be required for the best care. It is also worth mentioning that due to the additional training and qualifications needed to treat exotic species correctly, treatment may seem expensive.
It may be worth calling around different local practices that treat rats for estimates on consultation fees and surgical operations so you have a rough guide on cost for future vet trips if required.
When registering with a vet, ask as many questions as necessary to determine whether they seem like the best choice for your furry friends.
To see recommendations of veterinary practices from other rat owners, the Rat Vet Reviews UK Facebook group is very helpful.
Before obtaining rats as pets, it is incredibly important to find a vet that;
- Provides 24 hour emergency care (this is a legal responsibility for veterinary practices to provide)
- You are able to travel to
- Is knowledgeable about rats
Within the veterinary industry, rats are considered an exotic species. Due to this, not all vets will be trained in great detail on rat care and treatment. At vet school, the main focus is cats and dogs, with the absolute basics on exotics. Learning more about the treatment of exotic pets requires additional training and qualifications, which not all vets will have done which is why it is important to find a vet who is happy to see rats, and is confident and knowledgeable when treating them.
With this in mind, it is worth noting that sometimes, travelling further than your most local vet for veterinary care may be required for the best care. It is also worth mentioning that due to the additional training and qualifications needed to treat exotic species correctly, treatment may seem expensive.
It may be worth calling around different local practices that treat rats for estimates on consultation fees and surgical operations so you have a rough guide on cost for future vet trips if required.
When registering with a vet, ask as many questions as necessary to determine whether they seem like the best choice for your furry friends.
To see recommendations of veterinary practices from other rat owners, the Rat Vet Reviews UK Facebook group is very helpful.