There are a few things you should look for when choosing the vet that will care for your pet skunk. The relationship you develop with your pet skunk's vet is an important one.
The ideal situation would be if you lived in an area that allowed you to shop around and interview different vets. Unfortunately that is not always the case, but no matter where you are and how many skunk vets are close to you, there are guidelines you, the owner as well as your chosen skunk vet must know.
An experienced skunk vet is a blessing that not many pet skunk owners can enjoy. However, an open minded vet that is willing to learn about skunks is also a blessing.
It's also important to remember that a pet skunk is not an exotic pet, it is captive wildlife. If you can find a vet that sees wildlife, that is usually a better choice than an exotic pet vet.
You should start by finding out if there are any skunk savvy vets in your area and if there are, ask around if any other skunk owners have used that vet. Are they happy with them? If not, ask why. It is important to remember that a vet that sees only dogs and cats may be excellent with them, but not be a good candidate for a skunk vet. Asking a friend's opinion should only be a starting place and not be the final deciding factor in choosing your pet skunk's vet.
If the vet is not experienced with skunks but is happy to learn, ask if you can send them an information pamphlet and a list of experienced skunks vets that are happy to consult with them (listed at the bottom of this page).
Ask if they are familiar with the proper vaccine protocol and which vaccines skunks should and should not receive. Make sure to ask which vaccines they recommend for skunks and at what frequency. This will prevent them giving you a false impression that they know the proper protocols if they don't.
Ask if they know which anesthesia skunks require for surgery and which one they use. Using the wrong anesthesia can kill your skunk!
Most veterinarians are not familiar with a skunk's diet, so offer to send them the information on diet so they can become familiar with it. Stand firm against allowing them to recommend kibble (dog, cat or ferret) or a low protein, high vegetable content diet.
One of the most important questions to ask is how they would handle the situation if your skunk should bite someone. This needs to be discussed before your pet skunk is ever allowed to enter the premises. If they insist they will report it, find another vet.
Ask if you will be allowed to hold your skunk during procedures.
We don't feel it is reasonable to expect every vet to know everything about every animal. This is why as an owner, we have to take responsibility to know a minimum of basics that will ensure our pet skunk will get the best vet care possible.
We have to know what antibiotics and pain medications are not safe for our skunks. There is a greater chance that mistakes won't be made that might cost your pet skunk its life.
Please encourage your vet to visit and participate in the website set up just for pet skunk vets at www.skunkvetcare.org.
Veterinarians that will consult with your vet:
Dr. Renata Schneider, Exotic Pet Veterinary Services, Hollywood, FL (954) 458-8639
Dr. Brian King, Pet Vet, Mount Pleasant, SC (843) 884-7387
Vet Questionaire
A convenient downloadable, printable form to have
with you when you interview prospective skunk vets.