Pain recognition in exotic companion mammals is difficult due to their prey species status and altered expression of pain in the presence of observers. This likely results in undertreatment of pain, which has been shown to increase recovery time as well as increase perioperative mortality in many species. Numerous species-specific scales have been developed over the past 15 years with varying levels of evidence for their usage. Many of these scales are based on laboratory rabbits and rodents, which can have different characteristics than pets, resulting in difficulty translating to pets. For example, ear position is impossible to assess in lop-eared rabbits using the Rabbit Grimace Scale which was developed by observing New Zealand White Rabbits. Composite scales evaluating both facial expression and behavior have subsequently been developed. While these scales overcome some of the shortcomings of facial expression scales, the composite scales often require prolonged observation time and the ability for remote observation, neither of which is always practical in clinical practice. Additionally, there are few studies assessing a cut-off point for analgesic intervention, making application of the data gleaned from utilization of the scales in practice less practical. The different pain scales are reviewed, with focus placed on evidence for use and clinical application in each species.