In small mammal anesthesia, effective airway management is critical to patient survival. Despite their small size, rabbits and tiny exotic mammals carry a disproportionately higher anesthetic risk than domestic species, with even greater risk in smaller exotic mammals. Hypoxemia and apnea are common peri-anesthetic complications, making endotracheal intubation essential for anesthetic stability and emergency resuscitation. The 5-Second Technique is presented as a simple, clinically practical approach to airway management designed to facilitate rapid endotracheal tube placement when appropriate sedation is achieved. A midazolam–ketamine–dexmedetomidine combination may be used to promote jaw relaxation and smoother intubation. This approach incorporates both blind and visualized intubation methods, allowing adaptation to patient size, anatomy, and available equipment. Blind intubation emphasizes appropriate patient positioning, controlled head and neck alignment, and tactile identification of the laryngeal inlet. Species-specific positioning techniques are described, with the squirrel positioning method particularly effective for very small patients. Following hands-on training and supervised practice, newly graduated veterinarians achieved a high first-pass success rate. Visualized intubation utilizes endoscopic assistance while maintaining the same 5-Second approach. Side-by-side and over-the-scope techniques are applied in rabbits, whereas up-and-down or guide techniques improve accessibility in smaller species. For very small patients, a modified, blunted nasogastric tube provides a cost-effective and readily available alternative to a standard endotracheal tube. This approach demonstrates that endotracheal intubation in rabbits and tiny exotic mammals is feasible, teachable, and potentially lifesaving. By reducing technical and equipment-related barriers, it supports safer anesthesia and expands access to effective airway management.