Exotic animal veterinarians are in a unique position to help with exotic animal rescues. Currently most such shelters are in high demand as people are facing economic hardship, relocation, and in some areas, re-deployment of the military. Many small animals are fairly short-lived yet have a number of serious medical concerns. Surrendering owners often cite the high cost of veterinary care when an exotic becomes ill or injured. These animals receive veterinary care at the rescue often with the help of volunteer veterinarians and veterinary nurses, particularly because many of the medical problems are treatable. Creating a knowledgeable foster network is necessary for most shelters. The facility itself needs to have multiple rooms that have independent ventilation, temperature, and humidity controls as different species require different husbandry parameters. Long-lived animals such as the chelonians require considerably different habitats with aquatics particularly problematic. Many of these species are turned away from municipal animal shelters as they cater to dogs and cats. Legitimate rescues need to have a source of funding to care for all the different exotics needs. The author currently works with a rescue that houses different aquatic chelonians, bearded dragons, button quail, budgies, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, mice, rats, rabbits, and sugar gliders. The majority have required veterinary services as they were surrendered ill and the rescue is a "no-kill" facility. The author also works with facilities that care for ferrets, monkeys, big cats, and other reptiles. 

The author is a member of the Northwest chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.