Avian and Exotic Animal Practice Safety and Care Checklist

This comprehensive avian and exotic animal practice safety and care checklist ensures regulatory compliance with AVMA, ABVP, AAV, USDA APHIS, State Wildlife Agency. Specialized care and safety inspection for veterinary practices treating birds, reptiles, small mammals, and exotic species covering species-specific husbandry, anesthesia risks, zoonotic disease precautions, and safety protocols per ABVP exotic guidelines and AAV standards. Exotic practice carries unique risks including bite injurie

  • Industry: Veterinary & Animal Care
  • Frequency: Daily / Per Procedure
  • Estimated Time: 30 minutes
  • Role: Veterinarian / Clinic Manager / Animal Care Lead
  • Total Items: 17
  • Compliance: AVMA, ABVP, AAV, USDA APHIS, State Wildlife Agency

Species-Specific Preparation and Anesthesia

Verify species knowledge and preparation for exotic procedures.

  • Does performing veterinarian have current knowledge or specialist consultation for the exotic species being treated?
  • For birds, are avian-specific anesthesia monitoring (end-tidal CO2, Doppler, temperature) available?
  • Is reptile patient maintained at appropriate POTZ (Preferred Optimum Temperature Zone) during exam and procedure?
  • Are species-appropriate restraint techniques used to minimize stress and risk of fractured limbs or spines?
  • Are drug dosages calculated on accurate weight with species-specific dose references consulted?

Zoonotic Risks in Exotic Practice

Verify zoonotic precautions per CDC One Health guidance.

  • Is psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci) protocol in place with respirators and eye protection for bird examinations?
  • Is Salmonella precaution protocol in place for reptile handling including gloves and hand hygiene after contact?
  • Is bite wound protocol in place for exotic species bites including medical evaluation for unusual pathogens?
  • Are CDC-reportable zoonotic diseases identified and reported per state health department requirements?

Regulatory Compliance for Exotic Species

Verify wildlife and import permits per USFWS and CITES.

  • Are CITES documentation requirements verified for endangered or listed species being treated?
  • Are state wildlife possession permits verified for patients with native wildlife being treated?
  • Is wildlife rehabilitation handled only by licensed rehabilitators or under their authority?
  • Is protocol in place for invasive species to prevent unauthorized release into environment?

Hospitalization of Exotic Patients

Verify appropriate hospitalized housing for exotic species.

  • Is housing appropriate for species (bird in cage, reptile with thermal gradient, small mammal with hiding)?
  • Are exotic patients housed away from sight, sound, and smell of dogs and cats to reduce stress?
  • Is basic enrichment provided to hospitalized exotics to minimize stress-related immune suppression?
  • Are species-specific diets provided during hospitalization, not generic cat/dog food?

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Why Use This Avian and Exotic Animal Practice Safety and Care Checklist?

This avian and exotic animal practice safety and care checklist helps veterinary & animal care teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian / clinic manager / animal care lead professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / per procedure.

Ensures compliance with AVMA, ABVP, AAV, USDA APHIS, State Wildlife Agency. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Avian and Exotic Animal Practice Safety and Care Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Species-Specific Preparation and Anesthesia, Zoonotic Risks in Exotic Practice, Regulatory Compliance for Exotic Species, Hospitalization of Exotic Patients. It is designed for veterinary & animal care operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily / per procedure. Each completion takes approximately 30 minutes.

Who should use this Avian and Exotic Animal Practice Safety and Care Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Veterinarian / Clinic Manager / Animal Care Lead professionals in the veterinary & animal care industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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