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Unusual and Exotic
Unusual and Exotic Pets (UEP), a special interest group of the AVA since 2004, specialises in the changing face of pets in Australia. The group promotes discussion about the medicine and surgery of pet species other than dogs and cats.
Unusual and exotic refers to snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, native Australian mammals, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice, ferrets and even tarantulas!
With changes in licensing laws and people’s lifestyles, the choice of family pet might not be a dog or cat, but one of another dozen species. The increase in ownership of exotic pets has resulted in a corresponding need for veterinarians to feel competent with the treatment of pets not traditionally covered in the undergraduate curriculum.
Become a member
You must be a member of the Australian Veterinary Association to join. Join online or contact AVA national office on 1300 137 309.
UEP member benefits include:
- quarterly newsletter
- email discussion group providing practical and professional support
- continuing professional development at the AVA and UEP Annual conferences
- conference proceedings
- discounted publications from Exotic DVM.


