Wildside Veterinary Health Center, FL

Our practice provides comprehensive medical and surgical care in a mobile setting, allowing students to see a wide variety of cases in private homes, rescue facilities, and zoological or sanctuary environments. Services include wellness and preventative care, diagnostics, radiology, anesthesia, dentistry, and surgery for a range of exotic species. We also collaborate with local wildlife centers and rescue organizations, giving students exposure to both companion and rescue medicine.

Students participating in this elective will:

• Observe and assist with avian and exotic animal appointments in a mobile practice setting
• Gain hands-on experience with restraint, physical exams, sample collection, and basic procedures as appropriate for their skill level
• Observe and assist with anesthesia, radiographs, and surgical procedures
• Learn about husbandry, nutrition, and client education for a wide range of species
• Participate in case discussions and clinical decision-making
• Experience the logistics and workflow of a mobile exotic animal veterinary service

This elective offers a unique perspective on providing high-quality exotic animal medicine outside of a traditional clinic setting, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, client communication, and individualized patient care.

Our mobile avian and exotic animal practice is fully equipped to provide comprehensive diagnostic and surgical care in the field. We operate with one veterinarian on service each day supported by 2–3 experienced veterinary technicians, allowing for efficient patient care, anesthesia monitoring, and student teaching throughout the day.

Available equipment and resources include:

• Digital radiography (X-ray)
• Portable ultrasound
• Fully equipped mobile surgery suite for procedures
• Anesthesia and monitoring equipment appropriate for avian and exotic species
• In-house diagnostic capabilities for common tests and sample collection

For advanced imaging needs, we partner with a mobile CT scan service, which can be scheduled for specific cases.

Students on externship will have exposure to all available equipment and will be able to observe and, when appropriate, assist with diagnostics, anesthesia, radiology, and surgical procedures while working closely with the veterinarian and technical team.

Students participating in this externship are expected to attend Monday through Friday, approximately 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on the daily caseload and travel schedule typical of a mobile practice.

This is primarily a clinical, hands-on learning experience. Student involvement will depend on individual comfort level, experience, and demonstrated skills. Responsibilities may include a combination of shadowing and active clinical support, such as:

• Observing and assisting with avian and exotic animal appointments
• Assisting with patient restraint and handling (as appropriate)
• Helping with basic procedures such as sample collection, treatments, and anesthesia preparation/monitoring under supervision
• Observing and assisting with radiographs, ultrasound, and surgical procedures
• Participating in case discussions, treatment planning, and client education
• Assisting with equipment setup and general workflow of a mobile practice

Students are expected to be professional, engaged, and proactive in their learning, while also being flexible with the unique scheduling and travel demands of a mobile avian and exotics service.

19203 Broad Shore Walk
Wellington, FL 33470
United States