Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Some graphic moments in veterinarian reality.

NatGeoWild Reality TV 2014
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER features lots of exotic pets, as well as treatments used to help or cure them. There are lots of graphic scenes of surgical procedures (blades, blood, and organs are visible), and the death of animals is discussed, but it's all offered within an educational context. There's some occasional crude vocab ("balls"). Younger or more squeamish viewers may find some parts difficult to watch, but there's a lot to be learned here.

Community Reviews

miamiexoticanimals
miamiexoticanimals Adult
June 25, 2020
age 18+

Best Exotic Animal ER

helpful show ,, i like it & also thank you

This title has:

Great messages
Dieann1963
Dieann1963 Adult
April 7, 2019
age 2+

Dr. K Role Models for our children & unmasks pet care possibilities

Personally, I dont feel that children should not watch medical surgical shows. I think it provides good role models of caring and possible employment goals for their future. The surgeries performed are not bloody, and there is a lot of dialog throughout the surgeries. I also feel like it will help both children and adults realize how important proper care ,and how precise some animal's care needs to be. Some people may own let's say rabbits their whole life and never run into medical issues, but this show shows the ups and downs that can happen. Also, watching this show can save pets lives, as they might have seen an episode with signs of pet emergencies. As children get older. They will let you know if they don't like to watch this kind of show. It's not going to damage a child to see the brief surgical clips... it may even help them as they grow to know what kind of pet they do or do not want to own. Both my boy's have watched this type of show growing up one wants to be a phlebotomist and the other is in the carpet and flooring industry. The one recently went on a job shadow and thinking of becoming a vet tech, where he'd still use phlebotomy! Bottom line, you know your kids... you know what's in their best interest, and if something is too intense for them.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
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What's the Story?

DR. K'S EXOTIC ANIMAL ER is a reality series featuring Dr. Susan Kelleher, the owner and operator of an exotic animal care practice in South Florida that treats every pet except cats and dogs. From performing a delicate sinus surgery on a rabbit to performing a laser procedure on a snake, Kelleher and her staff, including intern Lauren Thielen and vet tech Kristin Runkle, work hard to ensure the wellness of almost any animal that can fit through the door. Luckily they have office manager Jeanine Busto to keep things running smoothly. As she works with her unique patients, Dr. Kelleher offers information about the different breeds of animals, their medical issues, and the surgical procedures she's performing.

Is It Any Good?

From prairie dogs to raccoons, Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER showcases the range of animals that people are raising as household pets. It highlights the various medical issues these animals have, including conditions that develop as a result of living in captivity. It also shows how vet professionals must often improvise to meet individual animal's needs.

The way the veterinarians go about working with the individuals (and their owners) is interesting. But if you're on the squeamish side, you might find the graphic scenes of difficult surgeries a little hard to watch. But animal lovers and aspiring veterinarians will learn a lot from watching and will appreciate how well these patients are cared for.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes (and doesn't make) a good pet. What are some of the dangers associated with raising animals that normally live in the wild? Do TV shows such as this one inspire people to keep exotic pets?

TV Details

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