In your opinion should people be allowed to own exotic species? Justify your answer.
This question has no wrong or right answer, as the interviewer is looking for your personal opinion on the question, and for you to explain your reasoning behind your answer. With this sort of question, you need to fully consider your response, alongside the role you are applying for.
"In my opinion, no, people should not have exotic pets. Exotic animals belong in the wild. They should not be captured, they should not be constrained. They are wild and beautiful and they should live and thrive in their own habitat. People don't want exotic animals to love and cuddle. They want them to show off their prestige, wealth, and position."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I believe that exotic animals belong in the wild and should be allowed to live freely. However, if an owner is providing the best care and the quality of life for that animal is the same as it would it be in the wild, then I do not see any problem with owning an exotic animal because at the end of the day it is about the quality of life for that animal.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response is good, just a bit repetitive. I have reworked it for the sake of clarity.
"I do not see any problem with a responsible person owning an exotic animal, so long as the quality of life is better than it would have been in the wild. I believe that exotic animals belong in the wild, and should be allowed to live freely; however, if circumstances are positive, then I see no harm."
Anonymous Answer
At my current place of work, we see a vast array of exotics and wildlife. I believe that people should be allowed to own exotics to an extent. From my knowledge, exotics require very specific husbandry, diets, and enrichment. If one is capable of owning an exotic and giving the animal the proper care it needs, I believe that a human-animal bond can still exist. However, there are many wildlife species that I have had experiences with that I think are best suited for the wild. I have seen many raccoons come into the clinic, and after handling these animals, I understand why more people do not own them.
Rachelle's Feedback
You take a fair stance here, by discussing that the person needs to be able to provide the right care to the exotic animal. A raccoon would be interesting indeed, and I'm guessing a bit mischievous? :)
Anonymous Answer
I feel that unlike common pets, dogs, and cats, exotic animals are not designed to be companion animals. They aren't meant to live in a human habitat the way dogs and cats can, so they should be allowed to live in the wild. Their natural habitat cant be simulated easily, usually resulting in them residing in small cages.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very strong points, indeed. You make a great case for leaving exotic animals in their natural habitats.
Anonymous Answer
In my opinion, the people that most often own exotic animals are not qualified to do so. They do not have the proper education to house the animal with the best welfare conditions. I imagine these housings would most likely be a chain-link fence in an unnatural environment. To protect the welfare of the exotic animals, I would suggest only qualified institutions such as zoos and wildlife rescues should be allowed to own exotic species.
Rachelle's Feedback
Well said, and very insightful. You give responses in an eloquent way that shows a lot of thought and care.
Anonymous Answer
In my opinion, people should not be allowed to own exotic species. I feel this way because most exotic species are not able to be taken care of properly because of their biological needs. For example, nutritional, proper exercise, or they may need to be with individuals of the same species and environment. These animals would live more of a thriving, healthy, and happy life in the habitat they belong to.
Rachelle's Feedback
You support your opinion very well with strong reasoning. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
I disagree with keeping exotic species as pets because they are not meant to be companion animals like cats and dogs are. They require specific conditions in order to survive that some owners are unable to provide, such as UV light. Exotic animals are often traded and purchased illegally. They are snatched from their natural environment for our benefit or to show off and flaunt our wealth.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your knowledge base on this topic is strong, and it's clear that you have a passion for animal rights and the conservation of wildlife/exotic species. This answer is thoughtful and compelling. Good work!
Anonymous Answer
As the RCVS code of conduct states, the veterinarian's first consideration should always be animal welfare. Therefore, people should only be allowed to own exotic species if animal welfare is respected. On one hand, people only own exotic animals to express their wealth and status. This is not okay because the focus is not on the animal. On the other hand, some people own exotic animals since they have a genuine passion and this can create a beautiful human-animal bond that increases both their and the animal's quality of life. Therefore, I think it should be allowed but people should be educated on the specific and demanding conditions needed for an exotic species and it should be emphasized that they are bought for the correct reasons. As a vet, it is important to look out for any animal mistreatment or jeopardized welfare that you should report to the RSPCA. The best way to assess an animal's welfare is with the five domains.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer shows a lot of thought, and you bring strong balance to your answer by describing the dos and don'ts of exotic animal ownership. Good job in bringing this answer back to the foundation of the RCVS code of conduct.
Anonymous Answer
Exotic animals are used to a very different environment, therefore the owner needs to make sure that these environmental needs are met so that the animal can express its normal behavior and not be under stress as these are part of the five freedoms to make sure the animal is treated correctly. This means that I believe people should only be able to own exotic species if they are able to look after the animal and meet their demanding needs. I believe people need to be educated on their treatment so that the animals have a good quality of life.
Amanda's Feedback
You've stated your position, now consider using an example of a specific exotic species' unique environmental needs and how those needs may present issues for the owner. Consider talking more about how wild animals have complex behavioral, social, nutritional, and psychological needs that most people cannot meet. In addition, because wild animals need to be with members of their own species, you can expand on the impact of isolating a single member of a species as a pet.
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