Finding a vet

Like I mentioned before, I grew up in a household where we never took our pets to the vet. Our dog went to the vet once in her life, the day she had her puppies and needed an emergency Caesarean. Section. We kept one of her sons and the day he was born was the only time he was ever in a vet's office.
When you grow up in a poor family, you look at things differently. If there are times when the water gets shut off, or the cable gets cancelled, you don't have money to take your pets in for annual checkups. Especially if they're $6 Anole Lizards or Hamsters. But you have to make a decision when you bring a new pet into the family. Is this animal worth the money you need to spend? Is it TRULY going to be a family member? Then it needs proper care.

If you provide a Bearded Dragon with its most basic needs, (UVB, proper humidity, regular baths, fresh and nutritious foods) chances are, you won't encounter any expensive issues. Common Beardie ailments are:

• Metabolic Bone Disease (lack of Vitamin D3 and UVB lighting)
• Respiratory Infection (too much humidity in the tank)
• Internal Parasites (diseased feeder insects)
• Tail Rot (retained shed skin- not enough baths)

As with any pet, annual check ups are important with Beardies. They also need to have fecal exams done at least once a year, if not every six months. This is to check for parasites like coccidia, roundworms, pinworms, or hookworms, for example.

Before you get a new pet, decide on a vet. It'll give you time to shop around and find one who is right for you. A responsible vet will be willing to set up an appointment with you and at least, have a talk on the phone. You can use this time to ask them about their experience with reptiles and exotics in general.
I made a post on my local Craigslist asking for people's opinions on the two exotics vets nearby and got six responses. Two for one, three for the other and one crazy person who practically scolded me for thinking I should take a REPTILE to the vet.

"I dont mean to b rude but really a vet for a bearded dragon listen i bred them for 9 years i will tell u this keep them warm put them on a light cycle feed them lots of vegies lots if crickets while there young. Spray mist them with water every day and hold them alot.1 vet visit will b more then buying a new one keep my email and if u have any questions email me"

Whaaaaat? Wow. Just wow. I didn't dignify him with a response. I assume that he's so hard-headed he wouldn't listen to any response I would throw his way. So I just let it slide and consider that person a lost cause. I'll be happy taking my new baby to the vet after he's had two weeks to settle in to his new home.