About Dr. Nalezny

Dr. Jaime Nalezny (formerly Pajak) is a 2005 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Nalezny spent two years in private practice and then went on to work as a contract veterinarian in Texas at Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. It was there she discovered that she loved wildlife medicine as much as exotic animal medicine. After moving back to Minnesota, Dr. Nalezny spent 2 years working at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

She is currently an editor and co-author for Wikihow, has written for the Minneapolis Exotic Pet Examiner, will give general information as a veterinary contributor on JustAnswer, and volunteers with several rescue groups. Dr. Nalezny founded The Iguana Relocation Network, served as the veterinary medical director on the board of directors for Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services for 15 years donating her time to care for the flock’s medical needs.  She is also very dedicated to her own rescue, where she takes in primarily budgerigar parrots and other small exotics to provide free medical care for exotics in need.  If you’d like to contribute to the care of these rescued animals you can do so here.

Dr. Nalezny was inspired to become a veterinarian after meeting her first iguana, Ignardo. It is her firm belief that housecalls are necessary to give exotic pets and their guardians the time and attention deserved to ensure proper husbandry as well as decrease the stress exotic animals may endure leaving their homes.

Dr. Nalezny is an active member in good standing of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and The Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, the American Association of Fish Veterinarians, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.