Wildlife rehabilitation is the rescue and care of injured and orphaned wildlife. These animals are later released into there natural habitats to live a normal life. Wildlife rehabilitators play an important role as conservationists and humanitarians.
Are you interested in becoming a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and want to know how to get started? Are you curious about what skills you need?
Keep reading as I am going to give you first-hand knowledge based on fifteen years of personal experience on what it takes to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Ame Vanorio, author and founder of Fox Run Environmental Education with one of her friends.
WHAT IS WILDLIFE REHABILITATION?
Wildlife rehabilitation is the rescue and care of injured and orphaned wildlife. Primarily this focuses on neonates and baby wildlife but it may also include juveniles and adults. The goal of rehabilitation is to put the animal back into the wild when it’s ready to live on its own.
Wildlife Rehabilitators play an important role as conservationists and humanitarians. Rescued wildlife often have human inflicted injuries that may be caused by being hit by a car or lawnmower, the parents being trapped or shot, or habitat destruction. They may be displaced or injured due to floods and fires occurring in their habitat.
The rehabilitator provides medical care, feedings, as well as natural experiences so that animals can be returned to their native environment.
The National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association defines wildlife rehabilitation as the “professional care given to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals with the ultimate goal of having them be returned to their natural habitat.”
Wildlife rehabilitators provide a lifeline for these animals. They arrange for veterinary care, feed them, and provide appropriate housing.
Baby raccoon I rescued after having a broken leg set. Photo by Ame Vanorio
WHY DOES WILDLIFE NEED TO BE REHABILITATED?
Research shows that the majority of injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals handled by rehabilitators are suffering not because of "natural" occurrences, but because of human intervention -- some accidental, some intentional, many preventable. Injuries due to cars, mowers, firearms, traps, kids throwing stones, poisons, oil spills, domestic pets, can be life-threatening. Rehabilitators treat injuries in these animals by either caring for them until they can be released or having them humanely euthanized.
Well-meaning citizens often "kidnap" young animals, separating them from parents who might still be nearby. In some instances people kidnap baby wildlife with the intent to sell them in the illegal pet trade.
Read my article Kidnapping of Wild Animals for Pets to learn more on how both wildlife rehabilitators and people who care about wildlife can stop wildlife kidnapping and make good decisions to help wild babies.
Check out my wildlife rehabilitation book series! Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon and other book stores! Sign up for my email list to get notifications as I am currently writing more books for this series.
SKILLS YOU NEED
Compassion
Administer fluids
Give injections
Wound care
Basic body evaluation with temperature, weight, and skin condition
Humane restraint and capture strategies
Knowledge of providing a safe and clean enclosure
Knowledge of feeding and nutrition for the species under your care
Ability to perform humane euthanasia
Dealing with people on the phone
Carpentry skills to build enclosures
Keep reading to learn more about attaining these skills!
The video below will show you step by step how to put together a car kit in case you come along an injured or orphaned baby animal.
With a few inexpensive supplies, you can put together an emergency rescue kit in case you come across an animal that needs your help. Check out my video to learn more.
WHAT SKILLS DO WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS NEED?
In many ways, wildlife rehabilitators are like nurses. We provide medical care to distressed animals. Animals in need of rescue come to us with injuries, separation anxiety, and parasites.
For the most part, these animals are not happy or healthy. They are in crisis.
Training in First Aid and Common Treatments
Along with compassion, a good rehabber needs a working knowledge of first aid and triage. Wildlife Rehabbers work with a veterinarian to establish good medical practices. And most important for their safety and the animal's well-being rehabbers need to have an understanding of zoonoses - animal to people diseases.
The IWRC offers an online course Zoonoses that “provides information on the risks, prevention, and management of zoonoses, including acting as a resource to the public for information on zoonotic diseases.” It’s very comprehensive and $55.00 for members.
The Red Cross offers Cat & Dog First Aid Online Training for $25.00. While this is geared towards domestic pets and is very basic it is a good place for beginners to start.
You will need to have basic medical supplies on hand. This is not a time you can quickly run to the store! I have a FREE DOWNLOAD on my store page that lists a basic medical supplies (below). This is not everything but is a great start!
In addition, like a nurse, you need to be able to think quickly and prioritize what you should do first. This is called triage when you decide what treatments or procedures need to be done first to help the animal.
In many instances the first thing we administer is fluids. To learn more read my article Fluids: Dehydration And Rehydration in Wildlife Rehabilitation.
wildlife rehabilitator requirements
Education
Wildlife rehabilitators do not have to have a college degree. A degree in biology, wildlife conservation, or even nursing may be helpful but it is not required. Training and acquiring skills is necessary to do the job but not a specific degree. Much of wildlife rehabilitation is practical so working with an experienced rehabber is valuable.
Some states require certain training courses (see below) or a number of hours volunteering with an established permitted rehabilitator.
Rehabbers come from all different walks of life. What brings us together is compassion for animals and a desire to help them.
There are a few certificates and degrees being offered:
Lees McRae, located in North Carolina, offers a minor in wildlife rehabilitation to complement their Wildlife Biology program.
The Animal Behavior Institute offers a professional certificate in Wildlife Rehabilitation and requires the completion of five online courses. Located in North Carolina they are an accredited Continuing Education & Training program.
Hear about my experiences and what skills you need.
How Do I GET LICENSED TO BECOME A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR?
Each state has requirements for a wildlife rehabilitator license . These will be listed either under the state Department for Fish and Wildlife or the state’s Department for Natural Resources. Common procedures are taking a test, course, or getting a number of volunteer hours under a licensed rehabilitator. Typically states license for mammals and reptiles. Birds are a federal permit (more on them below).
Some states require the rehabber to take the class Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation (formerly Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation) from IWRC to become licensed. This class is offered online and across the United States as well as select countries. The prices varies from $157.00 – $307.00 depending on membership, location, lab equipment, and text requirements.
The IWRC also administers the Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator evaluation and exam. “Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) is a designation which recognizes current and prospective wildlife rehabilitators who achieve a higher standard of wildlife care through academic excellence. Completion of the CWR certificate is not equivalent to licensure as a wildlife rehabilitator.”
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) has a variety of educational opportunities as well. They hold a annual conference each year which is very informative. NWRA has several online courses that qualify for CEU’s including Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation: Basic Skills Online Course and Wildlife Medicine.
Can I just rescue animals?
Why bother to get a professional license or permit? I can take care of baby animals without it. Sadly I hear this a lot.
There are many people who rehab wildlife illegally. Depending on their states laws those people can receive fines. However, the real tragedy is that in many areas the FW officers will often kill the animals and not try to place them with a licensed professional.
I saw this happen several times in Kentucky. My local Fish and Wildlife officer would come tell me about the animals they found that were part of the illegal pet trade or being rehabbed. Instead of trying to place these animals they would just euthanize them all.
Wildlife Rehabilitation is a profession. Just like Nursing or Teaching (which we do) we need to maintain certain standards. Having a license not only helps you comply with the law but also shows people you take your job seriously.
Dr. Glaza examining our groundhog Ponyo. Photo by Ame Vanorio.
WORK WITH A VET
It is very important to have a good working relationship with your veterinarian. Some states even require that your vet sign off on your paperwork in order to show medical commitment.
Finding a vet that will see wildlife can be tricky. Not all vets will see wildlife or exotic animals in their practice. Furthermore, while some vets will give a discount, vet care can easily be your highest expense.
Some medical procedures you can do yourself and your vet may be willing to give you some training to address common but minor conditions. However, such things as X-rays, setting a bone, repairing a severely crushed turtle shell, stitches, or performing an amputation requires a veterinarian.
Good Communication
An important part of your job is compassion for both the animal and the finder. Finders often make mistakes and need education and guidance. Wildlife rehabilitation is not a solitary job (sorry!). Working with the public and providing a calm resource when they are panicking or need some helpful advice due to a nuisance issue such as squirrels living in the attic or foxes killing chickens.
Wildlife rehabilitators seek to educate the public on how to prevent these problems and work with citizens having wildlife/human conflicts. Some wildlife rehabilitators conduct education programs for the public.
Our former volunteer, Lauren has gone on to have her own wildlife rehabilitation center. Check out Enchanted Forest Wildlife Rescue of Kentucky on Facebook. Photo by Ame Vanorio
How Much Do wildlife Rehabilitators Earn?
Most rehabbers are volunteers. A few persons may also be wildlife biologists or zoologists. They make work for the government in state parks or the Department of Fish and Wildlife. They may work in zoos or environmental education centers.
Many wildlife rehabilitators have part or full-time jobs to support their passion and/or their families. In addition, many rehabbers pay for their expenses out of their own pockets. You can ask for donations or do fundraisers as long as you are transparent.
You may decide to go through the process to become a non-profit which allows your donors to take a tax credit. It also lets you write grant applications, although there are not many grant opportunities for wildlife rescue compared to the rescue of domestic animals.
Read my blog Developing A Sustainable Business Model For Your Wildlife Rehab: AKA Love Doesn't Pay The Bills
Volunteering for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is a good way to find out if you want to become a rehabber. Many wildlife rehabilitators accept volunteers. Finding a mentor is a good idea.
Are you ready for some in-depth information on what you need to be a wildlife rehabilitator? Check out my book! Available on Kindle and Paperback.
CAREER Requirements
Some persons are wildlife rehabilitators as part of their job. Jobs such as wildlife biologists, environmental educators, zookeepers, or park rangers may include an aspect of wildlife rehabilitation. These jobs require a college degree in biology, environmental science, or something similar.
Having a wildlife rehabilitation license or experience may help you get a job and set you apart. Some veterinary techs specialize in exotic animals including wildlife. In fact, many training programs for veterinarians and veterinary technicians are offering courses in Exotic Animals and/or Wildlife Rehabilitation.
A few people find work for larger non-profit wildlife sanctuaries or rehab centers that are able to offer paid positions.
Others may work for government or non-profits that assist during natural disasters such as oil spills, hurricanes, or wildfires.
Federal Licenses
In addition to getting a state license, there is also one federal license given through the USDA and one given through the USFW.
USDA Aphis
If you plan to have educational animals or do any type of outreach programs with animals then you need to obtain a USDA Class C license. This regulates cage size and care for wildlife on display or used in community outreach.
BIRD LICENSE
The Foundations class is for those that want to be licensed in mammals, reptiles, and/or birds. However, to receive a bird license you must go above and beyond the Foundations class in all states.
Migratory birds fall under the licensing of the US Dept of Fish and Wildlife and have further requirements. This would include raptors and songbirds. For a bird license you need a state license plus “a minimum of100 hours of hands-on experience, gained over the course of at least 1 whole year, rehabilitating each type of migratory bird you intend to rehabilitate (e.g., water birds, songbirds, raptors). Up to 20 hours of the 100-hour time requirement may be fulfilled by participation in migratory bird rehabilitation seminars and courses.”
WORKING WITH WILDLIFE
Wild animal babies need very specific care. I work closely with our vet to provide proper treatment. Our overall goal is to release our animals back into an appropriate natural habitat. Rehabbers do not play with wildlife. They want them to be ready for freedom from humans :)
Wildlife rehabilitators often deal with the public. A big part of rehabilitation is education. I can not tell you how many calls I get every spring from people who pick up baby fawns. I work to educate the public on what to do if they find a baby animal.
One example is having a YouTube Channel. You can also have a blog or a podcast to help educate the public. Below is a video that was made by one of our college interns, Lauren who now has her own center.
THEY ARE NOT PETS
Wildlife rehabilitation is not an attempt to turn wild animals into pets. Animals remain in captivity only until they are able to live independently in the wild and then they are released. In fact, we have minimal contact with our babies. It’s important that they develop appropriate fear of humans, dogs, and cats in order for them to survive.
Wild animals do not make good pets. They have strong instincts and often bite or scratch. In addition, it is against the law to possess a wild animal in many states without a permit. Check your state regulations before rescuing.
Passion
My personal belief is along with skills you must have passion.
I have loved animals my whole life and was lucky enough to grow up on a farm where we had lots of pets, horses, and livestock. I grew up in the 1970s and early ’80s before wildlife rehabilitation laws existed.
People were always bringing me wild and domestic animals that had been hurt or orphaned. My parents had a wonderful vet who was always willing to give me guidance and help me with my “babies”.
I became a science and special education teacher and a passionate environmentalist. It was only a matter of time before that morphed into becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Do you have a similar story to tell? Then you have a passion for helping animals.
Burn Out and Compassion Fatigue
Wildlife rehabilitation can be stressful, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing. Compassion fatigue is a term used in health care professions. It comes from being exposed to trauma that comes from others, in this case, injured or orphaned wildlife. It can often be an emotional roller coaster.
Before you even begin wildlife rehabilitation you need to understand the importance of priorities and making sure you take time for self-care.
WHAT HAPPENS FIRST?
Typically what happens is Joe Citizen finds an injured or presumed orphaned wild baby. They want to locate someone to help this baby. Often they will contact the local police or their local animal shelter who should direct them to a local rehabilitator.
In most states, wildlife rehabilitators are licensed under the direction of the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Natural Resources.
If you are trying to locate a licensed rehabber you can check out the map on the NWRA website for state resources.
You can also use the location APP by Animal Help Now anywhere in the USA. Download it to your phone so it’s available when you need it.
The rehabilitator will ask the finder questions to find out if the baby does need intervention. A quick note here if you are Joe Citizen! These questions are very important. They let the rehabber understand the circumstances and make a professional decision.
You may be asked to send a picture. You may be told to put the animal back. Please comply. Wildlife rehabilitators are giving you advice based on training and experience!
Take Away
We desperately need more wildlife rehabilitators across the United States! As a rehabber, you can take on as few or as many animals as you are able. You do not have to accept any animal you are not comfortable with taking on. Some people specialize in one or two species and some are open to many.
Understandable many people do not have the time and or money it takes to rehab. In that case, there are many other ways you can support your local rehabber. Volunteer, donate money or something from their need list, and share their posts on social media.
Author, Ame Vanorio is the director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. She does community education programs in wildlife conservation, building wildlife habitats, and rehabilitation for all ages. Ame has written several books on organic gardening and wildlife rehabilitation.
