Edited by DevilGirl, Krystle, Flickety, Liz Kershaw and 10 others
Have you ever tried to help a wounded wild animal? Did you want to know how to do it officially? Here are some steps to get you started.
1Realize that this is difficult work, yet ultimately very rewarding. The process to owning your own Wildlife Center is long and hard (And not always well paid).Ad
2Research facilities in your area. In an urban area, there will probably be a branch of the SPCA. These facilities do double duty as animal shelters and wildlife centers, and are usually financed by the state. Animal Control facilities are the most prevalent, so they should be easy to find.
3Find a Wildlife Rehab Facility through your research, and contact them. The "busy season" for wildlife centers starts in the Spring. Most facilities can never have enough volunteers! Most places have limited acceptance periods, so they can have a trained staff on hand for spring.
4Keep in contact with them until they have an opening, and always let them know that you are ready to help at any time.
5Get Vaccinated. Be prepared, because the shelter will ask you to get certain vaccinations, and provide the paperwork for them. A Rabies vaccine is a must.
6Volunteer. This is really the only way for you to get experience and to learn the ropes. Most facilities keep a couple volunteers all year long, but most are seasonal. This really depends on where you live.
7Approach the head of your facility for an apprenticeship. This is a year(or more) in which your hours are carefully documented and cataloged, followed by a test. Most states will require this time period before you are able to be licensed.Ad
- Do some community outreach. Educating the community around you is the first step in preventing animal injuries.
- Remember that these are wild animals. They are not pets. It's hard to stay objective around such cute baby animals, but remember, you are rehabilitating them so they can be set free.
- Keep taking classes and never stop learning. As new medicines come out and more is learned about mammalian physiology, the more times will change. Most states also require that rehabilitators show proof of this continuing education.
- Some animals cannot be saved, no matter what you do. Try not to blame yourself.
- These are wild animals and can injure you.
- It is illegal to own/possess any wild animal, even if you are releasing it soon. Be aware that you need permits.
- If you get hurt, see a doctor.
Sources and Citations
- http://www.iwrc-online.org/ - International Wildlife Rehabilitatin Council. Classes, Info, and general info for rehabbers.
- http://www.fws.gov/permits/mbpermits/birdbasics.html - Government site to apply for Bird Handling permits. If you have your own facility, this is a must!
- http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp - National Wildlife Rehab Association
- http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/rehabber_info.htm - New jersey's Comprehensive Info Site for Rehabbers. Every State will have a page like this, and it will list the requirements for your state
- http://www.globalcomputing.com/states.html - Lists all the Official Websites for all the States.