HOW TO GET A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION LICENSE.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Pass an examination meeting the requirements of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule (s. NR 19.75).
- Complete an application [PDF]. (We highly recommend that you pass the examination before applying for a license.)
- Possess a signed Sponsorship Agreement [PDF] form stating an Advanced Licensee ( Sponsor Designation Form [PDF]) is willing to mentor your wildlife ...
- Possess a signed Consulting Veterinarian Agreement [PDF] stating a veterinarian licensed to practice in Wisconsin is willing to consult and assist ...
Full Answer
How do you get a permit for a wildlife rehabilitator?
In order to become a wildlife rehabilitator you will need to have obtained a high school diploma or GED at a minimum. However, the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) recommends prospective wildlife rehabilitators acquire an associate's or bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, animal science, zoology, veterinary medicine or wildlife management.
How did you get into wildlife rehabilitation?
To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation license, applicants must submit an application, a description of their facilities, a description of previous relevant experience the applicant has had, and proof of at least two years working with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a letter from a licensed veterinarian attesting to the qualifications of the candidate.
How to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator?
Applications and further information can be found at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permits. Accessibility — These forms are provided for your convenience only. If they are inaccessible to you for any reason, or if you have questions regarding these permits, the regulations or application process, please e-mail wpoffice@tpwd.texas.gov.
How to become a wildlife rehabilitator?
Any properly accredited person in Maryland who desires to provide care and treatment for the rehabilitation and release back to the wild of orphaned, sick or injured wildlife, shall first obtain a Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit/License from the Department of Natural Resources.
What Does a Wildlife Rehabilitator Do?
A wildlife rehabilitator works with a veterinarian to identify illnesses, examine and determine any injuries, manage wounds, provide necessary vaccinations, clean animals, prepare food, clear cages, re-accustom animal to the wild, provide public education about protecting wildlife and may help in resolving human and animal conflicts.
How Do You Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator and What Skills Are Required?
In order to become a wildlife rehabilitator you will need to have obtained a high school diploma or GED at a minimum.
What Are the Certification and Licensure Requirements for a Wildlife Rehabilitator?
In order to to become a wildlife rehabilitator you will need to acquire the relevant legal permits.
How Much Does a Wildlife Rehabilitator Earn?
Based on national salary data compiled by the BLS, animal care and service workers, which also include wildlife rehabilitators, earned a median salary of $23,950 annually in 2018. More specifically non-farm animal care and service workers earned a median salary of $23,760 a year in 2018.
What Is the Career Outlook and Carer Advancement Opportunities for a Wildlife Rehabilitator?
The BLS anticipates that animal care and service workers, which include wildlife rehabilitators, will realize a 16% increase in job opening between 2018 and 2028. This is far greater than the national average for all occupations, which sits at 7%.
License Details
This license authorizes a New York resident to rehabilitate or care for injured or young orphaned wildlife for their return back to the wild.
How to Apply
Pass the wildlife rehabilitator examination with a score of 80% or higher. See Registering for the Wildlife Rehabilitator Examination below.
Renewing & Reporting
Class I & II Licenses expire on December 31 every 5th year after the license was issued. A renewal form will be sent by mail prior to the license expiration date noted on the license. If a license renewal form is not received at least 2-weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact us.
Other Resources & Information
New York State Wildlife Rehabilitator Contact List - Statewide contact list of rehabilitators with information on the type of wildlife they can care for.
Licenses and Permits
- It is illegal to attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal without the appropriate legal permits. Federal law protects most wild birds and state laws additionally protect most other wildlife. To work with mammals, reptiles and amphibians, wildlife rehabilitators and wildlife rehabilitation centers in W…
Training and Education
- Wildlife rehabilitators work under a veterinarian’s guidance to assess injuries and identify a variety of illnesses, and must be able to administer basic first aid and physical therapy. Because wild animals are so different from domestic animals, rehabilitators need extensive knowledge about a variety of species in their care, including natural history, nutritional requirements, behavioral issu…
For More Information
- Call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.412.4040and we will be happy to explain to you the process, give our guidance and best recommendations on what steps you need to consider in order to become a licensed rehabilitator.
Other Resources
License Details
How to Apply
- Applying for a Wildlife Rehabilitator License
1. Pass the wildlife rehabilitator examination with a score of 80% or higher. See Registering for the Wildlife Rehabilitator Examination below. 2. Complete and submit the Wildlife Rehabilitator License Application (an application form and instructions are provided after passing the exam). - Registering for the Wildlife Rehabilitator Examination
1. Register on-line. Registration Deadline is March 25. You will receive a registration confirmation once complete along with additional information on taking the exam. 1. Exam Dates:Friday April 1, 2022 2. Exam time:Any time between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. 3. Time allotted to complete the exam:2 …
Renewing & Reporting
- License Renewal
1. Class I & II Licenses expire on December 31 every 5th year after the license was issued. A renewal form will be sent by mail prior to the license expiration date noted on the license. If a license renewal form is not received at least 2-weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact … - Annual Reporting
All Class I & II rehabilitators must complete and submit log and tally forms by December 1 each year. Log and tally forms must be completed regardless if wildlife were treated or not for the year. 1. General Wildlife Rehabilitator Class I & II 1.1. Log Form (PDF) 1.2. Tally Form (PDF) 1.3. Instru…
Laws & Regulations
- New York Codes Rules and Regulations
1. Part 175 Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures(leaves DEC website) 2. Part 184 Wildlife Rehabilitators(leaves DEC website) 3. Part 189.7(f) Chronic Wasting Disease(leaves DEC website) - Environmental Conservation Law
Please visit New York State Legislature(leaves DEC website) 1. 11-0515(3) License to Possess Distressed Wildlife for Rehabilitation Purposes
Other Resources & Information
- New York State Wildlife Rehabilitator Contact List- Statewide contact list of rehabilitators with information on the type of wildlife they can care for.
- Care of Young Wildlife- Information on what to do if you come across young wildlife that appear abandoned or orphaned.
- New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council(leaves DEC website)
- New York State Wildlife Rehabilitator Contact List- Statewide contact list of rehabilitators with information on the type of wildlife they can care for.
- Care of Young Wildlife- Information on what to do if you come across young wildlife that appear abandoned or orphaned.
- New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council(leaves DEC website)
- National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association(leaves DEC website)
