RehabFAQs

how to get into.wildlife rehab

by Madisyn Feil Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. Get a college degree in biology or ecology. Even though for some positions a college degree is not required, it is for most.
  2. Approach the head of your facility for an apprenticeship or internship. ...
  3. Check with your state’s Game and Wildlife Department. They will have a list of the requirements for becoming a wildlife rehabilitator.
  4. Get your license. Most states require wildlife rehabilitators to have a license issued by the Game and Wildlife Department.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have passed a state examination on wildlife rehabilitation, complete an application, provide evidence of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator willing to mentor them, provide evidence of a veterinarian willing to assist them and maintain approved facilities.

Full Answer

What does it take to be a wildlife rehabilitator?

A wildlife rehabilitator my also get involved in research on wildlife, which may be organised by the facility or a university. 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.

Is wildlife rehabilitation right for You?

Aug 15, 2019 · Home / News / Everything You Need to Know to Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator. First things first, wildlife rehabilitation involves caring for injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing each into its natural habitat. “Each animal is examined, diagnosed and treated through an individually tailored program of veterinary care, hospital care, feeding, …

What is it like to volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center?

How to become a Wildlife Rehabilitator. The purpose of rehabilitating wild animals is so that they can get back into the wild. Even though people can grow quite fond of the animals, it’s important that they are not treated as pets so that they can stay accustomed to living on their own. People that are interested in this career can begin by researching wildlife rehabilitation facilities in …

What is wildlife rehabilitation and release?

Jan 04, 2019 · How to Get Into Conservation and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Get online and Google the species you are most interested in. You will likely find results within your area (also look for opportunities abroad!). Be prepared for the following: To submit an application (even for volunteering) To attend an orientation and training session

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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%.

What do wildlife rehabilitators do?

Wildlife rehabilitators examine and provide care to various wild animals that are sick, injured or orphaned with the hopes of returning them back into the wild. In many cases, they work with veterinarians to ensure that these animals can survive back in their natural habitat. Wildlife rehabilitators can spend time caring for a wide variety of animals such as mammals, birds and reptiles. Additional duties include: 1 Evaluating animals and identifying injuries 2 Working with veterinarians to determine a treatment plan 3 Administering medication and overseeing progress 4 Reintroducing animals slowly back into their habitats 5 Placing animals unable to return to the wild in educational facilities or refuges 6 Monitoring animals once released

How much do wildlife rehabilitators make?

While there isn't exact Indeed salary data for wildlife rehabilitators, the similar positions of wildlife specialists and wildlife biologists have average salaries of $42,807 and $63,877 per year , respectively, for full-time work. Salary will vary depending on years of experience, ...

What degree do you need to be a wildlife rehabilitator?

Though a degree is not required for wildlife rehabilitators, a bachelor's degree in biology ...

How to care for sick or injured animals?

To properly care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, you must be able to provide the animals with a clean living space and clean them as needed. This can be important for animals rescued from oil spills or mudslides.

Do you have to get rabies shots to work in rehab?

It's best to make sure you're safe from any diseases that these animals might be carrying. One of the vaccines you'll be required to get is a rabies vaccine.

What do wildlife rehabilitators do?

Most wildlife rehabilitators work closely with a veterinarian to care for wild animals in their care. As a wildlife rehabilitator, each day is likely to be different as you care for a variety of hurt and sick animals.

What is a wikihow article?

Download Article. X. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 19 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback.

How old do you have to be to work with animals?

As you get more experience, you might be able to do more hands-on work with the animals. You will need to meet these basic criteria before beginning: Be 18 or older.

Do you need a college degree to become a wildlife rehabilitator?

So, for the record, right now you do not need a college degree to become a wildlife rehabilitator . But it sure helps. While volunteers make up the vast majority ...

What is wildlife rehabilitation?

First things first, wildlife rehabilitation involves caring for injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing each into its natural habitat. “Each animal is examined, diagnosed and treated through an individually tailored program of veterinary care, hospital care, feeding, medicating, physical therapy, ...

Who said "Choose a job you love and you'll never have to work a day

People often cite Chinese philosopher Confucius as the source of the quote: “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”. The merits of that claim are debatable but what’s far more certain is that there are probably very few ultra-wealthy wildlife rehabilitators.

Is becoming a wildlife rehabilitator right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

How to become a Wildlife Rehabilitator

The purpose of rehabilitating wild animals is so that they can get back into the wild. Even though people can grow quite fond of the animals, it’s important that they are not treated as pets so that they can stay accustomed to living on their own.

What is wildlife rehabilitation?

Wildlife rehabilitation centers: Rehabilitate wild animals with the intention of releasing them. These rehabilitation techniques avoid habituation (baby crows, for example, will be fed with the caretaker wearing a visor to avoid habituation).

Can you use the word "cute" while volunteering?

Avoid using the word "cute" while volunteering. We know animals are cute, but refrain from using this term in the wildlife setting to maintain professionalism. This is an unexpressed rule.

What is a sanctuary animal?

Wildlife sanctuary: A sanctuary is a center that is organized to house animals (wildlife) that for one reason or another were rescued from a captive environment (often illegal) and are unable to be released due to safety reasons (both the animal's safety and the public's).

Do you have to study to become a veterinary technician?

Your skills as a wildlife rehabilitator require experience. Yes, you must study and learn everything there is to know (and this often requires continuing education or formalized schooling), but in order to really thrive in this field, you need to work with animals directly.

What is it like to work with animals?

Not to mention there is poop, pee, parasites, and smells. You will get bit, scratched, and kicked (not always, but likely). This is part of the work.

Can rabies be transmitted to dogs?

Study: Learn about infectious diseases. Viruses can be transferred to your house animals (dogs and cats) via dirty shoes, and rabies can be acquired via scratches or even from a deceased animal, parasites can be accidentally ingested if you do not wash your hands. Good luck!

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What Is Wildlife Rehabilitation?

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Rehabilitation is a major part of PAWS’ work with wildlife. We have established our expertise at PAWS Wildlife Centerby working with more than 140,000 wild animals of 260 different species over the past 30 years. The work can be stressful and demanding. But seeing an animal recover and return to a wild and free life makes …
See more on paws.org

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 Washington State must be issued special permits from the Washington Department of Fish and …
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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.
See more on paws.org

Other Resources

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