RehabFAQs

how to get into wildlife rehab

by Kennith Mann 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

How to become a wildlife rehabilitator?

The table below provides an overview of the education, skill-set, salary and job outlook for a career as a wildlife rehabilitator. High school diploma or GED minimum; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred. Compassion, attention to detail, patience, integrity, problem solving skills, …

Is wildlife rehabilitation right for You?

Aug 15, 2019 · Wildlife rehabilitation is an exciting new field that’s gaining momentum every year. Like anything new and undefined, there are many different ways to achieve what you want to achieve. As a student of Unity’s B. S. in Captive Wildlife Care degree program, you’ll be perfectly placed to gain valuable experience through a volunteer placement or an intern/externship.

How to open a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Florida?

To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation license in the state of Wyoming, you must be at least 18 year old, provide a description of your facilities, provide proof of a licensed veterinarian willing to assist you, provide documentation of your hours of experience and education, certification that your proposed treatment of wildlife is within the established laws, a letter from a licensed wildlife …

How do I get a wildlife rehabilitation permit in New Jersey?

Nov 09, 2015 · Answer: Depends on the region, what species you are interested in and what you have for facilities. You need to contact your local regional office and outline your intentions, experience, facilities, species interests, and then the regional office can determine if you are qualified and fit into their needs for wildlife rehab in the region.

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What is a wildlife rehabilitator?

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.

What degree do you need to become 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, ...

How much does a non-farm animal care worker make?

More specifically non-farm animal care and service workers earned a median salary of $23,760 a year in 2018. Also according to the BLS, the lowest-paid 10% of workers in this field made less than $20,270 annually, while the highest-paid 10% made more than $55,760 a year.

Do wildlife rehabilitators work for a non profit?

Often rehabilitators work for a non-profit organization, which will typically depend on donations, so they are often required to participate in fundraising . A wildlife rehabilitator my also get involved in research on wildlife, which may be organised by the facility or a university.

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, ...

How often do you need to renew your wildlife rehabilitation certification?

To earn this certification, applicants need to pass an exam and renew their credentials every two years. Many rehabilitators also choose to specialize in a specific type of animal, such as mammals or reptiles.

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 ...

What is the best way to get a rabies shot?

One of the vaccines you'll be required to get is a rabies vaccine. 2. Get educated. Whether or not you decide to obtain a higher education degree, volunteering or getting an internship could be beneficial in ensuring you provide quality care to the variety of wildlife animals you meet throughout your career.

Why do you need to have experience in wound management?

Wound management. Because many wildlife animals are in distress, you should have experience in wound management. Diagnosing any injuries is critical in your role as a wildlife rehabilitator.

What is the purpose of cleaning cages and animals?

Animal and cage cleaning. 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.

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.

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.

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, ...

What degree do you need to be a wildlife rehabilitator?

According to the NWRA website, a college degree is not required to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator but a biology-related degree has several advantages: 1 It provides knowledge essential for quality hands-on animal care; 2 It develops an understanding of wildlife as is relates to humans and the environment; 3 It gives you an edge in this increasingly competitive field.

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 ...

How to operate a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Florida?

To operate a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Florida, you must submit an application and pass a state examination with minimum score of 80%. After this, a state investigator must inspect your facilities and approve that they are up to state standards.

How old do you have to be to be a wildlife rehabilitator in Kansas?

Kansas. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. In Kansas, wildlife rehabilitators must be at least 18 years old, provide documentation of at least 100 hours of experience in handling and care of wildlife, and three letters of recommendation from people who the applicant has known for at least two years.

How old do you have to be to get a wildlife rehabilitation license in Wyoming?

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. Wyoming.

How many hours of training do you need to get a wildlife rehabilitation permit in South Carolina?

To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation permit, applicants must pass a state examination, complete at least 25 hours of hands-on activity and 6 hours of instructional training, and get their facilities approved by the state. Contact the department directly for more information and an application. South Carolina.

How many hours do you need to get a wildlife permit in Tennessee?

Requirements for a wildlife rehabilitation permit in Tennessee include having 200 hours of experience or one year of full time employment as a veterinary technician or be in possession of a wildlife rehabilitation permit from another state.

What do you need to apply for Texas Parks and Wildlife?

Applicants must fill out an application including information such as relevant experience, descriptions of the facilities, proof of sufficient knowledge (or a passing score on a state exam), a veterinarian agreeing to supervise the applicant, and two letters of reference. Utah.

How old do you have to be to become a rehabilitator in Connecticut?

Applicants must be 18 years or older, attend a seminar, pass the state examination with a score of 80% or better, provide proof of having completed 40 hours of training under an authorized Connecticut rehabilitator with at least 3 years of experience and provide verification of having veterinary service.

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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 …
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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.
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Other Resources

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