Career at a Glance
| Degree Required | High school diploma or GED minimum; asso ... |
| Education Field of Study | Biology Animal science Ecology Wildlife ... |
| Training | On-the-job training |
| Certification and Licensure | License required |
| Key Skills | Compassion, attention to detail, patienc ... |
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, ...
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.
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 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.
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, ...
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 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 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 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 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.
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, ...
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.
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 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 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.
What animals can be rehabilitated?
Wildlife rehabilitators may limit their work to certain animal types but it is common for such organizations to rescue and rehabilitate squirrels, rabbits, skunks, birds, porcupines, weasels, raccoons, foxes, beavers and coyotes.
Is wildlife rehabilitation a for profit?
Typically, you'll start your wildlife rescue and rehabilitation venture as a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. As you can imagine, this is typically not a for-profit business, and your "profit" will mainly be sleeping well at night knowing that you've done right by the animals. Needless to say, as the operator of a nonprofit , ...
Is wildlife rescue and rehabilitation competitive?
Thankfully, an owner of a a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation business in a location that is not competitive to you may be willing to share their entrepreneurial wisdom with you, once they realize that you are not going to directly compete with them in their community.
What is a wildlife rehabilitation permit?
A wildlife rehabilitation permit shall be obtained prior to possessing live native wildlife.
Do you need a state wildlife permit to rehabilitate a raptor?
In order to hold and rehabilitate federally protected birds (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) including raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl, a person shall have both a state wildlife rehabilitation permit and a federal rehabilitation permit.
What is the purpose of a wildlife rehabilitation center?
Saving distressed, injured or orphaned animals and birds by starting a wildlife rehabilitation center is a noble endeavor. Opening a center requires solid experience as a rehabilitator and business skills, including the ability to manage the facility on a daily basis.
Do wildlife rehab centers charge for their services?
Most states do not allow wild life rehabilitation centers to charge for their services. That means you must pay for all expenses, including renting space, constructing enclosures and buying equipment, medications and appropriate food for the animals you rehabilitate.
Do you need to record wildlife in a facility?
Recording the species you allow into your facility is required in most states. The location in which the wildlife was found as well as a description of the problem is also required, meaning you need time and space to interview each person who brings in wildlife.
What Is Wildlife Rehabilitation?
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 …
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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