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 does it take to be a wildlife rehabilitator?
7 rows · Wildlife rehabilitators work with many species so they need to gain knowledge on the ...
What kind of jobs are in wildlife rehabilitation?
Sep 22, 2021 · Here are some you might consider: Wound management: Diagnosing and managing injuries of animals in distress is critical as a wildlife rehabilitator. Feeding and nutritional needs: It's important to know what various species typically eat as well as how to properly feed... Animal and cage cleaning: ...
How do I get a wildlife rehabilitation permit?
Oct 20, 2021 · Job Requirements It's helpful for wildlife rehabilitators to have strong communication skills and patience, as well as the ability to handle sick, injured and dying animals. Wildlife rehabilitation activities may be dangerous and typically involve working long hours. Permits, Licensure and Certification
Is wildlife rehabilitation right for You?
Aug 15, 2019 · 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 of the individuals working at rehab centers, if you’re looking to build a career in this emerging field—i.e., earn a livable wage—you’ll need a college degree.
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
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 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.
What is wildlife rehabilitation?
Wildlife rehabilitation is a profession involving the treatment and care of sick, injured or orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing healed animals back to their natural habitats in the wild.
Why is wildlife rehabilitation important?
Wildlife rehabilitation provides an opportunity for public education about the dangers wild animals face in an increasingly human-dominated landscape. This critical part of our work helps wildlife on a much larger scale than wildlife rehabilitation could alone.
Why do we not use live animals in our education programs?
Because PAWS does not believe in keeping wild animals permanently in captivity, we do not use live wild animals in our education programs. Instead, we use storytelling and wildlife artifacts to teach children and others to respect wildlife.
What do you need to be a rehabilitator?
Before receiving their permits, rehabilitators must meet various requirements, such as specialized training, participation in mentorship programs, facility inspections, and written or oral exams. Rehabilitators who wish to care for migratory birds must also get permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Is it illegal to rehabilitate a wild animal?
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.
Where do wildlife rehabilitation workers work?
Wildlife rehabilitators work directly with animals in a rehabilitation facility. While rehabilitators generally work in private clinics or as part of a larger institution (such as a zoo, aquarium or museum), public agencies at the state and federal levels oversee, inspect, and advise clinics.
What is a wildlife rehabilitator?
Wildlife rehabilitators are professionals responsible for the care and treatment of injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife. The ultimate goal is to return healthy animals to the wild by fostering their release into appropriate habitats.
What is a veterinary assistant?
Veterinary assistants and technicians may work with veterinarians that provide services to wildlife clinics or rescue organizations. While clinic staff provides much of the medical care on site, outside veterinarians are needed for surgeries and any advanced procedures.
What is a rehabilitator?
Rehabilitators work with the public, taking information when animals arrive into their facility and providing critical care or enlisting the help of their veterinarian when necessary. Rehabilitators are involved in feeding, care of wounds and injures, and the cleaning & maintenance of both the animals and the facilities.
What is wildlife education?
Wildlife educators may work with public school systems. They design and write educational programs for school children and should be comfortable with public speaking. Depending on the size of the institution, educators may deliver the programs themselves or train additional staff members to deliver programs.
What can animals that cannot be released do?
Animals that cannot be released may be used for educational programs and outreach when appropriate. Consequently, those interested in rehabilitation careers should be knowledgeable in public speaking and environmental education, as well as animal husbandry.
Do institutions require rabies shots?
Institutions will require additional vaccines, such as rabies, to work with native animals that are considered rabies vector species. As animals grow and heal they may need to be exercised and gradually re-accustomed to the wild prior to release.
Essential Information
Jobs in wildlife rehabilitation bring together the fields of veterinary medicine, natural history, animal behavior, environmental studies, ethics, public service and education. A lot of wildlife rehabilitation centers provide on-the-job training, although additional state and federal permits may be required.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Job Options
The primary goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide care for orphaned, sick or injured animals, and return them to their natural habitat once they have healed or are capable of surviving on their own.
Job Requirements
It's helpful for wildlife rehabilitators to have strong communication skills and patience, as well as the ability to handle sick, injured and dying animals. Wildlife rehabilitation activities may be dangerous and typically involve working long hours.
Education Requirements
Wildlife rehabilitation jobs may be obtained based solely on experience; however, formal training may be required by some state permitting agencies.
Job Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't publish information pertaining to wildlife rehabilitation, but it does have data for animal care and service workers. According to the BLS, the number of employment opportunities in this field was projected to increase much faster than average from 2019-2029.
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 do wildlife rehabs do?
Wildlife rehabilitators may work with veterinarians at a clinic or rehab center to determine the extent of an animal's injuries and the best path to care for the animal, including performing lab work and radiology and/or keeping animal medical records.
What is wildlife rehabilitation?
Wildlife rehabilitators provide many services for animals in need of protection. Some careers within this field involve providing daily animal care and educating the public with programs that allow limited contact with the wildlife. Others involve medical care and treatment for injured or ill wild animals in a manner that allows them ...
What degree do I need to become a wildlife technician?
A wildlife veterinary technician needs an associate's degree for vet technicians and, in most states, must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Since degree programs may focus on domestic animals, you could take additional courses in zoology and wildlife biology.
How much does a wildlife caretaker make?
According to the BLS, in May 2018, caretakers of non-farm animals, a category that includes wildlife caretakers, earned an average annual salary of $25,890, while veterinary technicians and technologists made $35,560.
What degree do you need to be a wildlife caretaker?
For a wildlife caretaker, a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, zoology or animal ecology may be preferred or required, though in some situations, caretakers receive on-the-job training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that animal caretakers at zoos must have a bachelor's degree (www.bls.gov).
What is the growth rate for vet techs?
In the vet technician field, job growth is expected to be 19% overall, a rate much faster than average. If you enjoy working with animals, you may be able to find work on a farm. Agricultural workers need to be able to handle basic animal care duties and have a background in agricultural work.
What can a wildlife rehabilitator do?
Career Options. Wildlife rehabilitators can work for various governmental agencies, nonprofit groups, zoos, and humane societies. They may also have another primary occupation, working as a veterinarian, veterinary technician, zoologist, or biologist.
What is the primary duty of a wildlife rehabilitator?
The primary duty of a wildlife rehabilitator is to examine injured wildlife and provide medical care and therapy to help them recover to the point at which they can be released.
How much does a wildlife rehabilitator make?
For wildlife rehabilitators that are employed by an organization, salary is usually in the $25,000 to $35,000 range.
How much does it cost to become a member of the IWRC?
While membership in the IWRC is not required to take their certification exam, you can become a member for $30 annually to receive the Journal of Wildlife Rehabilitation and other benefits. Family and organization memberships are also available.
Do wildlife rehabilitators need a license?
Wildlife rehabilitators must be licensed by the state and federal government to work in the field. There are many rules governing the care and capture of wildlife. You will need to get in touch with the appropriate agency to obtain the necessary permits.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
How old do you have to be to get an apprentice permit?
Apprentice permits are free, applicants must be at least 18 years old. General class requirements must include ONE of the following: o Two years of experience as an Apprentice Class Rehabilitator and a recommendation from a current Commission General Class Wildlife Rehabilitator.
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).
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.
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).
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!
Is it safe to read wildlife body language?
The more experienced you are about reading wildlife body language, and the better you are at taking precautions and using proper restraint, the safer you will be. Never let someone force you into something that feels unsafe. If they are doing so, they are violating safety regulations.
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.
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 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 …
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 his...
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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