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Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Laws on what is needed to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator vary from
province to province and from state to state. There is no "formal" education that is needed although many states require experience working under a licensed rehabber for a certain amount of time. Some
provinces and states now require passing an exam before being licensed to care for injured/orphaned wildlife.
If you are interested in this field, the BEST place to start is to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area and volunteer with them for awhile. This way, you will learn what is involved in wildlife rehabilitation along with its many joys and heartaches. Please be aware that it is very hard work with long hours and that MOST rehabbers work strictly on a volunteer basis
and are not paid. There are SOME centers that do have paid positions, but most are
run by volunteers. There are many wildlife rehabbers who operate from their own homes, others who have combined to operate small centers, and others that have very large centers with
a few paid staff.
Next, it would be VERY wise to begin by joining your local provincial or state
wildlife rehabilitation organization as a minimum, and then one or both of the national wildlife rehabilitation organizations. The both offer a LOT of information and resources for wildlife rehabilitators and those interested in pursuing education in this area.
Your local provincial or state rehabilitation organizations will often offer training classes in basic wildlife rehabilitation (and more advanced classes) around the country so be sure to check out their information.
Most local rehab organizations also hold yearly conferences and symposiums to
help you network with the rehabbers in your area and keep you updated with local
wildlife disease information and any regulations. The international
organizations also offer courses and conferences, but they are on a more global
scale and are excellent resources for expanding your network of information.
National Wildlife
Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)
International Wildlife
Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)
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