Getting Started in Wildlife Rehabilitation

New to the field of wildlife care?  This free 25-minute orientation will introduce you to what it means and what it takes to be a wildlife rehabilitator.

 

Permit Conditions

The first step in obtaining a wildlife rehabilitation permit is to thoroughly review the regulations applicable in your state. Wildlife rehabilitation laws vary widely across the U.S.—and in some states, rehabilitation is not permitted at all.

To get started, locate the permitting agency for your state. A quick online search for “wildlife rehabilitation” along with your state’s name will usually lead you to the appropriate agency. These agencies typically provide detailed information on their websites about the laws, requirements, and conditions you’ll need to follow. Be sure to read this material carefully before moving forward.

In Virginia, wildlife rehabilitation is governed by the Department of Wildlife Resources. Wildlife rehabilitation permit conditions can be found here.  

Permit Categories in Virginia

Wildlife Rehabilitation permits are typically classified into categories based on the experience and resources of the permit holder.  Here are the Virginia wildlife rehabilitation permit categories:

Category I permittees, or apprentices, are for individuals who have less than two years of experience in rehabilitation.  Apprentices must be sponsored and supervised by a Category II or III permittee.

Category II permittees are those with advanced skills and more than two years of rehabilitation experience. Category II permittees may be individuals (IIA) or organizations (IIB).

Category III permittees are professionally operated facilities with an on-site veterinary staff.

Category IV permittees, or care providers, are able to work at a facility of a Category I, II, or III permitted rehabilitator. Category IV permittees may not care for wildlife in their own homes.

Category V permittees are students who are in temporarily in Virginia for training and do not intend to continue to care for wildlife in Virginia long term.

Sponsors

In most states, new wildlife rehabilitators are required to work under the guidance of a sponsor. A sponsor is a permitted rehabilitator with an advanced-level permit who provides education, hands-on training, and mentorship as you gain experience—typically through an apprenticeship. This is a key step in the permitting process; for example, in Virginia, a two-year apprenticeship is required before an individual can apply for an independent permit.

Most state wildlife agency websites include a list of permitted rehabilitators who may be eligible to serve as sponsors. Be sure to consult your state’s requirements to understand what is expected.

Virginia's permitted wildlife rehabilitators can be found here.

Continuing Education

To obtain or renew permits, wildlife rehabilitators are typically required to complete approved continuing education. The number of hours required varies by state; in Virginia, for example, six hours are required annually. Our On-Demand Introductory Courses are an excellent starting point for those pursuing a Category I permit.

Two professional organizations—the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)—offer continuing education opportunities, networking, and high-quality publications covering a wide range of rehabilitation topics. We highly recommend exploring membership with one or both of these organizations if you’re serious about a future in wildlife rehabilitation.

National Wildlife Rehabilitator Association (NWRA) is dedicated to improving and promoting the profession of wildlife rehabilitation and its contributions to preserving natural ecosystems. 

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) provides evidence-based education and resources on wildlife rehabilitation to move the field of wildlife rehabilitation forward; promotes wildlife conservation and welfare; and mitigates human-wildlife conflicts worldwide, through better understanding of wild animal ecology, behavior, and welfare.

Cooperating Veterinarian

During the apprenticeship period, most care is provided under the guidance of a sponsor, with access to the sponsor’s resources and oversight. Apprentices typically care for healthy, orphaned wildlife as they build foundational skills. To qualify for an independent permit, a formal relationship with a licensed veterinarian must be established. Veterinarians provide essential medical support and are a critical component of responsible and effective wildlife rehabilitation.

Facility Inspection

New applicants should spend time preparing and organizing their rehabilitation space prior to applying for a permit. This designated area may be an unused bedroom, basement, or outbuilding, but must be separated from living spaces by a door. Essential supplies—such as appropriate enclosures, heating pads, a scale, hygrometer, handling gloves, syringes, and species-appropriate food—should be acquired in advance. It’s also important to prepare medical logs, feeding charts, and any necessary outdoor enclosures. All areas used for rehabilitation must be clean, organized, and ready for use, as they will be inspected by a conservation police officer during the permitting process.

Apply for the Permit 

After reviewing your state’s permit conditions, familiarizing yourself with the basics of wildlife rehabilitation, securing a sponsor, and preparing your facility, the next step is to contact your state’s permitting office and submit your application!