How to Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

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Thinking of Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

Being a wildlife rehabilitator can be a big responsibility. Not only are you responsible for the welfare of the wild animals in your care, you also have the responsibility to provide good, accurate information to the public who approach you as the wildlife expert.

Although having a college or university degree is not mandatory in most cases to become a rehabilitator, we encourage you to study fields such as wildlife biology, ecology, wildlife conservation and veterinary science. These fields will provide you with essential skills and knowledge about an animal’s natural history, husbandry and dietary needs, as well as humane solutions to human-wildlife conflicts.

What are the legal requirements?

Every country has its own laws pertaining to wildlife care, welfare, and wildlife in captivity, so it is important to consult with your local fisheries and wildlife officer or conservation officer. In order to become a wildlife rehabilitator, licensing or permits are required in most countries. In some countries, such as the US and Canada, each state and province has different regulations depending on the species of animal you wish to care for and the type of activities you plan to do. 

We’re here to support your journey into Wildlife Rehabilitation and work to provide the most updated resources for legal requirements. Find out more about wildlife legislation on our Regional Regulations page. 

Regional Regulations

What should I know before starting? 

Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation is a must-read book jointly published by the  IWRC and the US National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. It contains up-to-date standards all wildlife rehabilitators should meet, from the ethics of wildlife rehabilitation to current best practices for the care of specific species.  You will also find useful information on appropriate cage sizes, disinfectants, and cage furniture necessary to care for wildlife undergoing rehabilitation. This publication can be purchased from our online store here. 

IWRC’s Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation course is a great introduction to the field as well. We offer both in person and online versions of this course, and add new opportunities every fall and spring. Click here to learn about this and the rest of the IWRC course catalog, and to see upcoming class schedules. We partner with local wildlife rehabilitators and organizations to offer in person classes. If you are interested in helping us hold a class near you, you can request more information on that process by clicking here.

Get Started With Training

Additional Support & Resources

We offer a variety of free resources that you may find interesting as you explore becoming a wildlife rehabilitator. Consider perusing our blog, attending our next free online wildlife seminar, or take a look at our job board to familiarize yourself with current required qualifications for various roles. 

Wildlife Rehabilitation: The Career

Certification

We encourage you to volunteer at your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or with a local  permitted wildlife rehabilitator. This is a great way to gain firsthand experience with wildlife and create meaningful relationships with other individuals working in the field. You can also find wildlife rehabilitation internships and volunteer opportunities on our Bulletin Board.

As you explore the field of wildlife rehabilitation, you may choose to pursue your professional Certification. Becoming Certified is a mark of credibility and shows  your commitment to high standards. There are two levels of Certification:

Get Certified

Being a rehabilitator is a rewarding experience and we are excited to help you explore this profession. If you have questions or need additional help, our team would be happy to hear from you at office@theiwrc.org.