Introduction
Wildlife Rehabilitators Near Me: Wildlife emergencies happen when we least expect them—an injured bird in your backyard, an orphaned squirrel, or a distressed deer on the roadside. When such situations arise, knowing how to find trusted wildlife rehabilitators near you as quickly as possible can be the difference between life and death for the animal.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ How to locate licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area
✔ What to do if you find an injured or orphaned wild animal
✔ Ways to support wildlife rehabilitation centers (including helpful product recommendations)
✔ Answers to common wildlife rescue questions
Let’s get started—because every second counts when an animal’s life is at stake.
Why You Need a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wild animals aren’t like pets—they require specialized care from trained professionals. Here’s why you should never attempt wildlife rehabilitation on your own:
Legal protections for wildlife
Nearly all wild species fall under legal safeguards established by both local and national wildlife protection acts. It is illegal to keep a wild animal without a permit and can result in a fine. Licensed rehabilitators have the proper training and legal authorization to care for them.
Risk of disease and injury
Many wild animals harbor potentially dangerous illnesses like rabies, parasites, and diseases transmissible to humans. Even a small scratch from a raccoon or bat can require emergency medical treatment.
Special care requirements
Different species require different diets, enclosures and medical treatments. For example, a baby bird cannot be fed bread or milk – doing so can cause it to die. Rehabilitators know the exact protocol for each animal.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re interested in learning more about wildlife laws, check out [Wildlife Rehabilitation Guide (Amazon Link)] – a great resource for understanding legal and ethical wildlife care.
How to Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator Near You
When time is of the essence, you need fast, reliable ways to locate a wildlife rehabilitator. Here are the best methods:
Method 1: Use official wildlife rehabilitator directories
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) – Search their official directory.
State-specific lists – Many states have their own databases (e.g., Texas Parks and Wildlife).
Method 2: Call local animal control or veterinarians
Many veterinarians have contacts with rehabilitators.
Animal control can refer you to licensed professionals.
Method 3: Use a wildlife rescue app
Animal Help Now (AHNow) – A free app that locates nearby rehabilitators based on your GPS.
The iNaturalist app lets you snap a photo to identify wildlife and instantly links you with knowledgeable specialists.
🛒 Keep thick animal handling gloves (Amazon Link) in your car or home for a safe rescue.
Wildlife Emergency Protocol: Your Step-by-Step Rescue Guide
Before taking action, follow these steps to ensure the animal’s safety (and yours):
Step 1: Assess the situation
Is the animal bleeding, unable to move, or visibly distressed?
Has this been a child alone for too long? (Some parents go out for short periods of time to get feed.)
Step 2: Protect yourself
Wear gloves and avoid direct contact.
If handling is unavoidable, carefully wrap the animal in a soft towel to restrain it safely.
Step 3: Contact a rehabilitator immediately
Call when you are near the animal so they can guide you on next steps.
If you must transport it, use a ventilated box with a soft cloth.
⚠ Never attempt to give food or water – improper feeding can be fatal.
📦 Be sure to have a rescue kit:
✔ Small animal carrier (Amazon Link)
✔ Heating pad (for shock) (Amazon Link)
✔ Wildlife first aid book (Amazon Link)
Supporting wildlife rehabilitation centers
Wildlife rehabilitators often rely on donations and volunteers. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate to local centers
Many rehabilitators are non-profits. Consider donating via:
GoFundMe campaign
Amazon wish list (some centers list the supplies needed)
- Buy the necessary supplies
Rehabilitators always need the following:
Heating pads for orphaned animals
Special formula (e.g., Fox Valley for baby mammals) (Chewy affiliate link)
Cages and carriers for transport (Amazon affiliate link)
- Volunteer your time
Some centers need help with:
Feeding animals
Cage cleaning
Rescue transport
🎁 Bonus: Some wildlife organizations offer wildlife adoption programs, where you symbolically sponsor an animal’s care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Rehabilitation
❓ Can I keep a wild animal if I help it?
No! It’s illegal in most places, and wild animals don’t make good pets.
❓ How much does wildlife rehabilitation cost?
While most rehabilitation services are offered at no cost, these organizations depend entirely on community contributions to operate.
❓ Do wildlife rehabilitators keep pets?
No—they only handle wild species. For pets, contact a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts – Act Fast, Save Lives!
Now that you know how to find reliable wildlife rehabilitators near you, you can act quickly in an emergency. Bookmark this guide, save local rehabilitators’ numbers in your phone, and consider supporting these heroes with donations or supplies.
Have you found an animal in trouble? Use the resources above right away—you may be their only hope!