How to Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator Near You

Finding a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you is the best way to help a baby bird who's fallen out of the nest, a squirrel who's been hit by a car, a crow who seems unable to fly, or any other form of wildlife. In some cases, the animal might not need help at all, and a rehabilitator can guide you in assessing the situation. If the animal does need help, often time is of the essence in making that call. Many of the animals whom wildlife rehabilitators rescue are suffering from shock, exposure, dehydration, and/or malnourishment, and a delay of even a few hours can decrease their chance of survival. 

Most licensed wildlife rehabilitators are available 24 hours a day. And it's ideal to find a wildlife rehabilitator near you before you actually need them; then you will feel a lot more comfortable calling them in the middle of the night if necessary.

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When we work together to bring our best friends home, we help loving pets find the families they’ve been dreaming of, and we get the country closer to ending the killing of pets in shelters. Let’s bring our best friends home.

How do I find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?

The following resources can help you find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area:

  • Animal Help Now leverages digital technologies to immediately connect people involved with animal emergencies with the most appropriate time- and location-specific resources and services. Animal Help Now provides immediate and appropriate assistance for any wildlife emergency, coast to coast. 
  • The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council provides many helpful wildlife resources, including a directory of wildlife rehabilitators by location. It also will help you find emergency assistance under its Resources tab.
  • The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association also provides many resources both for people who find wild animals in distress and for wildlife rehabilitators (as well as those who are aspiring to become rehabilitators). Plus, it includes a map under its Resources tab that has compiled licensed wildlife rehabilitators by state.
  • Your state wildlife department — often called the Game and Fish Department, the Department of Natural Resources, or the Department of Wildlife Resources — can help with injured or sick wildlife situations. 
  • You can contact Best Friends Animal Society’s Wild Friends department at 435-274-2198, after hours at 559-MED-WILD, or by text at 435-689-0855.

Remember, if you have found a wild animal in distress, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Even just a half hour can make a difference between life and death in some cases. And the rehabilitator can make sure everyone stays safe while handling the situation.

Issues:
Wildlife
Tags:
Wildlife
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Be our Best Friend

Best Friends Animal Society is working with you to save the lives of cats and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

Just a few short years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources to save their lives. That number is now less that half a million per year, but there's still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America.

Best Friends operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is committed to saving the lives of homeless pets by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill in 2025. Together, we will Save Them All.