Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator

Interested in Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator?

We want to support you on that journey!

Wildlife rehabilitators are desperately needed in Pennsylvania and many other places around the world. Becoming a wildlife rehabilitator is a rewarding and challenging opportunity for which there are many steps to prepare. Being a wildlife rehabilitator isn’t a good fit for everyone, but there are still many ways that you can get involved in helping wildlife. Remember — only permitted individuals can care for native wildlife.

“So You Want to Be a Rehabilitator?”

Check out our founder’s talk for the 2021 PA Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Conference on “So You Want to be a Rehabilitator?” You can download the worksheet to complete during the presentation here.

Rehabilitation Permitting Processes in Pennsylvania

  1. Apprentice with an existing wildlife rehabilitator

  2. Contact your regional PA Game Commission officer for a permit application packet (for birds and mammals)

  3. Submit your application, including a letter of support, to become a state wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian

    • Applications for mammals/birds are submitted to the PA Game Commission while applications for reptiles/amphibians are submitted to the PA Fish and Boat Commission

  4. Take the applicable tests for the species you wish to work with (raptors, non-raptor birds, mammals)

  5. Meet with the state rehabilitation council and provide photos/videos of your set up

  6. Submit an application and photos of your caging to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to rehabilitate migratory birds

  7. Complete additional training and applications for rabies vector species and threatened/endangered species

  8. Annually submit required reports and continuing education credits to maintain permits

  9. Consider studying for professional certification through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

Additional Information

  • More information on the permitting process and local rehabilitation in PA can be found at PAWR.com

  • Contact your state agency or local wildlife rehabilitator for more information if you live outside of Pennsylvania

  • If you wish to provide sanctuary for non-releasable wildlife or use wildlife and artifacts for educational purposes, you need additional permits

“Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator — The Process”

Listen to our founder walk through the permitting process and different ways to get involved in wildlife rehabilitation from her talk at the 2021 PA Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Conference on “Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator — The Process”.

Training with an existing wildlife rehabilitator is step one. If you’re interested in getting started with wildlife rehabilitation at West Shore Wildlife Center, you must join us as an intern first. After your internship is complete, you may continue training for your own rehabilitation permits or continue working with us as a sub-permittee (providing homecare to stable patients). We generally require 400 volunteer training hours over 12 months to be considered for a position as a sub-permittee or for a letter of support in your own rehabilitation permits, at the discretion of the permitted wildlife rehabilitator.