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Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitators are professionals responsible for the care and treatment of injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife. The ultimate goal is to return healthy animals to the wild by fostering their release into appropriate habitats. Animals that cannot be released may be used for educational programs and outreach when appropriate. Consequently, those interested in rehabilitation careers should be knowledgeable in public speaking and environmental education, as well as animal care, nutrition, and disease. Professionals in wildlife rehab may work in a number of different institutions with a wide variety of species. Who works in rehabilitation?

Wildlife Rehabilitators
The most obvious group of professionals are those working directly in a wildlife rehabilitation facility. This may be a public or private facility. While rehabbers generally work in private clinics or as part of a larger institution (such as a zoo or aquarium), public agencies at the state and federal levels oversee, inspect, and advice clinics. Many facilities also employ educators to work with unreleasable wildlife in public programs.

Vets & Vet Techs
Veterinary assistants and technicians may work with veterinarians that provide services to wildlife clinics or rescue organizations. While clinic staff provide much of the medical care on site, outside veterinarians are needed for surgeries and any advanced procedures.

Volunteers
While paid positions exist, a great many wildlife rehabilitators work as volunteers, often running their own facilities. However, whether they are paid or not, rehabilitators have an obligation to be fully trained in the proper care, husbandry and ethics of their chosen profession.

Recently, a new step in standards and professionalism has emerged through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council's certification exam. Our ABI certificate program can provide you with outstanding training to help prepare you for the IWRC exam as you establish your credentials as a wildlife professional.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Program