How to Start a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Pennsylvania
Starting a wildlife rehabilitation center not only requires an adequate facility to work out of, but also the proper permits, knowledge, and experience. In Pennsylvania, wildlife rehabilitation falls under the purview of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. According to Pennsylvania law, wildlife rehabilitation centers must be operated by a wildlife rehabilitator holding a valid permit issued by the Game Commission. To obtain a permit the applicant must be able to meet the requirements of the commonwealth and complete the application process, including an examination, interview, and facility inspection.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Facility to be used as the rehabilitation center
- Application for wildlife rehabilitation permit
Instructions
-
Obtaining a Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit
-
1
Volunteer with a wildlife rehabilitator before applying for a permit to learn more about being a wildlife rehabilitator and to gain experience working with wildlife in a rehabilitation setting. It is important to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator willing to be the sponsoring rehabilatator required for obtaining a permit and volunteering will provide the opportunity to meet one who is willing to fill this role.
-
2
Take courses or attend training workshops on wildlife rehabilitation to prepare for the examination required for obtaining a permit. Training workshops are offered yearly through the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Council.
-
-
3
Talk to local veterinarians and find one willing to work as the sponsoring veterinarian. This requires a veterinarian who is licensed to work in Pennsylvania and is willing to provide medical care and assistance to the animals brought in to the rehabilitation center.
-
4
Contact the regional office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the area in which the rehabilitation center will be located or the PGC law enforcement office in Harrisburg, PA to request an application for a wildlife rehabilitator permit and to receive the date of the examination and interview.
-
5
Complete the application and return to the appropriate regional office. The application requires the applicant's information, location and information of the facility and land to be used for the rehabilitation center, what type of permit and what types of animals the center will care for, and letters from the sponsoring veterinarian and sponsoring rehabilitator.
-
6
Submit a video or photographs with commentary of the facility to be used as a wildlife rehabilitation center to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Council.
-
7
Complete the written exam and the interview with the Council. The permit will be issued upon passage of the exam and approval by the Council.
-
8
Make the facility available for inspection from the district wildlife conservation officer prior to accepting wildlife into the facility. The facility must pass inspection before beginning operation, which includes having cages and pens appropriately sized for the types of animals being cared for, being clean and well maintained, and having the proper equipment for handling the animals being rehabilitated.
-
9
Apply for non-profit status, tax deductible status and sales tax exemption. This may help in recieving donations.
-
10
Attend a minimum of one training workshop or conference every two years to meet the education requirements for the permit. These are available through the Council, the Game Commission, and other state, national, and international programs.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Separate permits can also be obtained for using wildlife animals in education programs.
Rehabilitation centers wishing to care for birds must also hold a permit through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit deer image by Anton Chernenko from Fotolia.com
More Like This
Comments
-
Have been there, very good, animals well loked after.
