Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital

07/23/2026

What Is THAT?
This has been a common question over the past couple of months as people drive by or come to the hospital and see the very large flight cage towering above the trees near Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital.
Well, we are now thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new Douglas Franklin Raptor Flight Cage to expand the capabilities of our wildlife rehabilitation program. Dr. Bais has been working with wildlife for over 20 years and is pleased to be able to continue to assist with rescuing, treating, and releasing injured and orphaned native wildlife while expanding our capabilities to ensure more raptors have the potential to soar high in the skies once more.
The flight cage is a specialized, extra large (yes, it is 16 feet tall!) enclosure designed for birds of prey to rebuild flight muscles, restore stamina, and develop hunting skills necessary for survival. It serves as the final, crucial step before releasing a bird to the wild again. Prior to introduction to the flight cage, raptors may be housed in critical care cages or smaller enclosures that are appropriate for their level of rehabilitation and potential need for restricted activity or medication. As the raptors become stronger and require less intensive care, they are slowly introduced to larger areas to allow them to regain strength and condition.
We are so very thankful to the amazing team of volunteers and assistants who have helped create this incredible facility. The flight cage is dedicated to Dr. Bais’s father, Douglas Franklin, who is the main force behind the design and construction and spent countless hours of hard work and effort to make the flight cage become a reality. Madelyn Eisenhard and Anthony Jones also spent many hours assisting with the construction and we want to give a shout out to a very special volunteer who wishes to remain anonymous who sprayed all the wood with a special, bird safe sealant donated by the very generous Rodda Paint of Wenatchee to keep the wood strong for years to come.
This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without their dedication, generosity and hard work.
The future of the flight cage holds exciting opportunities for enhanced bird rehabilitation with benefits for both wildlife and the community and we appreciate everyone’s continued support in this endeavor.

07/21/2026

Did You Know?
Dr. Bais at Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and has worked with wildlife for over 20 years. Wildlife rehabilitation is the process of caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning them to the wild. Being a wildlife rehabilitator requires specific training and licensing to ensure animals receive appropriate veterinary care, species specific diets and housing and practices to minimize human impact so wild animals can remain wild and survive upon release. Dr. Bais has both a state permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as an additional Federal Migratory Bird Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal or bird, you should not attempt to treat, feed or keep them. Instead, immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife official for further assistance. You may look up licensed wildlife rehabilitators at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website at wdfw.wa.gov.

A few important general things to note:
*Make sure the person you contact has a proper wildlife rehabilitation permit.
*Wildlife rehabilitators are NOT on call 24/7. If possible, place the wildlife in a box with no food or water and keep them in a warm, dark, quiet place until you hear back.
*Wildlife rehabilitation is not for profit. Most pay expenses out of their own pockets or with help from donations.
*Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are limited by their state and federal permits as to how many and what species they may accept to their facility so you may be referred on to another facility if necessary.
*Most wildlife rehabilitators are unable to provide services to capture or pick up wildlife.
*In order to ensure the wildlife stays wild, rehabilitators cannot accept visitors to view the wildlife in their care.

Please also note that most wildlife rehabilitators operate at capacity with very limited time and resources. They prioritize animal care over answering phones, and follow ups, calls and emails can take away from their ability to care for the animals in their care. Please know that the wildlife in their care is their highest priority and they will give them the best possible care even if they cannot update you.

12/29/2025

11/27/2025

Check out the following tips to help keep your pet safe on Thanksgiving Day!