Washington’s permitted wildlife rehabilitators play the crucial role of caring for sick, injured, orphaned, or abandoned animals – both big and small! Did you know that not every rehabber is permitted to care for every wildlife species? In order to care for certain species, prospective wildlife rehabbers might have to pass additional tests in addition to the standard testing that takes place in order to receive a wildlife rehabilitation permit.
Currently, there are 29 wildlife rehabilitation centers in Washington with permitted and approved rehabilitators overseeing operations. A critical part of wildlife rehabbers’ jobs is professionally preparing patients to return to the wild. Watching the wildlife return to their natural habitats makes their difficult jobs worthwhile.
Want to learn more about wildlife rehabilitation in Washington? Visit https://wdfw.medium.com/permitting-process-keeps-animal-welfare-at-the-forefront-of-washington-wildlife-rehabilitation-c6f34a926cf1
To find a wildlife rehabilitator near you, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife/rehabilitation/find
Video: An orphaned black bear being returned to the wild thanks to successful work at PAWS - Progressive Animal Welfare Society, home to some of Washington’s permitted wildlife rehabilitators. WDFW video.