So, you are interested in become a wildlife rehabilitator, but you aren’t sure what the best way to begin is. This article will discuss everything you need to know to get started.
The best (and really, only) way to get started on your journey in wildlife rehabilitation is to become a volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center. This opportunity for continual hands-on learning is simply critical for developing your skills as a wildlife rehabilitator. Use Google search, or websites such as Animal Help Now, to find nearby wildlife rehabilitation centers. Once you’ve found their website, look for a volunteer information or contact page, and you are on your way! Often times, wildlife rehabilitation centers in the US require a commitment of 4 hours per week during a certain day (for example, Tuesday shifts from 1-5pm every week). However, every center is different and the specifics will be discussed with you during or before your volunteer orientation date.
While volunteering remains essential to learn how to be a proficient wildlife rehabilitator, you may wish to supplement your experience with formal education and/or internships.
In general, most wildlife rehabilitation centers only require that you have experience as a volunteer in order to become a paid staff member, though some do require additional formal training. Educational pathways to consider include veterinary technician licensure and/or earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in wildlife biology or a similar field.
- Veterinary technician: Schooling can be completed in 2 years and can be done online with an in-person externship. For Americans, consider schools such as Penn Foster, Ashworth College, or San Juan College (all of those are online based with an in person externship). There are also community colleges that offer veterinary technician training in person- use Google search or the Vet Technicians website to find one in your area. You will learn relevant medical theory and techniques, though these courses focus on domestic species, so not all coursework will be applicable to wildlife rehabilitation.
- Bachelor of Science Degree: Look for options in wildlife biology or similar fields. This would give helpful background knowledge of conservation concepts and wildlife physiology (depending on the specific degree) and is required by some employers, however it is not a necessity in most cases.
- Supplemental self-education: Be wary of educational texts that are not written by credible sources. A reputable source of educational books can be found on the the National Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Association website here. Additionally, the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council holds several short courses, both in-person and online, on wildlife rehabilitation concepts and techniques, which can be accessed here.
Many wildlife rehabilitation centers offer internship oppurtunities. Internships generally have more intensive time commitment requirements than volunteering positions. Internships can be great if you are interested in volunteering or working at a specific wildlife center. For example, if you have a great interest in seabirds, you may find it valuable to intern for a season at a seabird-specific rehabilitation center to increase your experience with that animal group. Interning at a generalist center can also be a great experience where you take on more responsibility and accelerate your training.
Lastly, you may be considering finding a job in a related field before making the leap to work full-time in wildlife rehabilitation. One example of a job that can give you applicable medical experience is working as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary clinic that serves domestic species.
If your goal is to one day be hired as a wildlife rehabilitator, consider checking wildlife rehabilitation job boards such as this one, and have a look at what different centers are listing as their requirements for positions you are interested in. That will help you to know what you need to do in order to become eligible for such positions in the future.
In closing, there are many opportunities to help you along your path of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator, but it is important not to forget that spending 1+ years volunteering at your local wildlife rehabilitation center really is the essential first step.
