Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator!

Nationwide there is a shortage of wildlife rehabilitators! As urban sprawl continues, so too does the number of human-animal conflicts. These animals need our help!

Learn About Wildlife Rehabilitation This pamphlet, developed by The Wildlife Rehabilitator Recruiting Project, is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat to view it. Click here to download a free copy of this reader.

"Wildlife Rehabilitation: Is It For You? This brochure, developed by The Wildlife Rehabilitator Recruiting Project, is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat to view it. Click here to download a free copy of this reader.

Visitors outside of Connecticut will need to contact their local state wildlife organization (DEP, DEC, etc.) for individual state requirements.

To Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator in Connecticut:

Wildlife rehabilitation is a volunteer activity.  We are not paid or reimbursed for our expenses or time.  However, we are licensed by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Wildlife Division. 

Individuals desiring a license to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife must:

	(1) submit a completed application form
	(2) volunteer with a licensed rehabilitator for a minimum of 40 hours
	(3) enclose with the application a letter of recommendation from a licensed rehabilitator
	(4) enclose a statement of veterinary support which affirms that the applicant has a veterinarian willing to assist and advise them
	(5) attend a seminar
	(6) pass the DEP licensing exam

Now don't get scared off by the idea of an exam!  The DEP does not dictate in which order these requirements must be met.  We strongly suggest that you do your apprenticeship BEFORE taking the exam.  By doing so you will have practical knowledge of the information contained in the exam and it will be much easier to understand.  The licensing exam does not contain any mathematics or real science.  It is only intended to determine whether an applicant has the basic knowledge and skills necessary to take in animals on their own.  There is also no time deadline in which all these requirements must be met, so you can take your time.

Contact Laurie Fortin of the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for an application packet containing more information or to locate a rehabilitator near you for training.

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