Wildlife Habitat_Content Page_Applying for a Wildlife Rehabilitation License

Applying for a Wildlife Rehabilitation License

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issues licenses for wildlife rehabilitation to ensure that all persons engaged in wildlife rehabilitation are qualified and provide humane care and housing for rehabilitated wildlife. The Department's responsibility is to assess all applicants and work with those who can provide proper care.

Persons agreeing to accept this responsibility must be willing to donate their own personal time and assume the financial obligations that come with providing quality animal care.

Before applying for a license, we recommend the following:

  • Volunteer at an established wildlife rehabilitation facility or with an individually licensed rehabilitator.
  • Become a member of state, national and/or international wildlife rehabilitation organizations.
  • Review the Resources for Aspiring Rehabilitators published by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.
  • Subscribe to wildlife rehabilitation newsletters and attend a conference or workshop to learn about rehabilitation. 

This will help you assess if you are able to dedicate the time, effort and money it takes to be in the wildlife rehabilitation profession.

In Wisconsin, no person may rehabilitate any wild animal except as authorized under a rehabilitation license. Wildlife rehabilitation regulations help ensure humane care and housing for wildlife in rehabilitation, and all licensed rehabilitators are expected to be familiar with and comply with these regulations. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule has been adopted by the Natural Resources Board and approved by the legislature.

To apply for a wildlife rehabilitation license, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Application Process

Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation License

A person desiring to obtain a basic wildlife rehabilitation license in Wisconsin shall meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Pass an examination meeting the requirements of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule (s. NR 19.75, Wis. Admin. Code.). We highly recommend that you pass the examination before applying for a license.
  2. Submit a signed Wildlife Rehabilitation License Application.
  3. Submit a signed Code of Ethics certifying that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Code of Ethics.
  4. Submit a signed Wildlife Rehabilitation Sponsor Agreement stating an advanced licensee is willing to mentor your wildlife rehabilitation activities.
  5. Submit a signed Consulting Veterinarian Agreement stating a veterinarian licensed to practice in Wisconsin is willing to consult and assist with the care and treatment of wildlife being rehabilitated.
  6. Allow an inspection of and maintain facilities meeting the requirements of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule (s. NR 19.77, Wis. Admin. Code.) including submitting a caging report and pictures of each enclosure at the applicant's facility prior to inspection.
  7. Submit written assurance that the facility is in compliance with local ordinances and zoning regulations.
  8. Actively maintain facility standard protocols for disease prevention and transmission, euthanasia, pharmaceutical use, pest control, carcass and biological waste disposal, and adequate veterinary care signed by the applicant's consulting veterinarian. 

Copies of all application materials, including examples of facility standard protocols, can be obtained upon request by contacting the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program.

Advanced Wildlife Rehabilitation License

A person desiring to obtain an advanced wildlife rehabilitation license in Wisconsin shall meet all of the following requirements:

  1. An applicant must be a basic licensee for a minimum of 2 years prior to applying for an advanced wildlife rehabilitation license.
    1. Exclusions may apply for individuals possessing a valid rehabilitators license or permit from another state or province. Contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program for more information.
  2. Pass an examination meeting the requirements of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule (s. NR 19.75, Wis. Admin. Code.). We highly recommend that you pass the examination before applying for a license.
  3. Submit a signed Wildlife Rehabilitation License Application.
  4. Submit a signed Basic Level Evaluation completed by their advanced licensee sponsor(s) and consulting veterinarian(s) documenting the applicant's wildlife rehabilitation experience and qualifications. 

All Wisconsin wildlife rehabilitation licenses are valid for three years. To renew, licensed wildlife rehabilitators must complete a Wildlife Rehabilitation License Renewal Application. Licenses can only be renewed if all annual and quarterly reports for the previous three years have been submitted to the department.

If you receive a wildlife rehabilitation license, please understand that care for these animals is only temporary. Wildlife rehabilitation is to provide care or treatment to an orphaned, sick or injured wild animal for the purpose of releasing it back into the wild. If a wild animal is not capable of being rehabilitated or having a reasonable chance of survival in the wild, it must either be humanely euthanized or require another disposition as determined by the department.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are required to keep records of all wildlife rehabilitation activities that occur at their facility. It is required to submit annual and quarterly reports, even if no animal activity was recorded. Annual reports must include all animals admitted to a facility and are due Jan. 31 for the previous year's activities. Quarterly reports are for designated species only and are due April 30, July 31, Oct. 31 and Jan. 31 for the previous quarter's activities.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Examination

In accordance with s. NR 19.75, Wis. Admin. Code., any person wanting to obtain a basic or advanced license to rehabilitate wildlife must take a written examination and pass with a score of 80% or greater. The intent of the exam is to test your understanding of rehabilitation concepts and information resources, not the specifics of injury or disease in any particular species. If you are unsuccessful in passing the exam on your first attempt, you may take it again in 30 days.

The exam is available for prospective licensees throughout the state. However, there may limited options for exam dates and times depending on the time of year. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Program.

Study Tips

Additional Wildlife Rehabilitation Licensing Requirements

If you wish to rehabilitate migratory birds, raptors or eagles, you must apply for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird rehabilitation permit in addition to applying for a state license. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Permitting Office for more information. A state wildlife rehabilitation license cannot be issued for migratory birds prior to a federal rehabilitation permit being issued.