What do I need to do in order to work as a wildlife rehabilitator?

Question

What education is required, what personal skills, what steps to take?

I understand that working in wildlife rehabilitation is mostly volunteer work, but this would be my ideal career; is it possible to make this a full time career? Also, I am thinking about studying for a veterinary technician degree, would this be necessary or useful to have in order to work in wildlife rehabilitation?

Thanks very much for your help!

Answer 1

This site should answer all your questions.  Usually you would train with an already established licensed rehab center or individual to gain experience.  Yes, being a vet tech would help.  You can use your income to eventually start a rehab of your own.  Many people do rehab as a hobby or in addition to a regular job..but there are a few that make a living doing it..although it is not a profession that pays well.  Mostly it is a very rewarding career.  

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/index.ht...

Answer 2

Check these sites -

http://www.homestudycourses.net/conserva...

http://www.uniguru.com/studyabroad/postg...

http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/publications...

http://www.csshome.com/501c3.htm

http://www.wcs.org/

http://www.ppath.org/

http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0522-inter...

http://experts.wirefire.com/DNR/non-cgi/...

http://www.zoo.com.sg/conservation/proje...

http://www.zoo.com.sg/education/voluntee...

Answer 3

Study more about wildlife, and contact zoologists and other wildlife rehabilators, and study more about zoology.

Answer 4

Have you tried asking a wildlife refuge?  I'd definitely start there to see what the requirements and career opportunities are.  You can try this link: http://www.owra.org/becoming.htm

     "Laws on what is needed to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator vary from state to state. There is no "formal" education that is needed although many states require experience working under a licensed rehabber for a certain amount of time. Some states also require passing an exam before being licensed to care for injured/orphaned wildlife.  In some states, in order to retain your permit, there are continuing education requirements. All of these criteria are in place in an effort to be sure that wildlife is given the best possible quality of care.

If you are interested in this field, the BEST place to start is to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area and volunteer with them for awhile."

Answer 5

BSC. Zoologist would really help

Answer 6

Antelope- talk to as many people in that field as possible. Is there a particular species you are interested in helping? Maybe some arrangement can be made for a more hands on training.

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