Wildlife Management

Wildlife Health

Hunting

CWD in Wisconsin

Trapping

Captive Wildlife

Wildlife Damage

Wildlife Recreation Lands

Education

How to get a Wildlife Rehabilitation License

To receive a Basic License to rehabilitate wildlife in Wisconsin, you must:

Northern Cardinal

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Pass an examination meeting the requirements of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule (s. NR 19.75).
  3. Complete an application [PDF 72KB]. (We highly recommend that you pass the examination before applying for a license.)
  4. Possess a signed Sponsorship Agreement [PDF 64KB] form stating an Advanced Licensee (Sponsor Designation Form [PDF 59KB] is willing to mentor your wildlife rehabilitation activities.
  5. Possess a signed Consulting Veterinarian Agreement [PDF 58KB] stating a veterinarian licensed to practice in Wisconsin is willing to consult and assist with the care and treatment of wildlife being rehabilitated.
  6. Maintain facilities meeting the requirements of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule (s. NR 19.77). Facility Inspection Form [PDF 87KB]
  7. Actively maintain facility standard protocols signed by your consulting veterinarian. Example protocols are listed below:

Applicants applying for an Advanced License must have their sponsor complete a Basic Level Evaluation Form [Form 2300-298C PDF 69KB] documenting the applicant's wildlife rehabilitation experience and qualifications.

All Wisconsin wildlife rehabilitation licenses are valid for 3 years. To renew, licensed wildlife rehabilitators must complete a Wildlife Rehabilitation License Renewal Application [Form 2300-318 PDF 25KB].

The aforementioned Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule [PDF 59KB] has been adopted by the Natural Resources Board and approved by the legislature.

If you wish to rehabilitate migratory birds and raptors, you must apply for a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird rehabilitation permit [PDF exit DNR] in addition to applying for a state license. Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird Permitting Officer in Fort Snelling, Minnesota for information.

To rehabilitate endangered and/or threatened species in Wisconsin, the state requires an additional Endangered and Threatened Species Permit. For more information, contact the DNR's Bureau of Endangered Resources.

If you receive a wildlife rehabilitation license, please understand that care for these animals is only on a temporary basis. Wildlife that cannot be rehabilitated and released must either be humanely euthanized or given to the local conservation warden. Licensed rehabilitators must keep records on all animals accepted and their disposition, and provide the Department with quarterly [PDF 70KB] and annual [PDF 66KB] reports on all rehabilitation activity.

Questions for Wildlife Health

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Friday March 27 2009