Things To Consider Before Taking In An Animal

As a wildlife rehabilitator you are going to get many phone calls about orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife. But being selective in what you decide to take in is smart as taking in an in an animal is a huge commitment no matter how big or small. Thinking things over ahead of time also works out better for animals having a single care giver they can bond with, especially with species whose bond with their caregiver impacts their development. It’s also better for you since handing off animals can be emotionally difficult, leaving you feeling guilty and disappointed in yourself. So, what are some things to keep in mind before taking an animal in?

The type of animal. The type of animal you take in is important as it sets the stage for many things. When taking in an animal its important to know the unique requirements that it needs. Formula is not universal despite what some sources may say. Each species requires a different macronutrient ratio. Medications used for one animal may not be suitable and may even be deadly to another animal. So before taking in an animal do a little research ahead of time to make sure you can.  

Zoonosis. Zoonosis is a very important aspect of wildlife rehabilitation and one that rehabbers should spend time learning about. Many diseases can be transmitted from animal to animal, but diseases transmissible from animal to humans requires an additional level of caution and often have additional state guidelines. Make sure you are aware of the zoonotic disease that come with certain species so that you are prepared and can prevent them vs reacting to them should an animal be sick.

Age. The age of wildlife is also something to keep in mind. Some animals have a quicker turnover than others and you need to know what length of time you’re committing to. Orphaned cottontails for example, are typically a month or so. Orphaned opossums and raccoons on the other hand are much longer often requiring care for upwards of five months. How long do you want to be caring for an animal? Orphans, though maybe easier, can require a longer length of stay compared to an older animal that may need care but can be released once better.

Caging. When you take in wildlife you must also think about caging. Orphans require constant cage upgrades as they develop and become more active. Litters include many animals, not just one. You can get away with relatively small cages with cottontails, chipmunks, and even squirrels, but this is not the case with opossums, raccoons, and porcupines for example. Some animals need a water source which can be difficult to accommodate. Animals have odors and make noise, are your cages going to be indoors, outdoors, or both? Animals need to “wild up” making outdoor cages imperative, and this is something keep in mind when thinking about caging.

Release. Releasing an animal is very rewarding but something that needs to be thought through. You cannot simply release an animal anywhere. You must first decide whether you will be doing a soft release or a hard release, and then figure out where that release is going to take place. Animals require specific environments. For example, cottontails should not be released in wide open fields as they will be preyed upon by birds. Turtles should be released where they were found. Most medium sized mammals should not be released by roads so as to reduce the chances of being struck by a car. Water and food sources as well as places to hide and build shelter are crucial. You also must make sure it’s legal to release wildlife there, as well as keeping in mind the population level of that species in that area. If there are no signs of that species, there’s probably a reason why. A release site too saturated can also pose a challenge. Think hard as to where the best release site would be.

Time. This is probably the last thing we rehabbers think about because our love for wildlife takes precedence. Yet, it’s something to keep in mind. How much time can you allot to rehabbing? How much time is this animal or litter going to require? The feeding schedule of orphans can be demanding sometimes requiring feedings being every two hours. Birds can be up to every half hour! Some animals need to be fed during the night. Some animals may need constant care if they are sick or injured, is this something you are able to do? While some people are lucky enough to be able to rehab full time, most rehabbers have jobs making rehabbing only possible around that schedule.

Taking in an animal in need is a beautiful thing and I am thankful every day to be able to care for the wildlife I do. But taking in an animal is a big decision and one that should be though before making that commitment.