I found a baby racoon covered in flies/ticks and maggots today at the park. The Wildlife Center sent a volunteer to the park to meet me and she took the racoon with her. She said the little one was about 3 or 4 weeks old. This sparked an interest in Wildlife Rehabilitation!
Starting to look into getting into this career path now, so this was helpful. Unfortunately there really isn’t a lot of money to be made, but that’s why the people that do it, are so caring. This is definitely a job field for people who want to care for and help animals, as opposed to someone who is looking for a fat bank account. You get rich from fulfillment, not from cash. Money can’t make you happy. It can make somethings easier, but it will never fill those missing pieces. A career like this would give me purpose.
Can anyone tell me if there is a possibility I won't be able to get in if I have a bad mark for Bio? I really want to become one but Biology is one of my weaker subjects. My average lies in my 60's if not less
Where I live, wild life rehab centers are always completely full. I've called multiple times and one lady eventually just told me "if you want it (a squirrel) to live, your just going to have to figure it out yourself or let it die", because of this, I've raised two baby squirrels one of which I'm currently raising. Luckily I've been obsessed with all animals since I was very little and had done tons of research on how to raise, rehab, and release all different types of wildlife, just because I thought it was interesting. It is definitely alot of work, especially when they are so little and you have to do around the clock feedings. People are constantly asking me if I will take baby squirrels on that they find. I always try to guide them to a proper rehabber, but the next best thing I can do is take them in. It definitely is hard when people who don't know what they are doing try to take matters into their own hands. One time a 13 year old boy had shot the mom outside of squirrel season and then the next day found two baby squirrels on the ground who obviously had major head trauma because they were bleeding out of their ears. He tried to feed them cows milk and then called us, one died less than 5 minutes after we got there to pick it up and the other about an hour after. But it is definitely worth it when you see an animal you have put so much time into teaching it how to find food on its own and making sure they have the skills they need to be wild, finally be released. I just started doing research on how to because a licensed wildlife rehabber and to possibly pursue it as a career. As someone who is still in school though, is there certain education you need (ie. A college degree) or is it more experience based? Edit: I also want to add that I called every local vet, wild life rehabbers, a wildlife park, and local game wardens, so taking them in myself definitely wasn't a quick decision and I tried all I could to have them go to a proper rehabber.
Depends on where you live! Where I am (canada) there’s a government certification and though not required, applicants usually have a background in biology.
I personally never volunteered ever since I could remember ive always used to walk outside and see abandoned cottontails or skunks and ill take them home with me and give them formula and love rehabilitate them and put them back into the wild so as i got older (past 18) my question was “now how do I do this legally?” so I live in illinois which even if you have a wildlife permit you cannot rehab skunks or a wide variety of birds. long story short I recently rehabbed this baby skunk and I had to go out of town so I had to find someone that I knew would care for them so in illinois if u find abandoned skunks they can euthanize them so I crossed states lines with the baby and drove 4 hours to indiana and the lady has her own skunk rescue shes a wildlife rehabilitator and she saw my work what I do and she asked could I work with her and she’ll put me under her license so im moving to indiana so It can be legal. but if you’re worried about the long hours ive been rehabilitating since I was 14 im used to setting my clock every hour throughout the night to check on the baby make sure they’re still alive feed them, poop them etc overtime It becomes clockwork and you dont even feel tired you just do It. I LOVE my job I have skunks, and opossums in my home and its all work its the best job ive ever had and id never trade It for anything in the world
I am a volunteer at a wildlife rehab in Australia. We look after a lot of orphaned joeys through roadkill etc. We also get the odd junior kangaroo in that has been kept as a pet, by the uneducated public, and trying to rehabilitate and release those animals is extremely hard, and, most have to go onto wildlife parks as we are unable to release them.
I am a volunteer and a former Vet Assistant. You are an articulate young lady, and you've done a great job explaining your experiences. Nice, helpful video!
Great video! I am starting an internship at a wildlife rehab center next month and I am trying to prepare as much as possible. Thank you for your insight, it was very helpful.
Thank You for making this video it gives me another idea for a career and let's me know what the problems and wonderful experience I will getting myself into
I'm in my third year of Graphic Design so far but I've recently been wanting to work with animals, for some reason 2020 gave me that clarity. If all goes well with the remainder of college, and I can sustain myself with design, well I think I'll be on my way to another degree.
I’m literally doing the exact same thing. I’m trying to move out using my graphic design skills and volunteer all my time to a rehab center to end up working there!
I was actually looking into this field as well! Thank you for the information, it really does help. Do you have an educational background that helped you advance in the field? Or is most of what you learned from the volunteering?
I would assume it is low pay, because in many states these have to be non-profits and i believe there are tight tight rules on charges that can be sent to someone, if at all any. So basically it is all volunteer work for everyone involved and you hope for donations to keep a center running.
OMG, i've been to the raptor centre you work at! Idk if that's something you want to keep private so I won't say the name but I saw you on their Insta with Goblin! :) I had an amazing time there, I'd love to be involved there someday in the distant future. I'm 15 and working towards a career with wildlife, so I'm always looking for places to volunteer when i turn 18 to gain some experience.
Been trying to get a license for three years now. I was warned recently that I couldn't remove fishing line from park birds anymore or I would be fined. Next time I caught a bird with fishing line on it, I called a licensed rehabilitator. They sent a volunteer who didn't have a license and they were not on anyone's permit to treat birds. The rehabilitators program here operates under favoritism. Punish those who do good and reward those who cheat. That's the DNR here. Nothing better to do than stop someone from helping birds when they don't help the birds.
Help in Jacksonville Florida there are a bunch of considered wild northern geese the ones with the black heads and necks in the real pretty gray bodies there's a whole family of them that live in all the ponds and lakes
This is so awesome!! I want to do this as well but I've just graduated highschool and I don't know if getting a bachelors is a must to be able to work with animals and be seen as qualified. Was it? for you
I feel getting bachelor's degree is worth it so you have options. However I would begin trying to volunteer at an animal shelter or rehab centre as soon as possible to gain experience and get networking
What state do you live in to where you at least got min wage? Here in Ct we have one rehab center & it’s all volunteer based but you have to have a bachelors degree… I just want to get my license and be able to rehab from home ❤️
I am currently in my second year of university, with an Environmental Studies major and Environmental Biology/Spanish minors. Do you think that is enough biology to get a job as a rehabber? I know I want to work directly with animals/nature in the field, but I'm not the best at science so I'm worried I won't look attractive to those types of jobs.
Honestly you don't have to be a "biologist" to be a rehabber. It really is a completely different side of biology, it is more medicine/vet related (That being said, don't be intimidated by the medicine aspect, you learn with time and hands on experience, its really interesting!). It is less about the environment, however I have no doubt that if you applied to be a volunteer you'd easily be accepted. Some people who are retired volunteer where I work! Also a side note, if you want to be a certified rehabber you have to usually take a few small courses and such to gain the knowledge/certification, but experience volunteering/practicum is definitely the way to start!
I cant choose between a bsc in zoology & botany, or a bsc in wildlife conservation. Which one do you think would be more suitable for this career path? Oh and I'm busy doing a diploma in Animal health already
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experiences. My fiancé wants to pursue this field but is unsure what education requirements or certificates/degrees he needs to be eligible. Would you mind sharing any information on this? Also, you said you were about to finish school.. what did you get your degree in? Thanks in advance! Hope to hear from you soon :)
No specific degree is required to become a wildlife rehabilitator, broadly speaking. I have seen some job listings that ask for a bachelor’s degree in a science field.
You've said you volunteered on a 4 years period before getting your first paid job, but I wonder how many time does this represent consecutively ? I mean in terms of months, weeks, or days as a full time position ? I know my question may be difficult to answer but I need to visualize approximately how many time I need before being effective in the field, so it would help me a lot ! And thanks for the very helpful video :)
I spent the first summer (4 months between my semesters) volunteering once a week as an animal care volunteer. Then the next summer I did a 2 month full time practicum. The following summer I applied for the Wildlife rehabber job and got it. I must add that before all of this, I was volunteering with birds of prey at a different facility (that I now currently work at). So I spent my summers between my university semesters volunteering (1st summer), then doing a volunteer practicum (2nd summer) then a paid summer job (3rd summer)
I love animals and just hanging out with them but I also want a job that I get paid enough. Would u say wildlife rehabilitators get paid a lot, in the middle, of just average amount of money?
Hi Savannah, definitely average. Like I mention in the video, I got paid a small amount above minimum wage, and I've heard some people don't get paid at all! Usually the "manager" would make the most, I find the rehabbers make a barely-decent living wage.
@@burnhambabe Hopefully this isn’t too personal but just curious if this is your only job since you say it doesn’t pay too well. Are you planning on staying in this job position if so, or if not, what are your ultimate career goals in working with animals?
@@MissRuthless Well, the job I mention in the video (junior wildlife rehabber) I don't do anymore since it is really far away from where I live. I am however working in bird rehab at a birds of prey centre where I do rehab and education. Part of my job also is caring for 13 rescued parrots that the owners adopted, which is lots of fun! I plan on staying here for a few more years and then maybe move with my boyfriend elsewhere and find an ecology related job, or work at a reputable zoo (my dream!).
@@burnhambabe I'd really love to learn about the average structuring of a facility like this. At ours, the sole rehabber is the founder and both the vet tech and the director as well, with vets who volunteer as needed, and a board. Is the rehabber not generally the person in charge? I'm a care assistant and didnt make more than minimum for a long time, and certainly don't make much. I don't think my boss makes a crazy amount either, even though she is 3 people in one (literally, in case of death the plan is an international search for THREE people to fill her shoes) and has even laid herself off when funding is low. Would also love to know what a junior rehabber is, as I can't find anything about it through google :)
I haven’t had any major injuries working in rehab. Although, we are subject to scratches, bites, and zoonotic diseases, so we always have to be careful. It’s important that you are trained to properly handle each species in order to be safe. The place I worked at before intakes songbirds, raccoons, rodents, deer, bats, waterfowl and raptors. Now I work at a place that specializes in raptors.
Definitely volunteer first!! Even if it is with another organization for animals, they like to see you've learnt things and have a taste pf husbandry. Bonus points if it's animal medicine related or for the same organization you want a job with!
Where did you apply to volunteer? Is there a specific page where they look for people or are there sites where you sign up yourself? Can people from other countries come? If you could just give me a few names of those organizations to research a little? I'm from Serbia, so I can't find such things here, so this video means something to me! Thank you very much 😁
I live in Canada, I volunteered at the BCSPCA Wild ARC. I did a quick search for anything in Serbia and all I could really find that's "local" is this www.animalrescueserbia.org Although, if you're interested in doing a volunteer practicum elsewhere in the world there are many options! I know the facility I worked at had international volunteers, as well as Critter Care Wildlife Society in Vancouver who even provides housing. I'm sure theres some closer to you, maybe in England. Some countries just value wildlife rehab more than others, so you may have to travel or move to be a rehabber depending on where you life. Hope this helps!
I work at Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene WA, USA. my only prior education being a high school diploma. We have an internship program! We had a couple interns from France this year that were on a veterinary career path, it was so nice having them and they loved working with our native species. While maybe not super common, there must be similar opportunities spread out all over
The biggest animal we cared for at my facility was deer. We don’t have the set up for big carnivores. However, some other facilities (even a few hours from where I live) do care for large carnivores. Some rehabs even just focus on mammals in general
@@Lolly2601 it depends on your lifestyle. People work with animals because they love it, not because it pays good. You can manage living making a little above minimum wage, many people do it. It just depends on your life style if you can manage it (heavy spender vs. light spender etc.)
I’m interning a place that doesn’t require a rabies shot, because we don’t take in rabies vector species. You’ll have to check with each specific organization individually.
I just graduated with my BSc major in Biology, but no. You can begin volunteering without being in school, which may lead to a job in the future if you're really committed.
Each facility has their own age limit. Maybe 16? maybe 18? It depends. No you don't have to go to university to be a rehabber BUT if they know you have biology related goals for the future they're more likely to want to hire you so they can "help" you along your journey, if that makes sense.
@@burnhambabe so a degree isn't worthwhile? I'm pursuing mine rn and every wildlife center I've called has encouraged it. I'd love to avoid the cost and years of my life lost if it's not necessary
@@mysterypineapple613 I mean having a degree technically puts you above others who don't have one, although I learnt nothing about wildlife rehab in my degree. What I'm saying is a degree is favoured but I know a few people who never got one but who have taken a vet tech course or have volunteered with rehab for a long time and got hired. Some rehab centres may have more requirements than others. I always encourage a degree because it is beginning to be part of the "norm" for resumes and getting jobs now a days. It also helps if you decide to switch occupations in the future.
@@burnhambabe makes sense, and thanks so much for making the video and responding. I can't seem to connect with anyone who's already out there doing it so I'm only guessing whether I'm doing the right thing and it's pretty scary.
I'm a mechanical engineer but have always dreamed of working with animals. Is it possible to be a wildlife rehabilitator without going back to school? My plan is to volunteer in my free time and see how I like it and gain experience that way
You do not need specific education to get into wildlife rehab. However if you want "extra" education on wildlife rehab there are some online courses you can take (like through IWRC) to get more knowledgable. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!
Nothing specifically, biology. There's usually no courses on wildlife rehab or husbandry, you gain that knowledge by volunteering or taking courses outside of schools (like from IWRC.com)
Hi! Can i volunteer to these wild rehab centers if I have finished a college who has nothing to do with the animal vet industry or with biology? I mean if I have a job who has nothing to do with it? I would love to volunteer to fill up my spare time and of course spend time with animals.
You totally can. Most wildlife rehab facilities graciously welcome volunteers because there's much to do! Background usually doesn't matter for volunteering, I also know many seniors who love it because it gives them something to do :) It's for (almost) all ages and backgrounds
Christina Youngren I have a degenerative back disease, so I have to be careful about how I move (eg, I can’t do a ton of bending). Would there be things that someone like me could do as a volunteer, or do you have to be fully able-bodied? (I know this is an old post, but I’m still crossing my fingers for an answer!)
@@thehutch7728 Plenty! There's much work to be done that might fit your capabilities. dishes always need washed, formula to be made, babies to bottle feed, sweeping, mopping, MUCH laundry if that's something you can do. Of course the tasks to be done vary by facility and species of active patients, but there's also a lot of work that would require you to be more able-bodied (i.e. cleaning enclosures, feeding actual food, filling waters, prepping produce, moving animals and setting up enrichment, hauling supplies) and missing out on those things might not make it worth it to you. I have chronic back pain and stiffness after I broke my spine, and there is a lot of work I do as a care assistant that is hard on me, but many other things I do that are much much easier on the spine and likely within your limits as well. Plus, as a volunteer, i'd be shocked if you weren't provided plenty of freedom to take breaks :) At least at our facility we deeply appreciate volunteers and whatever they can do to contribute!
If I was one position higher, then yes. They worked with the bats so they had to get the rabies shot before working. So if you work with rabies vectors then yes
I'm thinking of taking a wildlife rehaber course in Canada as an international student , will a diploma make it easier to get a paid job ? Can I volunteer while studying?
A diploma like in animal care? or like a vet tech? Some rehab centres have on site vets and will hire vet techs (my coworker from Alberta used to do that at a rehab centre there). Honestly hands on experience of any sort helps getting a paid job. We hired a rehabber who had internship experience from a few other rehab facilities across Canada. So experience could be from anywhere! Also, if you volunteer at a centre you'd like to get a paid job at, you can get to know current staff who may hire you someday!
@@burnhambabe animal Care actually , also can I ask how did you manage your finances when the pay is so low ? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my queries
@@user-tb9dh1on2g I was working as a summer job between university semesters. I lived with my parents so I did not have to pay rent or anything. Although, if it pays above minimum wage you can probably squeak by, lots of people do. It depends on your lifestyle
100%. Some focus on just mammals, some just birds, and also on marine mammals! Not sure where you are but I know in British Columbia the Marine Mammal Rescue based out of Vancouver Aquarium focuses on sea lions, seals, turtles etc :)
@@burnhambabe ok thank you so much, I’m really interested in becoming a wildlife Rehabilitator obviously I’ll do more research before hand but I really like Marine life that’s why I would want to find a place where you can work with also Marine and mammals
@@burnhambabe also one more thing, when searching to see if there any places like that in your area or in driving distance what do you type in to search for it
Does wildlife rehab employ people over 30 yr? Wildlife care assistant job requirement on their site is 15 to 30 years old at the start of employment Is there a reason they don't hire people older than 30
So the reason why these facilities say "between 20-30 years old" is because they received government funding for the position and it is the government's regulation. I think it's targeted for young adults in school or fresh out of school to gain experience. It's pretty dumb to limit the age though to be honest. This does not mean the facility won't hire older people, they just don't quality for funding
@@burnhambabe Thanks for replying. I am moving to Richmond BC from California. I have over 10 yrs of volunteering experience at local animal shelter and was looking to work with wild life rescue, but was disappointed that I don't meet the age criteria. Is there any way I can contact you directly. Thanks for all the information
In high school? I took the appropriate courses to get into university for a Bachelor of Science in Biology (biology, physics, chemistry). The BSc helps with getting jobs but experience is just as important
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I found a baby racoon covered in flies/ticks and maggots today at the park. The Wildlife Center sent a volunteer to the park to meet me and she took the racoon with her. She said the little one was about 3 or 4 weeks old. This sparked an interest in Wildlife Rehabilitation!
Starting to look into getting into this career path now, so this was helpful. Unfortunately there really isn’t a lot of money to be made, but that’s why the people that do it, are so caring. This is definitely a job field for people who want to care for and help animals, as opposed to someone who is looking for a fat bank account. You get rich from fulfillment, not from cash. Money can’t make you happy. It can make somethings easier, but it will never fill those missing pieces. A career like this would give me purpose.
absolutely. how are you doing?
Thank you so much! I am looking into Wildlife Rehab as a future job and this was very helpful.
Same
Can anyone tell me if there is a possibility I won't be able to get in if I have a bad mark for Bio?
I really want to become one but Biology is one of my weaker subjects. My average lies in my 60's if not less
Same, but I have a hard way I think, since I’m literally living in Norway😂
Where I live, wild life rehab centers are always completely full. I've called multiple times and one lady eventually just told me "if you want it (a squirrel) to live, your just going to have to figure it out yourself or let it die", because of this, I've raised two baby squirrels one of which I'm currently raising. Luckily I've been obsessed with all animals since I was very little and had done tons of research on how to raise, rehab, and release all different types of wildlife, just because I thought it was interesting. It is definitely alot of work, especially when they are so little and you have to do around the clock feedings. People are constantly asking me if I will take baby squirrels on that they find. I always try to guide them to a proper rehabber, but the next best thing I can do is take them in. It definitely is hard when people who don't know what they are doing try to take matters into their own hands. One time a 13 year old boy had shot the mom outside of squirrel season and then the next day found two baby squirrels on the ground who obviously had major head trauma because they were bleeding out of their ears. He tried to feed them cows milk and then called us, one died less than 5 minutes after we got there to pick it up and the other about an hour after. But it is definitely worth it when you see an animal you have put so much time into teaching it how to find food on its own and making sure they have the skills they need to be wild, finally be released. I just started doing research on how to because a licensed wildlife rehabber and to possibly pursue it as a career. As someone who is still in school though, is there certain education you need (ie. A college degree) or is it more experience based?
Edit: I also want to add that I called every local vet, wild life rehabbers, a wildlife park, and local game wardens, so taking them in myself definitely wasn't a quick decision and I tried all I could to have them go to a proper rehabber.
Depends on where you live! Where I am (canada) there’s a government certification and though not required, applicants usually have a background in biology.
Wow.. the person who said that to you shouldn't be a wildlife rehabilitator. Id never turn away an animal in need
Thank you so much for this information. I was looking into wildlife biology but I knew it wasn't quite for me. This has helped me so much!
I personally never volunteered ever since I could remember ive always used to walk outside and see abandoned cottontails or skunks and ill take them home with me and give them formula and love rehabilitate them and put them back into the wild so as i got older (past 18) my question was “now how do I do this legally?” so I live in illinois which even if you have a wildlife permit you cannot rehab skunks or a wide variety of birds. long story short I recently rehabbed this baby skunk and I had to go out of town so I had to find someone that I knew would care for them so in illinois if u find abandoned skunks they can euthanize them so I crossed states lines with the baby and drove 4 hours to indiana and the lady has her own skunk rescue shes a wildlife rehabilitator and she saw my work what I do and she asked could I work with her and she’ll put me under her license so im moving to indiana so It can be legal. but if you’re worried about the long hours ive been rehabilitating since I was 14 im used to setting my clock every hour throughout the night to check on the baby make sure they’re still alive feed them, poop them etc overtime It becomes clockwork and you dont even feel tired you just do It. I LOVE my job I have skunks, and opossums in my home and its all work its the best job ive ever had and id never trade It for anything in the world
That is a awesome path you were blessed to come across with the other rehabber!
I am a volunteer at a wildlife rehab in Australia. We look after a lot of orphaned joeys through roadkill etc. We also get the odd junior kangaroo in that has been kept as a pet, by the uneducated public, and trying to rehabilitate and release those animals is extremely hard, and, most have to go onto wildlife parks as we are unable to release them.
I am a volunteer and a former Vet Assistant. You are an articulate young lady, and you've done a great job explaining your experiences. Nice, helpful video!
Great video! I am starting an internship at a wildlife rehab center next month and I am trying to prepare as much as possible. Thank you for your insight, it was very helpful.
Thank You for making this video it gives me another idea for a career and let's me know what the problems and wonderful experience I will getting myself into
This was very helpful, thank you!
Good video. I’ve helped a few wild animals over the years. It is a rewarding, difficult job.
I'm in my third year of Graphic Design so far but I've recently been wanting to work with animals, for some reason 2020 gave me that clarity. If all goes well with the remainder of college, and I can sustain myself with design, well I think I'll be on my way to another degree.
You can apply for practicum programs in the summer or volunteer if you're looking to get your foot in the door :)
I’m literally doing the exact same thing. I’m trying to move out using my graphic design skills and volunteer all my time to a rehab center to end up working there!
thank you!!
My Q&A Video!
th-cam.com/video/etIYUSNnWPQ/w-d-xo.html
I was actually looking into this field as well! Thank you for the information, it really does help. Do you have an educational background that helped you advance in the field? Or is most of what you learned from the volunteering?
I would assume it is low pay, because in many states these have to be non-profits and i believe there are tight tight rules on charges that can be sent to someone, if at all any. So basically it is all volunteer work for everyone involved and you hope for donations to keep a center running.
Great video!!
OMG, i've been to the raptor centre you work at! Idk if that's something you want to keep private so I won't say the name but I saw you on their Insta with Goblin! :) I had an amazing time there, I'd love to be involved there someday in the distant future. I'm 15 and working towards a career with wildlife, so I'm always looking for places to volunteer when i turn 18 to gain some experience.
Nice video. Brava.
thank you so much for making a video about this!!!
Brigada mi amiga
Been trying to get a license for three years now.
I was warned recently that I couldn't remove fishing line from park birds anymore or I would be fined.
Next time I caught a bird with fishing line on it, I called a licensed rehabilitator. They sent a volunteer who didn't have a license and they were not on anyone's permit to treat birds.
The rehabilitators program here operates under favoritism.
Punish those who do good and reward those who cheat. That's the DNR here. Nothing better to do than stop someone from helping birds when they don't help the birds.
Help in Jacksonville Florida there are a bunch of considered wild northern geese the ones with the black heads and necks in the real pretty gray bodies there's a whole family of them that live in all the ponds and lakes
This is so awesome!! I want to do this as well but I've just graduated highschool and I don't know if getting a bachelors is a must to be able to work with animals and be seen as qualified. Was it? for you
I feel getting bachelor's degree is worth it so you have options. However I would begin trying to volunteer at an animal shelter or rehab centre as soon as possible to gain experience and get networking
My dream job but I need do make enough to take care of my kids and I. Sigh
this is nice because i hate working 50 hours a week so working 40 hours a week is nice
What state do you live in to where you at least got min wage? Here in Ct we have one rehab center & it’s all volunteer based but you have to have a bachelors degree… I just want to get my license and be able to rehab from home ❤️
the career i want 😊
I am currently in my second year of university, with an Environmental Studies major and Environmental Biology/Spanish minors. Do you think that is enough biology to get a job as a rehabber? I know I want to work directly with animals/nature in the field, but I'm not the best at science so I'm worried I won't look attractive to those types of jobs.
Honestly you don't have to be a "biologist" to be a rehabber. It really is a completely different side of biology, it is more medicine/vet related (That being said, don't be intimidated by the medicine aspect, you learn with time and hands on experience, its really interesting!). It is less about the environment, however I have no doubt that if you applied to be a volunteer you'd easily be accepted. Some people who are retired volunteer where I work!
Also a side note, if you want to be a certified rehabber you have to usually take a few small courses and such to gain the knowledge/certification, but experience volunteering/practicum is definitely the way to start!
I cant choose between a bsc in zoology & botany, or a bsc in wildlife conservation. Which one do you think would be more suitable for this career path? Oh and I'm busy doing a diploma in Animal health already
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experiences. My fiancé wants to pursue this field but is unsure what education requirements or certificates/degrees he needs to be eligible. Would you mind sharing any information on this? Also, you said you were about to finish school.. what did you get your degree in?
Thanks in advance! Hope to hear from you soon :)
No specific degree is required to become a wildlife rehabilitator, broadly speaking. I have seen some job listings that ask for a bachelor’s degree in a science field.
Can u tell us how to become an owner of a wildlife park
You've said you volunteered on a 4 years period before getting your first paid job, but I wonder how many time does this represent consecutively ? I mean in terms of months, weeks, or days as a full time position ?
I know my question may be difficult to answer but I need to visualize approximately how many time I need before being effective in the field, so it would help me a lot ! And thanks for the very helpful video :)
I spent the first summer (4 months between my semesters) volunteering once a week as an animal care volunteer. Then the next summer I did a 2 month full time practicum. The following summer I applied for the Wildlife rehabber job and got it. I must add that before all of this, I was volunteering with birds of prey at a different facility (that I now currently work at).
So I spent my summers between my university semesters volunteering (1st summer), then doing a volunteer practicum (2nd summer) then a paid summer job (3rd summer)
@@burnhambabe Thank you for your answer that really help me with my project ! Can I ask you how many time did you volunteer with bird of prey ?
Is zoology or wildlife biology a good major if this is what I want to do once out of school?
Yes, or even ecology
I love animals and just hanging out with them but I also want a job that I get paid enough. Would u say wildlife rehabilitators get paid a lot, in the middle, of just average amount of money?
Hi Savannah, definitely average. Like I mention in the video, I got paid a small amount above minimum wage, and I've heard some people don't get paid at all! Usually the "manager" would make the most, I find the rehabbers make a barely-decent living wage.
@@burnhambabe Hopefully this isn’t too personal but just curious if this is your only job since you say it doesn’t pay too well. Are you planning on staying in this job position if so, or if not, what are your ultimate career goals in working with animals?
@@MissRuthless Well, the job I mention in the video (junior wildlife rehabber) I don't do anymore since it is really far away from where I live. I am however working in bird rehab at a birds of prey centre where I do rehab and education. Part of my job also is caring for 13 rescued parrots that the owners adopted, which is lots of fun! I plan on staying here for a few more years and then maybe move with my boyfriend elsewhere and find an ecology related job, or work at a reputable zoo (my dream!).
@@burnhambabe I'd really love to learn about the average structuring of a facility like this. At ours, the sole rehabber is the founder and both the vet tech and the director as well, with vets who volunteer as needed, and a board. Is the rehabber not generally the person in charge? I'm a care assistant and didnt make more than minimum for a long time, and certainly don't make much. I don't think my boss makes a crazy amount either, even though she is 3 people in one (literally, in case of death the plan is an international search for THREE people to fill her shoes) and has even laid herself off when funding is low. Would also love to know what a junior rehabber is, as I can't find anything about it through google :)
Do you ever encounter gruesome injuries in your line of work? And also what kinds of animals do you get?
I haven’t had any major injuries working in rehab. Although, we are subject to scratches, bites, and zoonotic diseases, so we always have to be careful. It’s important that you are trained to properly handle each species in order to be safe.
The place I worked at before intakes songbirds, raccoons, rodents, deer, bats, waterfowl and raptors. Now I work at a place that specializes in raptors.
Question: costs and can education be done online? Im in PA. (I am not great at math).
Do you recommend volunteering before actually applying for jobs, or does it not matter?
Definitely volunteer first!! Even if it is with another organization for animals, they like to see you've learnt things and have a taste pf husbandry. Bonus points if it's animal medicine related or for the same organization you want a job with!
Where did you apply to volunteer? Is there a specific page where they look for people or are there sites where you sign up yourself? Can people from other countries come? If you could just give me a few names of those organizations to research a little? I'm from Serbia, so I can't find such things here, so this video means something to me! Thank you very much 😁
I live in Canada, I volunteered at the BCSPCA Wild ARC. I did a quick search for anything in Serbia and all I could really find that's "local" is this www.animalrescueserbia.org
Although, if you're interested in doing a volunteer practicum elsewhere in the world there are many options! I know the facility I worked at had international volunteers, as well as Critter Care Wildlife Society in Vancouver who even provides housing. I'm sure theres some closer to you, maybe in England. Some countries just value wildlife rehab more than others, so you may have to travel or move to be a rehabber depending on where you life. Hope this helps!
In France we have rehab centers, also I think I've seen some in Austria for bears
I work at Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene WA, USA. my only prior education being a high school diploma. We have an internship program! We had a couple interns from France this year that were on a veterinary career path, it was so nice having them and they loved working with our native species. While maybe not super common, there must be similar opportunities spread out all over
How can I get into it , like my biggest problem is my country don't have any job like wildlife rehebilitator
Do you think you can make a comfortable living being a wildlife rehabilitator and do you have like vacation time to travel around?
Hi! This is such a great video so thanks! Do you get to work with animals like big cats, wolves etc?
The biggest animal we cared for at my facility was deer. We don’t have the set up for big carnivores. However, some other facilities (even a few hours from where I live) do care for large carnivores. Some rehabs even just focus on mammals in general
@@burnhambabe what would you recommend for me as these jobs don’t pay great so should I get 2 jobs?
@@Lolly2601 it depends on your lifestyle. People work with animals because they love it, not because it pays good. You can manage living making a little above minimum wage, many people do it. It just depends on your life style if you can manage it (heavy spender vs. light spender etc.)
@@burnhambabe thank you so much xx
What opportunities for promotion are there?
Question: rabies shot required? I had to quit volunteering at the animal shelter because I didnt have rabies shot.
I’m interning a place that doesn’t require a rabies shot, because we don’t take in rabies vector species. You’ll have to check with each specific organization individually.
Hello, did you have to go to college for this job?
I just graduated with my BSc major in Biology, but no. You can begin volunteering without being in school, which may lead to a job in the future if you're really committed.
How old do you have to be to volunteer and do you have to go to collage to get the job
Each facility has their own age limit. Maybe 16? maybe 18? It depends. No you don't have to go to university to be a rehabber BUT if they know you have biology related goals for the future they're more likely to want to hire you so they can "help" you along your journey, if that makes sense.
What did you go to school for? I would love to become a wildlife rehabilitator but have no idea what to take in school to help me get the job.
I got my Bachelor of Science with a biology Major. It helps but volunteering and doing practicums is deffs the way to go
@@burnhambabe so a degree isn't worthwhile? I'm pursuing mine rn and every wildlife center I've called has encouraged it. I'd love to avoid the cost and years of my life lost if it's not necessary
@@mysterypineapple613 I mean having a degree technically puts you above others who don't have one, although I learnt nothing about wildlife rehab in my degree. What I'm saying is a degree is favoured but I know a few people who never got one but who have taken a vet tech course or have volunteered with rehab for a long time and got hired. Some rehab centres may have more requirements than others. I always encourage a degree because it is beginning to be part of the "norm" for resumes and getting jobs now a days. It also helps if you decide to switch occupations in the future.
@@burnhambabe makes sense, and thanks so much for making the video and responding. I can't seem to connect with anyone who's already out there doing it so I'm only guessing whether I'm doing the right thing and it's pretty scary.
Would you suggest possibly majoring in Zoology? Or looking into Animal behaviorist courses (if that’s even a thing)?
I'm a mechanical engineer but have always dreamed of working with animals. Is it possible to be a wildlife rehabilitator without going back to school? My plan is to volunteer in my free time and see how I like it and gain experience that way
You do not need specific education to get into wildlife rehab. However if you want "extra" education on wildlife rehab there are some online courses you can take (like through IWRC) to get more knowledgable. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!
Christina Youngren what is the IWRC? I tried the website, as you had suggested to someone else, but it’s defunct and the domain is up for sale.
What classes did you take in highschool and college to become a wildlife rehabilitator? Im trying to figure out what i should do for my career.
Nothing specifically, biology. There's usually no courses on wildlife rehab or husbandry, you gain that knowledge by volunteering or taking courses outside of schools (like from IWRC.com)
@@burnhambabe thank you for replying, i was thinking of being a marine mammal rescue.
@@ktmmaster5295 not many facilities do that, however a few specialize in it (such as Marine Mammal Rescue in Vancouver). Would be really cool!
@@burnhambabe thanks for letting me know, just subscribed lol!
Do you need college or any secondary education to pursue a wildlife rehabilitation career?
Not necessarily, though I have seen specific job listings that ask for a bachelor’s degree.
What schooling are you taking?
Just finished my BSc. Major in Biology
So i have over 50 domestic animals but i just got 2 wild bunnies. So....I'm branching out.
Can i become a wildlife rehabilitator with a bachelor degree of zoology
Yes you can, but you may have to get your foot in the door by volunteering at a rehab facility to get the experience!
Can u pls suggest some colleges that is good for wildlife rehabilitation and also some centres where we can volunteer.
Look up wildlife rescues near you online.
Hi! Can i volunteer to these wild rehab centers if I have finished a college who has nothing to do with the animal vet industry or with biology? I mean if I have a job who has nothing to do with it? I would love to volunteer to fill up my spare time and of course spend time with animals.
You totally can. Most wildlife rehab facilities graciously welcome volunteers because there's much to do! Background usually doesn't matter for volunteering, I also know many seniors who love it because it gives them something to do :) It's for (almost) all ages and backgrounds
Christina Youngren I have a degenerative back disease, so I have to be careful about how I move (eg, I can’t do a ton of bending). Would there be things that someone like me could do as a volunteer, or do you have to be fully able-bodied?
(I know this is an old post, but I’m still crossing my fingers for an answer!)
@@thehutch7728 Plenty! There's much work to be done that might fit your capabilities. dishes always need washed, formula to be made, babies to bottle feed, sweeping, mopping, MUCH laundry if that's something you can do. Of course the tasks to be done vary by facility and species of active patients, but there's also a lot of work that would require you to be more able-bodied (i.e. cleaning enclosures, feeding actual food, filling waters, prepping produce, moving animals and setting up enrichment, hauling supplies) and missing out on those things might not make it worth it to you. I have chronic back pain and stiffness after I broke my spine, and there is a lot of work I do as a care assistant that is hard on me, but many other things I do that are much much easier on the spine and likely within your limits as well. Plus, as a volunteer, i'd be shocked if you weren't provided plenty of freedom to take breaks :) At least at our facility we deeply appreciate volunteers and whatever they can do to contribute!
@@AlexxWretched thank you for the info! That’s really helpful.
How old do you have to be to volunteer at a animal rehabilitation center?
I’d say it depends on the centre, for some the age is 16, others is 18 etc.
@@burnhambabe thank you 😁
Help in Jacksonville fl
Did you have to get a pre-exposure rabies vaccine?
If I was one position higher, then yes. They worked with the bats so they had to get the rabies shot before working. So if you work with rabies vectors then yes
I'm thinking of taking a wildlife rehaber course in Canada as an international student , will a diploma make it easier to get a paid job ? Can I volunteer while studying?
A diploma like in animal care? or like a vet tech? Some rehab centres have on site vets and will hire vet techs (my coworker from Alberta used to do that at a rehab centre there). Honestly hands on experience of any sort helps getting a paid job. We hired a rehabber who had internship experience from a few other rehab facilities across Canada. So experience could be from anywhere! Also, if you volunteer at a centre you'd like to get a paid job at, you can get to know current staff who may hire you someday!
@@burnhambabe animal Care actually , also can I ask how did you manage your finances when the pay is so low ? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my queries
@@user-tb9dh1on2g I was working as a summer job between university semesters. I lived with my parents so I did not have to pay rent or anything. Although, if it pays above minimum wage you can probably squeak by, lots of people do. It depends on your lifestyle
@@burnhambabe ahh I see , thank you for the reply 😃
Where is the wild life center you worked at? What country?
I live in British Columbia! BCSPCA Wild ARC
Christina Youngren No way! I’m thinking of volunteering there next summer! This video was so amazing thank you!!
@@Alice-tr6re Do it! I loved volunteering there so much :)
Is there different types of facilities that work with different animals? Do any of them work with marine animals?
100%. Some focus on just mammals, some just birds, and also on marine mammals! Not sure where you are but I know in British Columbia the Marine Mammal Rescue based out of Vancouver Aquarium focuses on sea lions, seals, turtles etc :)
Also some facilities are in areas that that have a lot of aquatic birds focus primarily on them as well, I know they do in Newzealand
@@burnhambabe ok thank you so much, I’m really interested in becoming a wildlife Rehabilitator obviously I’ll do more research before hand but I really like Marine life that’s why I would want to find a place where you can work with also Marine and mammals
@@burnhambabe also one more thing, when searching to see if there any places like that in your area or in driving distance what do you type in to search for it
Is a wildlife rehabilitator a Secured job
It can be, the senior rehabbers I have worked with were working there for over 7 years
Does wildlife rehab employ people over 30 yr?
Wildlife care assistant job requirement on their site is 15 to 30 years old at the start of employment
Is there a reason they don't hire people older than 30
So the reason why these facilities say "between 20-30 years old" is because they received government funding for the position and it is the government's regulation. I think it's targeted for young adults in school or fresh out of school to gain experience. It's pretty dumb to limit the age though to be honest. This does not mean the facility won't hire older people, they just don't quality for funding
@@burnhambabe Thanks for replying. I am moving to Richmond BC from California. I have over 10 yrs of volunteering experience at local animal shelter and was looking to work with wild life rescue, but was disappointed that I don't meet the age criteria. Is there any way I can contact you directly.
Thanks for all the information
Do I have to have an animal or biology or something like that high school?
In high school? I took the appropriate courses to get into university for a Bachelor of Science in Biology (biology, physics, chemistry). The BSc helps with getting jobs but experience is just as important
@@burnhambabe I do better with practical things than academic. Bio is one of my weaker subjects
Is there a lot of paper work ??
There is record keeping, like updating patient files, writing down weights, daily medications etc. So yes, but nothing too strenuous.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
It depends on the wildlife centre, just ask!
I hope this isn’t a dumb question but do you have to be good at math and that kind of stuff
You don't have to be immensely good, you have to do medication conversions and such
What’s your ig
Sounds like a possible retirement job.
Lol sounds like they got A LOT of free labor out of you!! Wheeew!
You’re so fcking lucky
You bottle fed a raccoon??? No way
It's not luck? She went to volunteer at an animal rescue
Don’t work at a zoo unless you like seeing depressed animals
wildlife rehab is definitely not a zoo
This is a joke right?
What a snowflake "it was really intense i worked 4 days a week"
You are the one acting like a snowflake ❄
Standard snowflake " i am smarter than you!!"
I have many questions, is there somewhere I can email/contact you?
I will be making a video answering people's questions, so post it here!