Area Rehabbers Klub

Caring for Virginia's Wildlife

The Area Rehabber's Klub is an all volunteer network of State and Federally permitted wildlife rehabilitators who care for sick, injured, and orphaned Native Virginia wildlife with the intent of releasing them back into the wild. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2000, we are dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of Virginia's native wildlife. As of 2024, more than 50,000 wild animals have been rehabilitated released back into the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@arkofva.net if you cannot find an answer to your question.

HELP! I found an animal that needs help, how do I find a permitted rehabilitator?

A list of wildlife rehabilitates with their specialties can be located using the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources link below. You can search based on location. Keep in mind that you may need to travel outside of your area to find a rehabilitator that is permitted for the type of animal that you have or that has space to accept additional animals. https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/injured/rehabilitators/?location=all

How long does it take to become a permitted rehabilitator?

It takes a minimum of two years of apprenticeship to gain enough hands-on experience and knowledge to become a licensed rehabilitator. The sponsoring rehabilitator is responsible for determining when the apprentice is ready to be on his/her own, so the time may vary depending on how much time you personally put into your apprentice. FYI, a care provider does not take wildlife home, but the apprentice can take healthy, non-injured or sick wildlife home at the discretion of their sponsor.

Are there costs involved in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator?

There are out-of-pocket costs for the apprentice and rehabilitator. Start-up and yearly costs differ depending on the species you care for and the volumes that you take in each year as well as the cost for your permit, continuing education, and quite frequently costs for food, housing, and medical care when donations are low. Please discuss this question further with your sponsor before you commit yourself to an apprenticeship, so you enter your journey with realistic expectations.

Can I visit the animals?

Wildlife rehabilitators do not allow visitors as it is against our permit conditions. Wild animals require privacy and quiet to relax, heal, grow, and eat. We display photos of some of the animals in our care on our Facebook page. We appreciate your kindness and understanding that this is in the best interest of the animals in our care.

What are the requirements for caging and facilities?

VDWR Permit Conditions lists the specifics on caging and facilities. Short answer is that you need a space in your home dedicated to the care of wildlife with a) a door, b) away from the main living area, and c) the understanding that your family and pets will not access this space. The size of the space will vary depending on the type of animals you rehabilitate and your caging requirements. Your sponsor will advise you on the specifics, so you are ready for the home inspection by the game warden. Any outdoor caging may also need to be in place for your inspection.

What is the wildlife rehabilitator Code of Ethics?

1. A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to achieve high standards of animal care through

knowledge, and an understanding of the field. Continuing efforts must be made to keep informed of current rehabilitation information, methods, and regulations.

2. A wildlife rehabilitator should be responsible, conscientious, and dedicated and should

continuously work toward improving the quality of care given to wild animals undergoing

rehabilitation.

3. A wildlife rehabilitator must abide by local, state, and Federal laws concerning wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, and associated activities.

4. A wildlife rehabilitator should establish safe work habits and conditions, abiding by current

health and safety practices at all times.

5. A wildlife rehabilitator should acknowledge limitations and enlist the assistance of a

veterinarian or other trained professionals when appropriate.

6. A wildlife rehabilitator should respect other rehabilitators and persons in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of the animals.

7. A wildlife rehabilitator should place optimum animal care above personal gain.

8. A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to provide professional and humane care in all phases of wildlife rehabilitation, respecting the wildness and maintaining the dignity of each animal in life and in death. Releasable animals should be maintained in a wild condition, and released as soon as appropriate. Non- releasable animals which are inappropriate for education, foster-parenting, or captive breeding (only when VDWR approved) have a right to euthanasia.

9. A wildlife rehabilitator should encourage community support and involvement through

volunteer training and public education. The common goal should be to promote a responsible

concern for living beings, and the welfare of the environment.

10. A wildlife rehabilitator should work on the basis of sound ecological principles, incorporating appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.

11. A wildlife rehabilitator should conduct all business and activities in a professional manner, with honesty, integrity, compassion, and commitment, realizing that an individual's conduct reflects on the entire field of wildlife rehabilitation.

Saving Wildlife, One Creature at a Time