Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitation helps injured, orphaned or distressed animals survive and thrive. Rehabilitators provide care for wildlife, eventually releasing them into their native habitat. 

With few exceptions, all wildlife in Iowa is protected and federal and/or state permits are required to rehabilitate injured animals. Iowa’s privately licensed wildlife rehabilitators generally work on their own time to rehabilitate and release animals, while receiving no public funding to help them.

If You Find an Animal in Need

Caring for injured wildlife is done by caring, trained and licensed individuals called Wildlife Rehabilitators. They are the only people that can legally work with injured wildlife and they do not all work with all kinds of wildlife.  

There are also restrictions on the types of animals they can take in so please be understanding about this! If you find a wild animal you think might be injured or sick:

• Do not touch or move the wildlife! If it is a baby, it may not be injured or orphaned, and moving them may cause problems rather than solving them.
• Look for a wildlife rehabilitator in your area and call to get some guidance or call the Iowa DNR at 515-725-8200. Our team can help you find appropriate care for the animal.

Tips & Safety

For your safety, don't approach the animal or try to care for it yourself. Follow these tips from the American Animal Hospital Association. Maintain a respectful distance and contact a professional immediately.

You can also help prevent injuries to wildlife by checking areas for animals if you’re planning an activity that might disturb them – for example, check the tree for nests and animals before cutting limbs or branches from a tree.

Species Rehabilitators Can Help

Wildlife rehabilitators in Iowa may be authorized to help the the species listed. Some species may require additional permission and permits.

• Amphibians, including frogs and turtles
• Bats
• Birds
• Bobcats
• Chipmunks
• Coyotes
• Eagles and raptors
• Foxes
• Groundhogs
• Muskrats and minks
• Opossums
• Rabbits
• Raccoons
• Rodents
• Skunks
• Snakes
• Squirrels

Rehabilitation of white-tailed deer is prohibited by the Department of Natural Resources. 

How to Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator

A license to take and temporarily possess injured, sick, or orphaned state-protected species of birds, mammals, amphibians, or reptiles with the intent to return the animal to its natural habitat as soon as possible.

To apply for your wildlife rehabilitation permit:

1. Complete an application - We welcome new applicants for Apprentice and General class, as well as renewals. 
   1. For all new permits, include the following:
      1. Detailed narrative that explains why you wish to rehabilitate wildlife, your experience in caring for animals, and a written example of care procedures for the species or animal group you will care for. 
      2. A support letter from your sponsoring licensed wildlife rehabilitator. 
   2. For renewals, include your existing rehabilitator number.
2. Provide the name and phone number of the veterinarian providing professional help to your services.
3. List the species or group of animals you'll be caring for. 
4. List the name and date of birth for each person assisting you with rehabilitation services at your permit location.
5. A review and approval by your local Iowa DNR law enforcement officer.

Facilities must meet the guidelines set forth by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators's Association and International Wildlife Rehabilitator Council's latest recommendations.

Permit Fees

Fees associated with wildlife rehabilitation permits:

• One year - $5.00
• Two years - $10.00
• Three years - $15.00

Supply check and payment with your application.