CCWR - Wildlife Rehabilitation

• Turtles: Turtle S.H.E.L.L.
• Small mammals: Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge (starting spring 2010)
• Birds: Wild Bird Care Centre
• Other: Ottawa Humane Society

Sometimes well-meaning people decide to raise an orphaned or injured wild animal on their own. Without adequate knowledge and access to resources, this often leads to harmful results.

Authorized rehabilitators understand the diseases and health issues related to each species. Without this knowledge, people are putting their own health as well as the health of their family and pets in danger. Rehabbers also have access to appropriate specialized diets for different species and the help of a veterinarian when needed. They will care for wild animals with the intent of releasing the animal back into its natural habitat with the skills it needs to survive and thrive. If wild animals are conditioned to see humans as a source of food and comfort, they are much more likely to come into conflict with humans, endangering their own lives.

To become an authorized wildlife rehabilitation centre, the following are required:

• a person who has passed the basic Wildlife Custodian exam
• (a person who has passed the Rabies Vector exam if you intend to rehab foxes, raccoons, skunks or bats)
• appropriate space for intake of animals
• appropriate space for physical examination
• proper facilities for treatment of animals (to provide stablization, warmth, quiet, darkness, fluids, appropriate food, wound care, immobilization, etc.)
• a veterinarian willing to work with you
• relevant experience
• extensive knowledge of the natural history of each species to be rehabilitated
• ability to recognize and treat health issues of different species
• commitment to minimizing human contact in the best interests of the wild animals being rehabilitated
• appropriate enclosures and cages for animals that conform to the MNR approved standards
• protective clothing for handling animals
• appropriate supplies and routines for disinfecting cages, supplies, etc.
• mechanisms for the prevention of disease transfer between animals of the same species and animals of different species
• clear methods for disposing of all contaminated materials
• clear methods for disposing of animal carcasses
• acceptable methods for euthanizing animals, to provide a peaceful and painless end to suffering
• established procedures for accurate record keeping