Wildlife Rehabilitation License

Wildlife rehabilitation is the volunteer practice of providing care and treatment to injured or orphaned wild animals or birds until such time as those animals are at an adequate level of health to be successfully returned to their natural environment. Required care may range from hourly feedings of orphaned animals to veterinary treatment of sick or injured animals. Time and financial requirements for volunteer wildlife rehabilitators can be very demanding, especially in the spring when large numbers of animals, which people mistake as being "orphaned," are found by the public.

Other Information

Duration of License

Annually

Authority

GS 15A AC 10H .0301

Exam: No Exam
License Type: Secondary License (Other License is Prerequisite)

Fees

Application
$0.00
New License
$10.00
Renewal
$0.00
Reciprocity:
$0.00
Miscellaneous:
$2.00

Other Requirements

Wildlife rehabilitators are not allowed to rehabilitate raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, coyotes, bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, wild boar, or endangered, threatened or special concern species. Applicants should have adequate space in their rehab facility to limit human contact with animals that are being rehabilitated, and must meet the minimum caging requirements set forth in Title 15A NCAC 10H .0302 prior to applying for a rehabilitation license. Applicants are encouraged to have prior experience in the care and rehabilitation of wildlife or have completed, at minimum, an introductory course in wildlife rehabilitation. Some examples of prior experience may include the completion of wildlife rehabilitation workshops, veterinary training, or experience as a wildlife rehabilitation assistant or volunteer. Applicant must provide a copy of their federal rehabilitation permit to be eligible to rehabilitate migratory birds in North Carolina, including songbirds, raptors, or waterfowl. Animals held under a wildlife rehabilitation license may not be used for any other purpose, including educational activities. Licenses are issued to a single individual, at least 18 years of age or older, for a specific location. Rehabilitation can only occur at the location specified on the license. Volunteers or individuals under the age of 18 may provide assistance to a licensed rehabilitator at their licensed facility without needing a license. Electronic transaction fee

Licensing Authority

NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Customer Support Section
Licensing
1751 Varsity Dr
Raleigh, NC 27606-2576
888-248-6834

Occupational Information

Veterinarians

Occupational profile

Please check with your local City, County or Municipality for area specific license requirements they may have.