Cross Breeds

Does it cost money to have a license to care for injured wild animals?

Because a lot of animals are getting injured in our area, there is no one to take care of them. And I have been told I need a license to take care of wild animals until they can be released. If so, how do I get one and how much does it cost? (In UK £)

Public Comments

1. I see no reason why you should need a bit of paperwork to do a fine job in looking after injured wildlife I have had a lame duck, a lost dog, a squirrel that got run over, and a hedgehog, who was in bad shape. I did not resort to bits of paper to care for them, and they are all now fine. Tis only the correct thing to do, in my book, and the "Authorities" would probably agree. Best of, and forget bits of paperwork. Bob
2. Yes. Wild animals are not pets. They can carry rabies for starters, so you need to know a little bit about what you're doing. Some animals are protected, like geese (migratory wildfowl) in the U.S. not sure how it is in England, but I imagine endangered species require additional permits. Many towns have ordinances on what kind of animals you can keep inside the town (city folks don't like their neighbors keeping livestock for instance). If you're just talking about an occasional squirrel or something, you can probably get away without a license and nobody will really care, but when you get into larger animals or endangered animals, then you need to investigate more. Animals need to be rehabilitated for release, some will need to be cared for the rest of their lives. The license probably isn't the expensive part, it's the x-rays & vet care, specialized feed, enclosures etc. that costs money. The other option is to find a wildlife rehabilitator in the region and give a donation of time or money, they're usually looking for help to continue their operations. (And they know what they're doing).
3. There is rarely "no one" to take care of endangered animals. I know you mean well, but until you are trained please look for the most suitable person to care for the animals in question. Specialists are just that and if the animal is "cared for" by someone who doesn't know what they are doing, they can be doing more harm than good. The Vet will give you advice and you can contact those who know what to do with the injured or endangered animal. If you want to specialise then do so, but please go to the experts for help first and join in their efforts. I am an environmental consultant and even I know the small baby hedgehogs in my garden would not survive the winter with just my efforts, so I have taken them to the expert and she is caring for them. Hedgehogs under 650gm are not heavy enough to survive the British winter. She is feeding them up and giving them supplements worming them etc... All good stuff and I am sure you are going to be one of the specialists soon. Several acts of parliament could cause you to get a hefty fine if you take in animals that you are not licenced to care for and they die due to your inadequacies. Sorry, but this is the truth. Try the DEFRA website for links etc... Oh and Amie, it's 'licence' the other is a doing word, this one is a document. For instance you need a newt licence to handle Great Crested Newts and there's Bat licences... loads, ask the Vet if you need one for the creature you find BEFORE you do anything and stay safe, gloves etc, because some animals have diseases that can be transmitted (zoonosis). Being a volunteer will cost you nothing and you can gain a lot. Look up volunteering for the vet maybe, but again stay safe and make sure they have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check first for you to work with them.