People are usually anxious to help when they find sick, injured and/or orphaned wildlife. However, most people are unaware of normal wildlife behavior and often become involved unnecessarily. Hopefully people who do intervene will contact a licensed rehabilitor - a person whose first response is extract information from callers and evaluate if human intervention is, in fact, necessary.

If the situation does require action by a rehabilitator, the caller is instructed in the appropriate steps to follow. Unfortunately, the public is generally unaware of the health, safety and biological issues pertaining to wildlife rehabilitation (such as disease, parasites and the effects of interfering with and/or relocating wildlife).

To ensure the health and safety of the public and the wildlife, the Division has specific requirements and standards for both facilities and staff involved in wildlife rehabilitation. The Division has implemented these standards to ensure the quality of the permittee (questionnaires/testing/continuous education) and the facility (inspections). The ultimate goal of the rehabilitation program is to release rehabilitated wildlife “back to the wild”.

Becoming and continuing as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in New Jersey is a major responsibility and requires much time and dedication. Below are various documents pertaining to the licensing process.

Those interested in becoming a rehabilitator should first read the "Rehabilitator Information Sheet." The "Definitions and Requirements" document will also be helpful.

Rehabilitator Information Sheet (pdf, 27kb)
Wildlife Rehabilitator Definitions and Requirements (pdf, 120kb)
Wildlife Rehabilitator Facility Inspection Form (pdf, 36kb)
Wildlife Rehabilitation Exam Recommended Reference List (pdf, 27kb)
2008 Wildlife Rehabilitators List by Species (pdf, 19kb)

Federal Rehabilitation Regulations - Regulations Governing Rehabilitation Activities and Permit Exceptions (pdf, 115kb)

Captive Game Information Sheet (pdf, 21kb)
Captive Game Application (pdf, 119kb)
Captive Game Regulations (pdf, 1.6mb)

Possession of Nongame & Exotic Wildlife Regulations (pdf, 90kb)
NJ Endangered and Threatened Species List
NJ Wildlife Species of Special Concern
NJ Endangered and Threatened Species Protocol (pdf, 46kb)
NJ Endangered and Threatened Species Sighting Form (pdf, 24kb)

National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) Code of Ethics
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council/NWRA Minimum Standards (pdf, 235kb)
NJ Policy on the Relocation of Wildlife (pdf, 25kb)