NJ Fish and Wildlife issues Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits to individuals and organizations that are professionally trained to hold, care for, and rehabilitate native wildlife in New Jersey. It is unlawful for individuals without a valid Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit to possess injured, orphaned, or ill wildlife.

The goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to release native wildlife back into their natural habitats. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to evaluate wildlife emergencies and determine whether human intervention is necessary, as many factors, such as health, safety, and biological issues such as disease, parasites, and the effects of interfering with and/or relocating wildlife, must be considered.

The Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in NJ Locator consolidates licensed rehabilitator information and directs the public to an appropriate facility to expedite the delivery of wildlife in need. It is essential to first contact your local animal control officer or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as facilities may have limited intake capacity or require appointments. If a situation requires rehabilitation, a reporting individual will be instructed on the appropriate course of action.

Becoming and continuing as a permitted wildlife rehabilitator in New Jersey is a major responsibility and requires much time and dedication. To ensure the health and safety of both the public and wildlife, NJFW has specific requirements and standards for facilities and staff involved in wildlife rehabilitation. NJFW has implemented these standards to ensure the quality of the permittee (through questionnaires) and the facility (through inspections).

Individuals interested in becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator should first read the “Permit Information” and “NJFW Rehabilitator Requirements” documents.

Resources for Wildlife Rehabilitators

General Information

• Permit Information
• NJFW Rehabilitator Requirements
• Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation
  For assistance with rabies situations or to report a suspected rabid animal, contact the Health Officer for the jurisdiction where the incident occurred .
• Information Regarding the Use of Pharmaceuticals
• Policy on the Relocation of Wildlife
• AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia
• Recommended Reference List
• Opportunities for Continuing Education

Permit Applications

• Avian Rehabilitator Permit Application
• Mammal Rehabilitator Permit Application
• Reptile/Amphibian Rehabilitator Permit Application

Report Forms

• Facility Inspection Report
• Permit Renewal and Annual Report Form

Recordkeeping Documents

Use of these specific forms is not required, but all information contained in these forms must be recorded at your facility.

• Intake Summary – Blank
• Intake Summary – Sample
• Species Summary – Blank
• Species Summary – Sample
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Abbreviations/Codes

Additional Information

NJ Endangered & Nongame Species

• Possession of Nongame & Exotic Wildlife Regulations
• NJ Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species
• NJ Endangered and Threatened Species Rehabilitator Protocol
• NJ Wildlife Tracker for Reporting E/T/SC Species

Federally Endangered Species

• USFWS Endangered Species Program
• USFWS List of Endangered and Threatened Species in NJ

Information for Veterinarians

• FAQs: Veterinarians Treating Wildlife in NJ
• Sample Intake Form – Vet to Rehab

Wildlife Health

Rabies

The following are rabies-related links to information posted by the NJ Department of Health, Communicable Disease Service .

• Communicable Disease Service Rabies webpage
• What You Should Know About Bats
• NJ Animal Rabies Statistics

For assistance with rabies situations or to report a suspected rabid animal, contact the Health Officer for the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.

Chronic Wasting Disease

• CWD Information
• Notice Regarding Possession/Importation of Live Cervids

White-nose Syndrome 

• Acceptable Management Practices for Rehabilitating Bats Affected by White-nose Syndrome: A Guide for Wildlife Rehabilitators

Other

• NJ Wildlife Rehabilitators Advisory Committee (WRAC)
• NJ Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators
• National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
• International Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
• Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program – NJ Dept of Health
• USFWS Migratory Bird Program
• USGS Bird Banding Laboratory
• Wildlife Rehabilitator Complaint Form
• If you wish to help out a wildlife rehabilitator, consider donating from the Wildlife Rehabilitators Wish List .
• More information on finding young or injured wildlife: https://deptest.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/finding-injured-or-young-wildlife/.