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Is wildlife rehabilitation in Michigan for you?

Is wildlife rehabilitation in Michigan for you?

This guide is for people in Michigan who are curious about becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. It explains what the work really involves, common misconceptions, and practical steps to get started through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Table of contents

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What wildlife rehabilitation is

Wildlife rehabilitation is temporary care for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with one goal: returning a healthy animal to the wild. It is not pet ownership, and it is not long-term captivity. Rehabilitators focus on humane care, appropriate housing, good nutrition, disease prevention, and preparing an animal to survive on its own after release.

The work is part animal care, part problem-solving, and part public education. A large portion of “rehab” happens before an animal ever arrives: helping the public decide whether an animal truly needs intervention, and how to avoid unintentionally harming wildlife through well-meaning actions.

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Why it matters in Michigan

Michigan wildlife is affected by vehicle strikes, window collisions, habitat changes, human-wildlife conflicts, and seasonal orphaning events. Rehabilitators help address these issues one animal at a time and also provide guidance that can prevent unnecessary “rescues.”

If you find wildlife you think is injured or truly orphaned, Michigan DNR encourages you to contact a licensed rehabilitator before removing an animal from the wild.

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What rehabilitators actually do

People often picture rehab as holding animals and feeding babies. In reality, the job includes many tasks, often under pressure and on short notice.

  • Answer public calls, assess the situation, and give safe, legal guidance.
  • Determine whether the animal truly needs rehabilitation or should be left alone.
  • Arrange safe transport to a rehabilitator or veterinarian.
  • Intake: identify species, assess condition, stabilize, and set up appropriate housing.
  • Coordinate veterinary care, diagnostics, and treatment plans.
  • Provide daily care: feeding schedules, hydration, sanitation, and behavioral monitoring.
  • Maintain records and meet reporting requirements.
  • Condition animals for release: exercise, species-appropriate diet, and minimal human contact.
  • Select suitable release sites and release at an appropriate time of day and season.
  • Make hard decisions when release is not possible, including humane euthanasia or lawful placement at a properly licensed facility.
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The real commitments

Time

Wildlife needs do not wait for weekends. Baby season can mean frequent feedings throughout the day, and some animals require overnight care. Even a small caseload can mean daily work without breaks.

Facilities

Wildlife must be housed safely and humanely in species-appropriate enclosures, separate from pets and household activity. Many species require outdoor conditioning space before release (for example, flight conditioning for birds).

Money

Food, housing materials, cleaning supplies, medications, and veterinary services add up quickly. Some rehabilitators receive donations, but many costs are personally covered.

Emotional and physical load

You will see injuries that are difficult to witness. Not every animal can be saved. You may need to make humane end-of-life decisions when release is not possible. This work can be deeply meaningful, but it can also be stressful and exhausting.

Safety and disease risks

Wildlife can bite, scratch, kick, and carry parasites or diseases. Safe handling, sanitation, and good protocols protect you, your household, your pets, and the animals in your care.

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Common myths

Myth: “If I find an animal, I can take it home and help.”
Reality: In Michigan, possession of wildlife is regulated. The safest step is to contact a licensed rehabilitator or a veterinarian to avoid harm to the animal and risk to people and pets.

Myth: “Wildlife rehab is mostly cuddling babies.”
Reality: Most wild animals are stressed by humans. Rehabilitation prioritizes minimizing stress and keeping animals wild, which usually means limited handling.

Myth: “It’s a hobby I can do when I have free time.”
Reality: Once an animal is in your care, it depends on you every day. Many cases require strict schedules and quick decisions.

Myth: “Love for animals is enough.”
Reality: Compassion matters, but so do training, species knowledge, safe facilities, and strong veterinary support.

Myth: “The government pays rehabilitators.”
Reality: Most rehabilitators are unpaid volunteers.
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Michigan permits and rules

Michigan DNR administers wildlife permits, including wildlife rehabilitation permits. Start here: Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit Information (Michigan DNR)

Michigan DNR also provides a public directory of licensed rehabilitators: Michigan Licensed Rehabilitators (directory)

If you have general wildlife questions, Michigan DNR Wildlife Division contact information is available here: Contact Wildlife Division

If you’re looking for guidance on what to do when you find a baby animal or injured wildlife, see: Keep Wildlife Wild

Federal requirements for many birds

Many birds are protected under federal migratory bird regulations. If you plan to rehabilitate migratory birds, you will likely need a federal migratory bird rehabilitation permit in addition to Michigan authorization.

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Getting started

  1. Read Michigan’s requirements. Use the Michigan DNR wildlife rehabilitation permit page to understand eligibility, responsibilities, and the application pathway.
  2. Volunteer or apprentice. Find a licensed rehabilitator in your region and ask about volunteering, shadowing, or becoming a subpermittee. Use the Michigan Licensed Rehabilitators directory to locate someone near you.
  3. Build a support team. Identify a veterinarian willing to advise or provide care, and build relationships with mentors and other rehabbers.
  4. Plan your space and equipment. Think through indoor and outdoor enclosure needs, quarantine options, cleaning and sanitation, safe storage, and separation from pets.
  5. Start small. When permitted, consider focusing on a limited number of species at first so you can learn safely and sustainably.
  6. Commit to continuing education. Wildlife care practices evolve. Ongoing training helps you provide better care and stay compliant.
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Other ways to help

If you are not ready (or not able) to become a licensed rehabilitator, you can still make a real difference.

  • Volunteer for a licensed rehabilitator or rehabilitation center (transport, enclosure building, laundry, hotline support).
  • Donate supplies or funds to local rehabilitators.
  • Share accurate public guidance (for example, when to leave baby animals alone and when to call for help).
  • Make your home more wildlife-friendly (reduce window strikes, keep cats indoors, secure trash, avoid poisons).
  • Support habitat protection and conservation projects in your community.
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Resources

This page is an informational overview. Michigan DNR permit conditions and requirements control. When in doubt, contact Michigan DNR or a licensed rehabilitator before taking action with wildlife.

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