My main piece of advice would be to get started volunteering at a rehabilitation center, or something like an AZA accredited zoo if there are no rehab centers near you. I worked at a rehab center for a while, and I got the job because I had been volunteering there for about a year. I majored in anthropology, so unless you plan to go into an extremely specific field, your major doesn't matter very much. However, if you want to go to graduate school, a college degree in something like biology, ecology, or wildlife studies would be helpful. A degree in one of those fields would be helpful no matter what if you plan to pursue wildlife rehab, but is not always necessary. The most important thing is to start volunteering and show your enthusiasm!

The first and most important thing you need is a passion for animals - be prepared to care for anything from snakes to deer!

If you are thinking of going to college, you may consider a major in Zoology, Animal Behavior, Biology, or Environmental sciences. One of the great things about Wildlife Rehabilitation, though, is that you don’t necessarily need to have any of these majors!

I have met and worked with Wildlife Rehabbers who graduated with degrees like Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Dance!

While I am not a licensed wildlife rehabbed, I have several hundred hours of hands-on experience caring for animals of all kinds (squirrels, skunks, hatchling and nestling songbirds, raptors, etc.) - and I majored in anthropology!

Instead, the most important thing for actual employment is looking at what certifications you need. Each state may have different requirements and laws about keeping and handling wildlife.

Example: In one state, you may need 1,000 hours of hands on work caring for wild animals, need to pass a tough exam, and also need to be “sponsored” by a recognized wildlife rehab facility.

The first step to any of this is finding a way to do hands-on work caring for wild animals. Search for wildlife rehab centers near you, and contact them for volunteer or internship opportunities!

To restore wildlife species after a danger or threat has lead to their decline