Approved Wildlife Rehabilitation Courses
In order to become a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator, you must successfully complete one of the two LDWF-approved wildlife rehabilitation courses and receive a minimum 80% exam score associated with your selected course.
LDWF-approved wildlife rehabilitation courses:
1) Wildlife Rehabilitation and Basic Skills Course offered the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; and
2) Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation offered by the Internal Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills Course
LDWF holds a minimum of two online courses annually at no cost for individuals who wish to rehabilitate wildlife. Course dates vary annually depending on presenter availability. Course dates and a registration link will be posted here a minimum of 30 days prior to a course being offered. Please do not email requesting the date of the next course. Please check the website often for the most up to date information.
Internal Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course
The IWRC offers in-person and online courses for a fee. Courses are generally offered six to eight times per calendar year. Please direct all inquiries pertaining to IWRC courses to the
Out-of Pocket Personal Cost of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation can be very rewarding, however please remember it is also very expensive, time consuming, and can take an emotional toll on you and your family. To better understand wildlife rehabilitation, please read Wildlife Rehabilitation, Is It For You? created by WildAgain Wildlife Rehabilitation.
LDWF provides neither financial assistance nor assistance with animal related care for permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators, including but not limited to transportation, medical care, caging, and food. Wildlife rehabilitation is done on your property, on your time, and at your own expense. Costs associated with rehabilitation vary by species, age and animal health at intake. Some example cost estimates by species of feeding a single animal from intake to release are: Bobcat $2,500.00, Fox $2,000.00, Opossum $400.00, Rabbit $150.00, Raccoon $1000.00, Skunk $700.00, Squirrel $300.00. The above cost example are strictly for providing an animal with a diet. They do not include expenses associated with caging, veterinary care, medication, enrichment, or any other aspect of rehabilitation. There are numerous sources available online to aid you in determining the cost of wildlife rehabilitation. Before you begin, we highly recommend that you conduct thorough research and connect with an LDWF-permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator. View a list of LDWF-permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators.
Permit Requirements and Conditions
- Must be 18 or older.
- No convicted felons or individuals with Class 2 or greater wildlife violations.
- Must complete an application, release statement, and financial responsibility statement.
- Must successfully complete one of the two LDWF-approved wildlife rehabilitation courses. Must provide proof of course completion.
- Must provide statement of support from a veterinarian and a letter of recommendation from a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
- Must pass a facility inspection. Enclosures must meet or exceed the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association/IWRC Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation.
- Wildlife held under a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit must be handled minimally and without public contact.
- Sale or consumption of rehabilitated wildlife is prohibited.
- Permitted wildlife rehabilitators must also have a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Permit to possess any bird listed on the Migratory Bird List.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit does not exempt permittee from other state, federal, parish, or municipal agency/government ordinances.
- Rehabilitated wildlife may not be imported into or exported out of Louisiana.
- Permittee may not possess S-1 ranked species without written authorization. View rare, threatened, and endangered ranks and statuses.
- It is illegal to possess wildlife native to North America as a pet or for the pet trade/industry. There is no permit for this, and no permit will be issued for such activity.
- It is illegal to rehabilitate deer, black bears, alligators, and wild turkeys.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills Course
LDWF’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Basic Skills Course or the IWRC Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation Online are the only certification courses recognized to become a permitted wildlife rehabilitator in Louisiana. Per LDWF rules and regulations, all applicants who will rehabilitate wildlife in Louisiana must take one of these courses.
More Information
- Wildlife Rehabilitation FAQs (coming soon)
- International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
- National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
Before You Apply:
- You will need to complete and pass the associated test for an approved wildlife rehabilitation course.
- You will need to obtain a letter of veterinary support.
- You will need to have all enclosures and supplies available for inspection.
- Enclosure requirements by species can be found in Standards For Wildlife Rehabilitations published by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.
To Apply:
Please remember, ALL documentation is required to submit an application. Incomplete applications will be automatically deleted by the system.
Annual Report and Renewal Application:
Please use this link if you are a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator.
For more information, contact the LDWF Wildlife Permits Office at wildlifepermits@wlf.la.gov.