OHIO STATE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
The State of Ohio, Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODW), is responsible for mammals, reptiles and amphibians, non-migratory game birds, and state threatened and endangered wildlife. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) is responsible for migratory birds and federally threatened and endangered wildlife. Both agencies have laws and regulations in place to assure the care given to wild animals in rehabilitation is humane, professional, and biologically sound.
Ohio permits allowing individuals or organizations to rehabilitate wildlife are divided into two categories and one special permission permit. If you work with a licensed rehabilitator or in a licensed facility, you may not need your own permit but you are responsible for making sure your activities are legal.
- A Category I Permit allows individuals to rehabilitate healthy orphaned non-rabies vector mammals such as squirrels, Eastern Cottontail rabbits, and woodchucks. In order to apply, an individual must meet the requirements set forth in the Ohio Administrative Code and must have completed the Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation Training offered by OWRA (or equivalent).
- A Category II Permit allows individuals with at least three years of rehabilitation experience to rehabilitate injured and diseased native Ohio wildlife as defined in the permit stipulations. Beginning in 2009, the state began requiring Rabies Vector Species Training in order to rehabilitate species such as raccoons, foxes, and bats.
- Special Permission Permits must be obtained from the Chief of Ohio Division of Wildlife in order to rehabilitate state endangered animals.
For those interested in obtaining a wildlife rehabilitation permit in Ohio, please contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife at wildlife.permits@dnr.state.oh.us.
For information and upcoming training dates for the OWRA Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation Training please contact Kristen Beck. For OWRA Rabies Vector Species Training, please contact Barbara Ray.
LINKS FOR STATE RESOURCES
MINIMUM STANDARD GUIDELINES These guidelines will help you understand
| END OF YEAR REPORTS Click the link below to download a copy of the end of year reports for your Ohio Division of Wildlife Rehabilitation permits. For more information, you can also visit the ODW website. | EDUCATION ANIMAL REPORTS Use the link below to download a year-end report on your permanent resident animals. This report is for centers in possession of permanently disabled animals. |
FEDERAL WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
To rehabilitate migratory birds and federally threatened and endangered wildlife, a USF&WS Special Purpose Rehabilitation Permit must be obtained. Individuals rehabilitating migratory birds may be a sub-permittee on the federal license, but also must have a state permit or be a sub-permittee of a licensed organization or individual. Birds not covered by the USF&WS are non-migratory game birds and non-native species such as the House Sparrow, European Startling, and Rock Doves.
Use the links below to download commonly used reports or visit the USFWS website for a comprehensive list of permits, applications, and reports.
LINKS FOR FEDERAL RESOURCES
FEDERAL REHABILITATION REPORTS Use the link below to download the federal report form for your rehab patients. These reports should ONLY include birds (excluding non-natives). | FEDERAL SPECIAL PURPOSE POSSESSION-EDUCATION REPORTS Use the link below to download the federal report form for your education ambassadors. These reports should ONLY include native, migratory bird species. | EAGLE EXHIBITION REPORTS Use the link below to download year-end reports for your bald and/or golden eagle education ambassadors. These reports are ONLY for eagles. |