Love Wildlife? Western Kentucky Rehab Group Needs Volunteer Animal Rescuers

Western Kentucky Wildlife Rehab Is Looking for Volunteers to Help Injured Animals

Fun fact about my husband: he loves wildlife. He wants raccoons, possums, and every other backyard critter to stroll up on our patio and taunt the dog. Honestly, he would love nothing more than to become a full-blown Disney princess and summon woodland creatures as his personal besties.

He even wanted to buy a tame raccoon as a family pet.

I said absolutely not.

Love Wild Animals? You Might Be a Great Fit as a Wildlife Rehabber

If you’re like my husband and have a soft spot for wild critters, you might be a perfect fit as a wildlife rehabber.

The Wild Side Rehab of Western KY is expanding and looking for compassionate, dedicated people in the following areas who want to help injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife:

• Henderson
• Owensboro
• Ohio County
• Princeton
• Madisonville
• Paducah
• Utica
• McLean County
• Grayson County

What Wildlife Rehabbers in Kentucky Need to Know

Every year, countless wild animals are injured, orphaned, or displaced, and there simply are not enough licensed rehabbers to meet the need.

In this volunteer position, The Wild Side Rehab of Western KY will walk you through how to obtain proper licensing by completing a wildlife rehabilitation course through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

From there, you’ll be listed under Wild Side Rehab of WKY on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website and annual paperwork.

Wildlife Rehabbers Cover Their Own Costs

The organization says they receive no state funding to do this work. In fact, they actually pay the state yearly to do what they freely volunteer to do. But for those involved, every animal that waddles, runs, or slinks back into the wild makes it worth it.

Requirements to Become a Wildlife Rehabber in Kentucky

Before applying, there are a few important things to know.

You’ll need enough property and the skills necessary to build a facility that meets Kentucky Fish and Wildlife inspection requirements. You will also be financially responsible for your own wildlife care and must follow all state regulations and laws regarding wildlife rehabilitation.

Thankfully, you won’t be doing it alone. The Wild Side Rehab of Western KY provides guidance on licensing, hands-on support and mentorship, training in proper wildlife care techniques, ongoing support, and even assistance filing end-of-year paperwork.

Interested?

If you’re interested in becoming a wildlife rehabber, you can apply by calling or texting 812-319-3912, contacting the organization by email, or messaging them on Facebook.