Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit in Colorado

Who Regulates Wildlife Rehabilitation in Colorado?

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is the primary state authority for wildlife rehabilitation permits in Colorado. The agency issues permits for native wildlife rehabilitation and sets the standards for training, facility inspection, and ongoing compliance. Colorado's permit program includes specific provisions for working with species common to the Mountain West, including mule deer, pronghorn, and various raptor species. CPW has strict CWD management protocols that affect deer rehabilitation authorization.

In addition to the state permit, rehabilitators who handle migratory birds in Colorado must also obtain a federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Rehabilitation permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS Region 6). The state permit must be obtained first — USFWS requires a copy of your current state permit as part of the federal application. See the federal permit guide for the complete federal application process.

Core Requirements

To qualify for a wildlife rehabilitation permit in Colorado, applicants must meet the following requirements. While specific details can vary based on the species you intend to rehabilitate and the scope of your facility, these are the foundational standards applied across permit applications:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Complete an approved wildlife rehabilitation training course (completion of an approved wildlife rehabilitation training course, including NWRA or IWRC)
• Demonstrate facility space meeting Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) minimum standards for the species you intend to rehabilitate
• Establish a relationship with a licensed veterinarian willing to provide care as needed
• Pass a facility inspection conducted by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) representative
• Submit a complete application with all supporting documentation

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Colorado Wildlife Rehab Permit

1. Complete the Required Training

   The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) requires completion of completion of an approved wildlife rehabilitation training course, including NWRA or IWRC or an equivalent course approved by the agency. This training covers wildlife handling, species-specific care, intake procedures, and Colorado regulations. Contact your state wildlife association or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) directly for current course schedules and approved training providers.

2. Prepare Your Facility

   Before applying, your facility must meet the minimum standards for the species you plan to rehabilitate. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) standards are based on NWRA/IWRC Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation. Download our free facility pre-inspection checklist as a starting point, then verify against Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)'s current published requirements for Colorado.

3. Establish a Veterinary Relationship

   You'll need documentation that a licensed Colorado veterinarian is willing to provide care to your rehabilitation animals when needed. Get this agreement in writing — a signed letter from the veterinarian is the standard form of documentation for most Colorado applications. See tips for finding a sponsor and vet.

4. Submit Your Application to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)

   Submit your completed application along with your training certificate, facility documentation, veterinary letter, and any other required materials to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Application fee: None. Contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wildlife permits office to confirm the current application form and submission process before applying, as forms and procedures can change.

5. Pass Your Facility Inspection

   After your application is reviewed, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) representative will inspect your facility. Review the facility inspection guide in full before scheduling your inspection. Have all documentation on hand and enclosures measured against minimums. Most inspections in Colorado are scheduled within 4–8 weeks of application submission outside of peak wildlife season.

6. Receive Your Permit and Apply Federally for Birds

   Once your state permit is issued, apply for the federal migratory bird rehabilitation permit from USFWS if you intend to rehabilitate birds. Your state permit must be in hand before USFWS will process your federal application. See the federal permit guide for that process.

Permit Renewal in Colorado

Wildlife rehabilitation permits in Colorado are renewed annually. Annual activity reporting is required — you must document species received, care provided, and outcomes (released, transferred, died, euthanized) for the permit year. Submit renewal paperwork at least 60 days before your permit expiration to avoid any gap in authorization. See the permit renewal guide for more on what renewal involves.

Getting the Federal Bird Permit for Colorado

Colorado falls under USFWS Region 6 for migratory bird permit processing. After receiving your state permit, apply through the USFWS ePermits system at fws.gov/epermits using Form 3-200-10b. You'll need 100 documented hours of bird rehabilitation experience per bird category (songbirds, water birds, raptors are evaluated separately), facility photos and diagrams, and a copy of your state permit. Federal processing typically takes 6–14 weeks. See the full federal permit guide.