Who Regulates Wildlife Rehabilitation in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is the primary state authority for wildlife rehabilitation permits in Wisconsin. The agency issues permits for native wildlife rehabilitation and sets the standards for training, facility inspection, and ongoing compliance. Wisconsin has a strong network of licensed rehabilitators and a well-established state program. The Wisconsin Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (WWRA) actively supports new rehabilitators and offers training workshops throughout the year.

In addition to the state permit, rehabilitators who handle migratory birds in Wisconsin must also obtain a federal Migratory Bird Special Purpose Rehabilitation permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS Region 3). 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 Wisconsin, 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:

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

  1. Complete the Required Training

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) requires completion of a WDNR-approved training program or an equivalent course approved by the agency. This training covers wildlife handling, species-specific care, intake procedures, and Wisconsin regulations. Contact your state wildlife association or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 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. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 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 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)'s current published requirements for Wisconsin.

  3. Establish a Veterinary Relationship

    You'll need documentation that a licensed Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin applications. See tips for finding a sponsor and vet.

  4. Submit Your Application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)

    Submit your completed application along with your training certificate, facility documentation, veterinary letter, and any other required materials to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Application fee: None. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 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 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Wildlife rehabilitation permits in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin falls under USFWS Region 3 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.

In Wisconsin, as in all U.S. states, possessing native wildlife without a permit is illegal even with good intentions. The exception is the short-term transport provision — you can legally hold an injured animal for up to 24–48 hours for the sole purpose of transporting it to a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian. You cannot begin care, offer food, or keep the animal beyond that window. See our full guide on permit requirements.

White-tailed deer rehabilitation in Wisconsin requires authorization beyond the standard rehabilitation permit due to chronic wasting disease (CWD) management concerns and the challenges of releasing habituated deer. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) directly about current deer rehabilitation policy — this is one of the most actively managed restrictions and the specifics can change. In most states, individual home-based rehabilitators are not authorized for deer; it's primarily issued to established facilities with specific containment.

The NWRA and IWRC maintain searchable directories of member rehabilitators. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) can also provide a list of currently permitted rehabilitators in your region upon request. Your state wildlife rehabilitation association — search "Wisconsin wildlife rehabilitators association" — is another active resource for connecting with others in the community and finding mentors.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects publicly available Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) requirements and is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify current standards directly with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) before applying. This site does not provide legal advice.