A wildlife
rehabilitator should strive to achieve high standards of
animal care through knowledge and an understanding of the
field. Continuing efforts must be made to keep informed of
current rehabilitation information, methods, and regulations.
A wildlife rehabilitator should be responsible, conscientious,
and dedicated, and should continuously work toward improving
the quality of care given to wild animals undergoing
rehabilitation.
A wildlife rehabilitator must abide by local, state,
provincial and federal laws concerning wildlife, wildlife
rehabilitation and associated activities.
A wildlife rehabilitator should establish safe work habits and
conditions, abiding by current health and safety practices at
all times.
A wildlife rehabilitator should acknowledge limitations and
enlist the assistance of a veterinarian or other trained
professional when appropriate.
A wildlife rehabilitator should respect other rehabilitators
and persons in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in
the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of animals.
A wildlife rehabilitator should place optimum animal care
above personal gain.
A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to provide professional
and humane care in all phases of wildlife rehabilitation,
respecting the wildness and maintaining the dignity of each
animal in life and in death. Releasable animals should be
maintained in a wild condition and released as soon as
appropriate. Non-releasable animals which are inappropriate
for education, foster-parenting, or captive breeding have a
right to euthanasia.
A wildlife rehabilitator should encourage community support
and involvement through volunteer training and public
education. The common goal should be to promote a responsible
concern for living beings and the welfare of the environment.
A wildlife rehabilitator should work on the basis of sound
ecological principles, incorporating appropriate conservation
ethics and an attitude of stewardship.
A wildlife rehabilitator should conduct all business and
activities in a professional manner, with honesty, integrity,
compassion, and commitment, realizing that an individual's
conduct reflects on the entire field of wildlife
rehabilitation.
From Minimum Standards for Wildlife
Rehabilitation, 3rd Edition.
Copyright 2000 NWRA & IWRC
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