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Code of Ethics
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A Wildlife Rehabilitator's Code
of Ethics
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. A wildlife rehabilitator must abide by local,
state, provincial and federal laws concerning
wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, and associated
activities.
4. A wildlife rehabilitator should
establish safe work habits and conditions, abiding
by current health and safety practices at all
times.
5. A wildlife rehabilitator should
acknowledge limitations and enlist the assistance
of a veterinarian or other trained professional
when appropriate.
6. 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 the animals.
7. A wildlife rehabilitator should
place optimum animal care above personal gain.
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8. 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.
9. 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.
10. A wildlife rehabilitator should on
the basis of sound ecological principles, incorporating
appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.
11. 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.
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From IWRA/NWRA Wildlife Rehabilitation
Minimum Standards and Accreditation Program
Copyright 1993 IWRC & NWRA
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The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
(NWRA) is a nonprofit, international membership organization
committed to promoting and improving the integrity and
professionalism of wildlife rehabilitation and contributing
to the preservation of natural ecosystems.
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