Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find these FAQs helpful. If you have a question that’s not in this list, please submit using the form.

Can I be there when an animal I rescued is released?

That is sometimes possible, but not always. When an animal is ready to be released we want to do it ASAP so that the animal is back in the wild and in its proper environment. We only have so much time and we are not always able to take the time to contact rescuers, many of whom would like to be present at release, and still do what is best for the animal: that is, a timely release.

Can I take care of wild animals in my home or keep them as a pet?

It is illegal for the public to care for wild animals or to keep them as pets. This is for the animal’s well being as well as your own. Pacific Wildlife Care is licensed to care for wildlife through California Department of Fish & Wildlife and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services.

There are several good reasons why only licensed organizations should care for wildlife. To fully understand what rehabilitation encompasses you can read Wildlife Rehabilitation: Is It For You? (PDF).

I left a message on PWC’s Hotline but no one called me back.

Pacific Wildlife Care’s Hotline is manned by volunteers from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, including holidays. However, there are times when no volunteer is available and at those times you will be leaving a message for the next available volunteer. Please be patient and know that we are doing our very best to answer each call to the Hotline and to help each caller by answering questions, giving advice, and directing, as needed, our Rescue/Transport volunteers to the animal in need of care.

Can I visit the animal I brought in?

That is not possible. Part of the rehabilitation process demands that the animals in our care be kept in a quiet environment, minimizing human contact so they don’t become accustomed to interacting with humans. Although the care and feeding require some interaction, we keep that interaction to a minimum and do not allow visitors.

Also, PWC’s Rehabilitation Center operates under state and federal permits and must adhere to strict requirements pertaining to interaction between members of the public and the wildlife in our care.

Will the animal I brought in be OK?

That is difficult to say as each animal brought in is unique and is handled individually based on its condition upon arrival at Pacific Wildlife Care. There are some animals that are beyond help when they arrive. That’s tough for everyone, and for those cases the animal is treated humanely and will suffer less than they would have had they been left to their own devices in the wild. We offer the best chance an animal has for recovery by receiving care from a full-time veterinarian, rehabilitation technicians, and trained volunteers.

Will you release an animal back to where I found it?

As much as possible Pacific Wildlife Care will release an animal to, or near, the location where it was found. Releases are done for the benefit of the animal and if it is determined that another location would be more beneficial to the animal then we will use that location. We have a re-nesting team of volunteers that will sometimes return a nestling to the nest from which it fell, or to a near-by location, depending upon the bird species and other circumstances.

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