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Thread: PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

  1. #1
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    Default PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

    Cuz it looks pretty freaking difficult!! And I am intimidated by the process.

    I currently live in SC where there's no real laws about squirrels, they're even allowed as pets. However, I am originally from PA and will most likely have to move back there within 10 years due to aging parents.

    Previously while in PA I did raise and release a few squirrels and other species. I ran the cattery for a large no kill shelter, did TNR and worked as a vet tech so people would occasionally bring in wildlife babies since there are no rehabs within a few hours drive of my location. I lived in the country and didn't tell anyone so it wasn't an issue, but now I raise maybe, 10-15 a year.

    When I looked at the requirements it included 400 hours as an intern with a wildlife sanctuary. That is 50 8 hour shifts and I would have to drive 4+ hours, apply for a mammal license, write a paper on why i want to do it, and a recommendation letter from a licensed rehabber and a vet(at least that part is easy!) include pics of enclosures and do required CE, at my own expense That's a LOT.

    But maybe it's not really such a big deal? Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill? How strict are PA game wardens? My main concern is that if caught they will euth the squirrels. My heart breaks just thinking about that.

    Anyone licensed in Pennsylvania, please give me the run down?
    Lake Gypsy
    Working with animals professionally for 30ish years
    Veterinary Technician for 10 years
    Focused on raising squirrels since 2015
    Live, Love, and Treehug

  2. #2
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    Default Re: PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

    Wow! It's been almost a year since this post and even though it's been read 500+ times, not a single response. Is it really that uncommon to be a rehabber in Pennsylvania? I'm even more intimidated now!

    Anyone out there currently, and legally raising and releasing babies?
    Lake Gypsy
    Working with animals professionally for 30ish years
    Veterinary Technician for 10 years
    Focused on raising squirrels since 2015
    Live, Love, and Treehug

  3. #3
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    Default Re: PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

    Varies by state but PA is a VERY difficult state to become licensed in. Lots of folks do small scale rehab under the table/not licensed but then getting vet access is very difficult and yes, DNR can confiscate/euthanize wildlife taken from unlicensed rehabbers. If you plan on regularly rehabbing large numbers of squirrels, your best would be to become licensed. Or if you want to help, you could volunteer at a local rehabber/wildlife clinic. Or, do it under the table but know about the risks.
    See my wild squirrel adventures in the thread "Squirtle's yard!":
    https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...quirtle-s-Yard!

    Loving dad to Sir Max, 2017-2018. There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.

    "Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right."
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  4. #4
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    Default Re: PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

    I'll take a different approach. With your credentials, it is abundantly clear that you are not merely imagining how "cool" it would be to be licensed, dabbling, or in it for "kicks." You are the real deal. there is simply no reason for you to be nervous about the process. It is what it is. Grab it as if it were the sheet music to your favorite song and sing your heart out as if you're in the shower with no one else in the house. Whatever you do, please do not allow bureaucracy or bureaucrats to keep you from your goals. They work for you. Find the office that coordinates the licensing, march in there with your head held high and with your eyes quietly on fire and tell them that you are there to be guided on the precise path to licensure. Accept only specifics, such as X background + X number of hours of apprenticeship + X must be the supervisor + X hours of field experience + X fees + X other = 6X. 6X = licensure. If they are unable to provide that information in a way that makes you confident that you have the whole story, ask for a supervisor and keep going until you get what you need.

    These are people, just like you, though I'd guess that some or all of them do not have the rich background that you have. Be nice, be polite, be firm and remember to give a genuine "Thank you." Get what you need to do the noble thing that is your goal. I look forward to seeing "Licensed Rehabber" after your signature!

    Jamie
    "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence

  5. #5
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    Default Re: PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

    PA and New Jersey are two of the most difficult States in which to get a wildlife rehab license.
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


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    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

  6. #6
    Milo's Mom's Avatar
    Milo's Mom is offline Permitted Pennsylvania Wildlife Rehabilitator
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    Default Re: PA rehabbers! How hard is it to become licensed in Pennsylvania???

    I'm licensed in PA. Not sure what you're reading with all those requirements...it's simply not accurate.
    Where are you located? I might be able to make a recommendation.
    Maybe you're close to me?! Sounds like maybe you're in a dead zone.
    Email me...info at acornacreswr dot com

    Top-quality custom cage gear, accessories, blankets, & toys.
    Boutique items are fun, unique, and anything but ordinary.

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