Update to Texas vets

[Jyf115]

I thought I would give a current update for future people looking for information for the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas in regards to vets.

Apparently things have gotten very strict and places that used to see squirrels, do not anymore.

Summertree in Dallas does not without a rehab license.

The previous go to, Dr Jed Ford has retired from practice and is now a part of a consulting group that helps vets open offices.

Dr Susan Gwynn trained under Dr Jed Ford, but does not see squirrels without a license.

I was told by a vet today that Texas Avian was the target of a sting operation, and wildlife was unfortunately confiscated and euthanized by the state. I do not know when this happened.

I was able to get my squirrel seen with the help of a rehabber. I have donated money and medical supplies (I work in healthcare) to her previously. I explained the situation and since
1. My squirrel is old enough for a soft release (which is the plan as soon as she is well) and 2. The vet bills were likely to be very high ($641 to be exact) she agreed to call the vet office and let them know I would he bringing a squirrel for her. (This isn’t exactly a lie as she has a seizure disorder and is not allowed to drive right now because of her equilibrium- so had I in fact turned the squirrel over to her she still would have needed transport assistance).

So, long story short, I would not expect to find anywhere in DFW to see a squirrel without a rehabbing license.

[supersquirrelgirl]

As a n additional note, there is a TSB member looking for Vet help for several months and has not been successful. The statement need to have License Rehabber make appointment has been repeated over and over again.

Things are getting strict. (In CA, there basically no hope for a Vet.)

[island rehabber]

This is so disturbing. If only there were more licensed rehabbers, but people see that rehabbers are overwhelmed and frazzled and they don't want to do it. Of course, they are overwhelmed and frazzled because there are SO FEW OF THEM. Same thing with wildlife veterinarians.

Vicious circle...

[supersquirrelgirl]

Exactly! In Northern CA, we are seeing more and more Rehabbers and Wildlife Centers that are running out of money so they accept less and less animals.

Federal funds being cut, passed down to State level, passed down to animal. This is a serious spiral down.

[Jyf115]

I had looked into it and specifically for Texas, a game warden is allowed to show up unannounced once every six months for inspections of your property and rehabbing space. I get that there are always going to be people that misuse and break the law, but that just seems a bit intrusive.

I’m not sure if other states have similar laws regarding rehabbing inspections.

Until I can purchase property with a dedicated workshop or space that keeps them from coming into my house, it will have to wait.

This is so disturbing. If only there were more licensed rehabbers, but people see that rehabbers are overwhelmed and frazzled and they don't want to do it. Of course, they are overwhelmed and frazzled because there are SO FEW OF THEM. Same thing with wildlife veterinarians.

Vicious circle...

[Garden71]

I had looked into it and specifically for Texas, a game warden is allowed to show up unannounced once every six months for inspections of your property and rehabbing space. I get that there are always going to be people that misuse and break the law, but that just seems a bit intrusive.

I’m not sure if other states have similar laws regarding rehabbing inspections.

Until I can purchase property with a dedicated workshop or space that keeps them from coming into my house, it will have to wait.

We are Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in Texas and it happened to us.
The neighbors didn't like what we were doing and lied and said we were "propagating breeding" wildlife.
We had animal control and the game warden in front of my house for hours.
My wife just started a new job and I was at.work so they were waiting for us to come home.
They finally left and the game warden came back to investigate and found nothing but the one squirrel wer we planning to release in a few weeks.
After that our info is off the internet and we do it by word of mouth.
It truly is a shame that we live with so many RATS!!!!!!

[JLM27]

Ya know, you don't have to live in Texas. My grandfather was born in Texas, left there at age 17 and never looked back. I was there once on a work assignment and couldn't wait to leave. The way Texas is treating women's health I am not at all surprised that wildlife is losing out too.