NR 19.73(3)(a)1m.
1m. Submit a completed license application form that describes prior wildlife rehabilitation experience to the department.
NR 19.73(3)(a)2.
2. Possess a signed consulting veterinarian form stating a veterinarian, licensed to practice in Wisconsin or licensee's state of residence, is willing to consult and assist with care and treatment of wildlife being rehabilitated.
NR 19.73(3)(a)3.
3. Allow an inspection of facilities to assure that the applicant's facilities meet the requirements of s.
NR 19.77.
NR 19.73(3)(b)
(b)
Restrictions. Advanced licensees may not possess any of the following:
NR 19.73(3)(b)2.
2. Federal migratory birds or federal or state endangered or threatened species unless authorized by the appropriate federal permit and state approval added to the licensee's rehabilitation license.
NR 19.73(3)(c)
(c)
Euthanasia. Euthanasia may be performed by the advanced licensee or consulting veterinarian.
NR 19.73 Note
Note: Injectable euthanasia requires a controlled substances special use authorization (SUA). Reference the State of Wisconsin Controlled Substances Board information.
NR 19.73(3)(d)
(d)
Volunteers. Volunteers may assist advanced licensees with the rehabilitation of wildlife if all of the following requirements are met:
NR 19.73(3)(d)1.
1. All volunteer information including name, address, and telephone number has been provided to the department by the licensee.
NR 19.73(3)(d)2.
2. The department is notified quarterly, by the licensee, of any changes to the licensee's list of volunteers and any changes in contact information of their volunteers.
NR 19.73(3)(d)3.
3. Volunteers only provide basic care to species identified on the advanced license.
NR 19.73(3)(d)4.
4. Volunteers only operate at the facility of the licensee and under the direct or indirect supervision of the advanced licensee.
NR 19.73(3)(d)5.
5. Licensees accept responsibility for the actions and activities of volunteers and shall be responsible for any violations by volunteers in violation of this chapter or ch.
169 Stats.
NR 19.73(3)(e)
(e)
Subpermittees. Subpermittees may be authorized to assist with the rehabilitation of wildlife in a limited capacity under the authority of an advanced licensee's license and subject to the restrictions of basic licensees under sub.
(2) if all of the following requirements are met:
NR 19.73(3)(e)1.
1. Subpermittees may only admit animals directly from the advanced licensee.
NR 19.73(3)(e)2.
2. No subpermittee may perform euthanasia or advanced medical treatments or procedures.
NR 19.73(3)(e)3.
3. All subpermittee information including name, address, and telephone number has been provided to the department.
NR 19.73(3)(e)4.
4. Advanced licensees notify the department quarterly of any changes to their lists of subpermittees and any changes in contact information of their subpermittees.
NR 19.73(3)(e)5.
5. Subpermittees are listed on all of the advanced licensee's permits and licenses by the species for which the subpermittees provide rehabilitation care.
NR 19.73(3)(e)6.
6. Subpermittees operating at a location other than the advanced licensee's facility retain a copy of the advanced licensee's license, which shall be provided to a department agent upon request.
NR 19.73(3)(e)7.
7. Advanced licensees accept responsibility for the actions and activities of their subpermittees and shall be responsible for any violations incurred of this subchapter or ch.
169, Stats.
NR 19.73(3)(e)8.
8. Advanced licensees that utilize subpermittees who operate at a location other than the advanced licensee's facility shall be responsible for establishing that subpermittees' facilities meet the standards established in s.
NR 19.77.
NR 19.73(3)(e)9.
9. Subpermittees operating at locations other than the advanced licensee's facility submit, to both the advanced licensee and the department, caging reports and pictures of every rehabilitation pen and enclosure at their locations.
NR 19.73(3)(e)10.
10. Subpermittees who operate at a location other than the advanced licensee's facility are located no more than 60 miles from the main facility of the advanced licensee.
NR 19.73 History
History: CR 03-029: cr.
Register December 2003 No. 576, eff. 1-1-04;
CR 08-021: am. (3) (a) (intro.), r. (3) (e)
Register November 2008 No. 635, eff. 12-1-08;
CR 09-024: renum. (3) (a) 4. to be (3) (a) 3.
Register May 2010 No. 653, eff. 6-1-10;
CR 15-054: cr. (1) (d), (e), (2) (a) 1m., r. and recr. (2) (d), cr. (2) (e), cr. (3) (a) 1m., 2m., r. and recr. (3) (d), cr. (3) (e)
Register July 2018 No. 751, eff. 8-1-18; correction in (3) (e) 6. made under s.
35.17, Stats.,
Register July 2018 No. 751;
CR 19-146: am. (1) (e) 1., (2) (b) 1., (3) (b) 2.
Register June 2020 No. 774, eff. 7-1-20.
NR 19.74(1)(1)
General. A person desiring to rehabilitate wildlife in Wisconsin shall submit all of the following information required by the department on an application form supplied by the department:
NR 19.74(1)(a)
(a) A signed consulting veterinarian agreement from a veterinarian who is willing to consult with the applicant and assist the applicant with care and treatment of wild animals being rehabilitated and who is in compliance with the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994.
NR 19.74(1)(b)
(b) For basic licenses, a signed sponsorship agreement from an advanced licensee who has agreed to sponsor the basic applicant.
NR 19.74(1)(c)
(c) For an advanced license applicant, a signed evaluation form from the advanced sponsor and consulting veterinarian which indicates compliance with s.
NR 19.73 (3).
NR 19.74(1)(d)
(d) Certification that the applicant has read and understands this subchapter and the code of ethics and that the applicant agrees to comply with all provisions of this subchapter and the code of ethics.
NR 19.74(1)(e)
(e) Written assurance from the applicant that the facility is in compliance with local ordinances and zoning regulations.
NR 19.74(2)
(2)
Outstate. The department may issue the appropriate rehabilitation license to an individual possessing a valid rehabilitators license or permit from another state or province, provided that the minimum requirements of the basic or advanced rehabilitators licenses described in this subchapter are met. Applicants shall satisfy all of the following criteria:
NR 19.74(2)(b)
(b) Possess a signed consulting veterinarian agreement from a veterinarian who is willing to consult with the applicant and assist the applicant with care and treatment of wildlife being rehabilitated.
NR 19.74(2)(c)
(c) Possess a signed letter of recommendation from a consulting veterinarian and a currently licensed rehabilitator, previous or current sponsor, current employer, or other individual which indicates compliance with s.
NR 19.73 (2) or
(3). A letter of recommendation shall include and reference specific training and experiences comparable to information on a basic level evaluation form.
NR 19.74(2)(d)
(d) Sign a certification that the applicant has read and understands this subchapter and that the applicant agrees to comply with all provisions of this subchapter.
NR 19.74(2)(e)
(e) Allow an inspection of facilities to assure that the applicant's facilities meet the requirements of s.
NR 19.77.
NR 19.74(3)
(3)
License renewal. An applicant for renewal of any rehabilitation license shall submit proof of having obtained at least one continuing education credit during the preceding license period. Qualifying continuing education credits are:
NR 19.74(3)(a)
(a) National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, or Wisconsin Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association workshops, classes, or conferences.
NR 19.74(3)(b)
(b) Participation in a research project, coursework, specialized rehabilitation care, or other activities, workshops, classes, or conferences which have been approved by the department.
NR 19.74 Note
Note: Wildlife rehabilitation application, evaluation form, sponsorship agreement, veterinary agreements, and the code of ethics will be available at
http://dnr.wi.gov/ or upon request at DNR Service Centers, by writing the Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by calling 1-888-936-7463.
NR 19.74 History
History: CR 03-029: cr.
Register December 2003 No. 576, eff. 1-1-04;
CR 15-054: am. (1) (a), (b), (d), cr. (1) (e), renum. (2) to (2) (intro.) and am., cr. (2) (a) to (e), (3)
Register July 2018 No. 751, eff. 8-1-18; (1) (title) and (2) (title) created under s.
13.92 (4) (b) 2., Stats.,
Register July 2018 No. 751.
NR 19.75(1)(1)
A person desiring a basic or an advanced license to rehabilitate wildlife in Wisconsin shall take a written examination, provided and administered by the department, and score 80% or greater.
NR 19.75(2)
(2) The examination shall be prepared or recommended by the wildlife rehabilitation advisory council, subject to the approval of the department, and administered by a representative of the department.
NR 19.75(3)
(3) An applicant failing to correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on the examination described in this section may not be issued a license but may repeat the exam 30 days after the examination was completed.
NR 19.75(4)
(4) The department shall provide an examination study guide and other information regarding wildlife rehabilitation to each applicant upon request.
NR 19.75 Note
Note: The wildlife rehabilitation study guide will be available at
http://dnr.wi.gov/ or upon request at DNR Service Centers, by writing the Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by calling 1-888-936-7463.
NR 19.75 History
History: CR 03-029: cr.
Register December 2003 No. 576, eff. 1-1-04;
CR 15-054: am. (1), (2)
Register July 2018 No. 751, eff. 8-1-18.
NR 19.76(1)(1)
By accepting a license under this section a licensee consents to the facility inspection requirements established in s.
169.37, Stats., by the department and its agents.
NR 19.76(2)
(2) An applicant for a license under this section shall allow inspection of the applicant's facilities.
NR 19.76(2m)
(2m) Before an inspection, the applicant must complete and submit to the department a caging report which includes pictures of each cage or enclosure at the applicant's facility.
NR 19.76 Note
Note: Wildlife rehabilitation caging report is available at
http://dnr.wi.gov/ or upon request at DNR Service Centers, by writing the Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by calling 1-888-936-7463.
NR 19.76(3)
(3) Following an inspection, the department may do any of the following:
NR 19.76(3)(a)
(a) Remove any wildlife if it is in the best interest of the animals until the facility complies with the standards established in s.
NR 19.77.
NR 19.76(3)(b)
(b) Deny the licensee or applicant the privilege to rehabilitate certain species until licensee or applicant can prove that the rehabilitation facilities are in compliance with this subchapter.
NR 19.76(3)(c)
(c) Suspend a rehabilitation license for 30 days to allow a licensee's facilities to be brought into compliance.
NR 19.76(3)(d)
(d) Allow a licensee under this subchapter a specified period of time to comply with s.
NR 19.77 without revocation or suspension of license privileges designated in this subchapter.
NR 19.77(1)(1)
General operating standards. Prior to engaging in wildlife rehabilitation activities, protocols for disease prevention and transmission, euthanasia, pharmaceutical use, pest control, carcass and biological waste disposal and adequate veterinary care shall be established by the licensee and reviewed and signed by licensee's consulting veterinarian. Wildlife being rehabilitated shall be subject to all of the following conditions:
NR 19.77(1)(a)
(a) If suspected of having an infectious disease, be quarantined in areas designated for that purpose.
NR 19.77(1)(b)
(b) Be kept separated from human living quarters and activities.
NR 19.77(1)(c)
(c) Have no contact with captive wildlife licensed under ch.
169, Stats., with the exception of other wildlife held under a rehabilitation license.
NR 19.77(1)(d)
(d) Have no contact with the general public unless specifically authorized by the department for educational purposes.
NR 19.77(1)(e)
(e) Be kept in enclosures at all times, and have contact with the licensee or designated volunteers only to the extent necessary to provide adequate care and treatment.
NR 19.77(1)(f)
(f) Not be tamed, used as pets, held with domestic animals or habituated to humans.
NR 19.77(1)(g)
(g) Be of compatible species when housed together, and not pose a threat to health or well-being of other wildlife in the same enclosure.
NR 19.77(1)(h)
(h) Be raised with other wild animals of the same species held under the authority of a rehabilitation license whenever appropriate and possible, to ensure proper species orientation.
NR 19.77(2)(a)(a) Enclosures shall be structurally sound, of sufficient strength for species involved, and maintained in good repair to prevent escape or injury to wildlife being rehabilitated. All structures built after July 1, 2016 shall be in compliance with the Minimum Standards of the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council except that, if enclosures are structurally sound, of sufficient strength for species involved, and maintained in good repair to prevent escape or injury, the department may determine standards have been met which fulfill the requirements of this paragraph.
NR 19.77 Note
Note: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council minimum standards for enclosures are available at
http://dnr.wi.gov/ or upon request at DNR Service Centers, by writing the Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by calling 1-888-936-7463.
NR 19.77(2)(b)
(b) Enclosures shall be constructed to allow sufficient space for individual posture and social movements, unless medical treatment necessitates restricted mobility.
NR 19.77(2)(c)
(c) All outdoor wildlife enclosures shall have protective devices at entrances and exits to prevent escapes.
NR 19.77(2)(e)
(e) No exposed sharp objects, ponds with steeply sloped banks, toxic paints or sealants, poisonous vegetation or other hazardous items may be used in the construction of enclosures.
NR 19.77(2)(f)
(f) Enclosures shall have visual barriers to restrict wildlife's view of humans, domestic animals, and other species being rehabilitated to reduce inappropriate imprinting, socialization, habituation or stress.
NR 19.77(3)(a)
(a) Ambient temperatures shall be sufficient for species involved.
NR 19.77(3)(b)
(b) Adequate ventilation by means of windows, doors, vents, fans or air conditioning shall be provided to protect wildlife health and to minimize drafts, odors and condensation.
NR 19.77(3)(c)
(c) Adequate lighting shall be provided by artificial or natural means and cycled for appropriate photoperiod for species involved.
NR 19.77(3)(d)
(d) Adequate shade, weatherproof shelters, nest boxes, perches and dens shall be provided to protect wildlife from inclement weather and direct sun.
NR 19.77(3)(e)
(e) Wildlife being rehabilitated shall be gradually acclimated before being exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.
NR 19.77(4)(a)
(a) Adequate feeding schedules shall be maintained for species involved unless medical treatment necessitates restricted food intake.
