Treating Wild Animal Species or Their Hybrids

Ensuring that the animal receives appropriate care is crucial and is dependent upon your expertise. While the Wildlife Decision Tree serves as a guide for practices to assist them in navigating the regulatory, administrative, and other complexities associated with treating wildlife species or their hybrids, it does not attempt to address the seemingly infinite range of species or presentations that the veterinary community may see nor the treatments and care associated with them. Basically, the chart helps your practice take care of the issues peripheral to the animal so that you can focus on treating the animal appropriately.

If at any time, questions arise or the animal or its condition become more than you are prepared to manage, reach out to your state wildlife management agency and your local wildlife referral veterinary clinic or licensed wildlife rehabilitators immediately. They may be able to address your questions so that you can continue, or you may determine the animal needs to be transferred.

As you treat the animal, below are a few things to consider:

• Minimize the animal's distress
• Utilize appropriate safety precautions
• If needed and not already done, contact the appropriate authorities with oversight of the species
• Ensure all records and documentation are accurate and complete