Find a Rehabber
If you called our hotline and were directed here, if you didn’t hear a rehabber listed for the species you need help with, or, if you’d just rather search online, you’re in the right place!
We don't simply connect every licensed rehabilitator in New York to our hotline: We only list rehabbers who have chosen to be part of this community resource. Additionally, they need to submit a form to be included, and we require a bit more information than the minimum state licensing standards - like a veterinary reference for new applicants - to help ensure you’re connected with reputable care. Because of this, we don’t have someone for every species in every county.
The good news? You still have options. Below are two statewide search tools and another regional hotline that can help:
1. NYSDEC Licensed Rehabilitator Search
Click here to access the NYSDEC "Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator Near You" tool
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This is the official government database of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in New York.
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We especially recommend using this search tool (or contacting the DEC's Special Licensing Unit in Albany) if you’re trying to find help for:
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Deer
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One of the three Rabies Vector Species (RVS): Raccoons, Bats, and Skunks
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Black Bear
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The above species require special permits, and there are very few licensees across the state who can accept them.
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⚠️ Please note: We’ve occasionally heard from the public that some of the information on the NYSDEC list may be outdated. If a number doesn’t work or a rehabber says they’re no longer active, try the next closest listing.
2. Animal Help Now
Click here to search via Animal Help Now's online app
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This nationwide directory can help connect you with wildlife rehabilitators, animal control agencies, and emergency wildlife services.
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Animal Help Now is especially helpful if:
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You listened to our hotline options and didn’t hear any rehabbers listed near your location
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You want a search tied to your exact address instead of based on county.
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3. North Country Wild Care Wildlife Hotline
📞 518-964-6740 northcountrywildcare.org
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From North Country Wild Care's website: "We are a nonprofit organization that formed to assist Wildlife Rehabilitators in the Schenectady, Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Albany, Rensselaer, Montgomery, Fulton and Essex Counties of New York."
A Quick Note About Transport
Many of the species that require more specialized care - such as deer, raccoons, federally protected birds, and predator mammals - have very limited options for placement. As the season progresses, it also becomes more likely that rehabbers near you may already be at full capacity for intakes. Because of this, there’s a good chance you may need to travel a couple hours to reach someone who can help. While some rehabbers have volunteer transport connections, many do not, so please be prepared to arrange transport yourself if needed.
We know this isn’t always easy, and at times, it can be genuinely frustrating. Truthfully, it’s frustrating for us too. But from a rehabber’s perspective, it’s deeply disheartening to be met with anger simply because we can’t drop everything to travel for a pickup - especially when we're already working overtime to care for our current wildlife patients. Please be kind.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to help, consider reaching out to a local wildlife rehabilitator to ask about volunteering as a transport driver. Even if you can only spare time for a two-hour round trip, that kind of support is incredibly valuable - especially during baby season, when many rehabbers are caring for animals that need feeding every two hours and simply can’t leave. Transport is one of the biggest unmet needs in wildlife rehabilitation, and lack of it is often the reason an animal doesn’t make it to care in time.