What can I do to help?
Tips for preventing "Human-made orphans":
- Keep your cats indoors.
- Keep your dogs well-attended.
- Check tree branches for nests before pruning.
- Check the grass and mulch for cottontail nests before mowing your lawn or gardening.
- Educate children to respect wild animals and to leave them alone.
- Install chimney caps to prevent animals from nesting in them or becoming trapped.
- If you have found a litter of healthy young wild animals, leave them where you found them and call our Wildlife Hotline for advice on what to do.
Becoming Involved
Currently, WRARI is made up of two veterinarians and 10 licensed rehabilitators within the state of Rhode Island. With the ever increasing number of injured or orphaned wild mammals and birds in need of our care, we can always use your help.
If You want to become a Wildlife Rehabilitator
First, you have to be 18 years or older to become a wildlife rehabilitator. IWRC offers a training course at the URI campus every year around October which you are required to pass in order to obtain a rehabilitator license. Please visit http://www.iwrc-online.org
for additional information.
You can also become a subpermittee and work under a licensed rehabilitator. Subpermittees are individuals who, after completing the required training, are permitted by the state to rear healthy, orphaned baby non-RVS mammals and birds to the point of weaning and prior to fledging, under the supervision of a licensed rehabilitator. Please contact the Wildlife Clinic of RI for additional information.
If You want to become a Member
Although we are governed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, we receive no funding from the state. WRARI is solely supported by donations, membership, fundraising and grants.
Please visit our membership page for more details.
If You want to make a Donation
In addition to monetary support, you can help by providing us with the necessary supplies to facilitate our work. Paper towels, cleaning supplies, cages, and pet carriers are always welcomed. Puppy and kitten milk replacers (Esbilac and KMR) are being used to raise our orphaned mammals. However, before you go to the local pet store to buy us a can of special milk replacer, give us a call. We usually order in bulk with a special rehabilitator discount. We can better utilize your money to help more animals in need.
Please visit our donation page for more details.
Our Wish List:
- Clear plastic terrariums with tops
- Fleece/flannel baby blankets
- Heating pads
- Canned Sardines in Water
- Red grapes/blueberries (Summer)
- Whole walnuts (in shells)
- Dawn dish detergent (Original)
- Cotton balls
- Paper towels
- Kleenex tissues
- Ziploc bags (quart, gallon and snack size)
- 55 gallon garbage bags
- Gift cards for grocery, pet store, Allies, CVS, office and building supply stores
Last, but not the least:
- New, state-of-the-art rehab and education facility
