Note:

1) we can NOT take in any wildlife from out of state. We can ONLY take wildlife found IN VA.

2) Before you ask for a rehabber to help with a fawn, read this information: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases

Link to VA's Dept of Game and Inland Fishery Help:

Rehabbers by county/city:

https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/injured/rehabilitators

Species advice:

https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife

Did you know? It's illegal to keep wildlife in VA without a wildlife rehabilitator's permit and proper training!

If you found a wild animal that you think needs help:

#1: make sure the animal really needs help.

See these handy guides to determine:

Wildlife Rescue Guide.pdf

#2: Make sure you are not putting yourself in danger.

#3: Take precautions to avoid being bitten and to avoid direct contact with the animal.

If you have gloves, wear them; or use a towel as a barrier between you and the animal. If you are bitten, call the Health Dept right away to report it!

#4: Place the animal in a box with a tight-fitting lid. (But make sure they can breathe.) Use some old fleece or shredded newspaper or even an old towel, so the animal can hide and feel safe. Don’t worry about bringing any nesting materials. Sometimes the nest contains fleas or lice.

#5: Keep the animal warm if it’s a baby. You can make a simple warming device by filling an old, clean sock about 3/4 full with regular store-bought rice (tie it off at the end) and microwave it until warm. Wrap the warmed rice sock in an old towel. Lay the baby near it, but be sure it’s not hot enough to burn. Or, if at home, place a heating pad ON LOW ONLY under HALF of the box (this gives the animal a cool place to move to if it gets too warm).

#6: Do NOT offer the animal food or water! Why? Because the animal is in a state of distress and it probably won’t eat or drink (if you were in an ambulance on your way to the hospital, would you want a cheeseburger?). Secondly, if it IS dehydrated, it needs an ISOTONIC re-hydration solution.

#7: Keep the animal in a quiet, safe place and resist the temptation to peek at it. Do NOT “show and tell” with children, neighbors, etc! This stresses the animal – and stress KILLS!

#8: Call a rehabber for help ASAP. Keep in mind, that rehabbers usually specialize in certain animals. They may need to give you another number to call for the species you are trying to help. Check the internet to find rehabbers closest to you. We are available to help you if you are in the northern Shenandoah Valley of VA and if you have a small mammal that needs help. We don't work with birds.

You can reach Valley Wildlife Care rehabbers at:

540-869-9524 in Middletown, VA

540-465-5315 in Star Tannery, VA