All information is required. Incomplete applications will be declined automatically by the system.

A Wildlife Rehabilitator is a person who is permitted by LDWF to engage in the practice of wildlife rehabilitation and subsequent release of the injured, orphaned, or sick animal.  

An LDWF Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit does not authorize the possession of
white-tail deer, bears, wild turkeys, or alligators.  Migratory birds species may only be rehabbed if an individual has both a state and federal US Fish and Wildlife Service rehabilition permit. Permits will not be issued for the private possession of wildlife as pets.

All facilities will be inspected in person by LDWF staff prior to the issuance of any permit.

The full text of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife Rehabilitation Program rules can be found in the following weblink starting on page 67:

https://doa.louisiana.gov/media/dw0asdgl/76.pdf 

Wildlife Rehabilitation Course

In order to become a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator, you must successfully complete an LDWF-approved wildlife rehabilitation course and any associated exam from your selected course.

LDWF-approved wildlife rehabilitation courses:

1) Wildlife Rehabilitation and Basic Skills Course

2) Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation offered by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)

     https://theiwrc.org/courses 

The IWRC offers in-person and online courses. Courses are generally offered six to eight times per calendar year.

The True Cost of Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitation can be very rewarding, however please remember it is also very expensive, time consuming, and can take an emotional toll on you and your family. To get a better understanding what true wildlife rehabilitation is, please read Wildlife Rehabilitation is it for you? by Wild Again Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc.  https://www.ewildagain.org/wildlife-rehabilitation-overview 

LDWF provides permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators with no financial assistance or animal related assistance such as transportation, medical care, caging, and or food. The estimated costs associated with rehabilitation varies by species, age, and animal health status.

Example rehabilitation cost estimates relative to a single animal of the following species are: Bobcat $2,500.00, Fox $2,000.00, Opossum $400.00, Rabbit $150.00, Raccoon $1000.00, Skunk $700.00, Squirrel $300.00. The above cost examples are simply the cost of providing an adequate diet the animal during the rehabilitation period. Additional cost include proper caging, veterinary care, medication, enrichment, among others. There are numerous sources available online to aid you in determining the cost of wildlife rehabilitation.

Before you proceed with this endeavor, we highly recommend that you conduct thorough research and connect with a LDWF Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator.

A list of LDWF-permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators is available on the LDWF website at: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/permitted-wildlife-rehabilitators   

To Apply:

Before applying you must meet all permit requirements and conditions including being in possession of a certificatethat indicates your successful completion of an LDWF-approved Wildlife Rehabilitation Course.

Incomplete applications will be denied by the system.            

For more information, contact the LDWF Wildlife Permits Office at wildlifepermits@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-2975

 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commercial License Disclosure

If applying for a resident license/permit for an individual:
I qualify for resident licensing rates having complied with all of the residency certification requirements as I hereby attest to the accuracy of the following statements:
1) I have resided in Louisiana continuously for at least the past twelve months
2) I am registered to vote in Louisiana, or I am not registered to vote anywhere
3) I am in possession of a valid Louisiana driver’s license, or I am not licensed to drive anywhere
4) I am in possession of Louisiana registration for all vehicles I own within Louisiana, or I do not own any motor vehicles within Louisiana
5) I have filed a Louisiana state income tax return and complied with state income tax laws and regulations, or I did not earn an income.

If applying for a resident license for a business:
I certify that the corporation or other legal entity for which I am obtaining a license/permit is qualified for resident rates as it is incorporated or otherwise organized under
and subject to the laws of Louisiana, and is domiciled in Louisiana and has a permanent physical location of business in Louisiana where records are held in compliance
with R.S. 56:306.4.
I understand that:
− If the proof shows that a license/permit has been obtained by fraud or subterfuge, the vessels and equipment used under this license/permit shall be forfeited.
− The privileges granted by the license/permit are subject to change, termination, or modification before its expiration date, which may occur as a result of
legislative action, changes in Commission or Department rules, regulations, or license/permit conditions.
− It is my responsibility to obey all applicable laws and license/permit conditions and to apprise myself of any change to laws, regulations, or license/permit
conditions.
− This license may be modified, canceled, or revoked prior to its expiration as a result of changes in, or violations of laws, regulations, or the terms and
conditions of the license/permit itself.
− It is my responsibility to verify the accuracy of the license/permit issued from this application and immediately notify the Commercial License Section of the
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries of any errors contained therein.
− This application may take up to four weeks for processing if applied for by mail and that I am not legal to begin operation without the required original
license/permits(s) in my possession.
− I must be present when my “nontransferable” license/permit is in use and I am responsible for having all other required license/permits(s), including the
appropriate gear license(s) and vessel license(s) as applicable, except when a nontransferable license/permit is issued in a business name, any employee of that
company may operate under authority of the license at the location for which the license/permit was issued.
By signature below, applicant attests to the accuracy of the information contained in this application, including residency certification and acknowledgement of
responsibility for an understanding of the conditions and requirements on this application. I certify that the information provided herein is true and correct and I
authorize the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to contact the Department of Revenue for Income Tax verification purposes as it relates to the 12 month
residency requirement set forth in LA R.S. 56:8(16)(a). I further understand that providing any false information subjects me to criminal violations.