The Wildlife Treatment Center was established at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine to provide medical treatment and care for injured wildlife. Birds, turtles, squirrels and other injured creatures receive the most advanced care from our zoological medical specialists, along with ophthalmologists, radiologists, and surgeons and students. Once the animals have recovered, they are released to licensed rehabilitators or into their natural environment following strict guidelines set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
What animals do we treat?
The center accepts a variety of injured wildlife, EXCEPT venomous reptiles or animals which may be infected with rabies and are likely to bite people — raccoons, foxes, coyotes or skunks — or deer or other large animals. Although the center cannot accept uninjured orphaned young, the Department of Natural Resources (706.557.3035) can provide a list of wildlife rehabilitators.
What is the best way to handle injured animals?
If you find an injured animal, it is best to wear gloves and cover it with a towel before picking it up. Transport it by placing it in a covered, ventilated cardboard box. Be sure to call 706.542.3221 before bringing any animal to the hospital. If you find an uninjured orphaned animal, it is best to leave it be. Its parents are usually nearby waiting for you to leave so that they can care for their offspring.
Who pays for the medical care?
The teaching hospital spends thousand of dollars every year on the care and treatment of injured wildlife. People who bring in injured animals usually do not (or cannot) pay for the animal's treatment. The center receives no federal, state or local government funds to cover this expense.
How can you help?
Funding is dependent on the generosity of animal lovers like you who care enough to rescue wild animals. Our veterinarians and students who work in the center donate their time without compensation. Please help us with a donation to the Kate Grant Wildlife Fund.
