To qualify as a home-based rehabber, there are numerous requirements that must be met since this activity is regulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
In order to become a home-based rehabber with TWRC, you must be at least 21 years of age, live in the Greater Houston Area and meet the following requirements:
1) Volunteer in our Animal Care Program (ACP) for a minimum of 30 hours. These hours must be earned within the 6-month period immediately preceding being sub-permitted and/or receiving animals. If you have questions regarding the Animal Care Program, please visit the “Contact Us” page on our website and select “Animal Care Program” under “Message Type”.
2) Complete the “Intro to Home-Based Rehab” presentation online.
3) Upgrade your membership to become a Rehabber Member of TWRC (an additional cost of $10) by visiting the “Renew Your Membership” page and selecting “Upgrade from Animal Care Program to Rehabber Membership + $10.00”. (Initial membership is $40.00)
4) Have an appropriate space for the care of animals. Young animals require quiet and isolation from pets, children, and other disturbances. Outdoor transition cages are 8’x8’x8’ wood and wire structures you place on your property semi-permanently.
5) Time! Anyone can help with home-based rehab, but time commitments vary. Transitioning animals to release typically takes less than an hour per day for minor cleaning and feeding but requires a few weeks of commitment before you release to the wild. Younger animals require several feedings per day, possible transport to medical appointments, and several weeks before they are ready to release.
6) Financial – Home-based rehabbers take on some of the burden of housing, feeding, and medicating animals in their care. TWRC offers the supplies at a significant discount and often has donated materials available to rehabbers first, but there is a monetary investment involved.
The reward for your hard work is the joy of seeing orphaned and injured wildlife return to the wild because of your help! You get to spend time with adorable baby squirrels, rabbits, opossums, and other species. You get to learn and be an ambassador for wildlife. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to assist local wildlife!