Wildlife

Wildlife Hospitals and Veterinary Care

Wildlife hospitals provide specialised veterinary care for injured and sick wild animals, with welfare standards and outcomes varying widely.

Key Facts

The RSPCA's wildlife centres treat over 60,000 animals annually
Specialist wildlife hospitals have higher survival and release rates than general veterinary practices
Many common wildlife casualties including hedgehogs and bats require specific care protocols
Stress from handling and captivity can cause secondary health problems in wildlife patients
Decisions about rehabilitation versus euthanasia require species-specific welfare assessment

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife hospitals provide an important welfare safety net for injured wild animals but quality and outcomes vary significantly. Specialist centres with appropriate facilities, species expertise, and low-stress handling protocols achieve better welfare outcomes than non-specialist settings. Access to specialist wildlife veterinary care remains limited in many areas, creating welfare gaps for injured animals.

What You Can Do

Know which wildlife hospital serves your local area before you encounter an injured animal
Support wildlife hospitals with donations and volunteering
Advocate for better access to specialist wildlife veterinary care
Support training programs for wildlife carers in species-specific welfare
Donate to Wildlife Vets International and similar organisations supporting global wildlife care