Access to appropriate veterinary care for injured and sick wildlife varies enormously, with significant welfare implications for animals that are found and rescued.
Wildlife casualties found by members of the public often receive delayed or inappropriate initial care. Time from injury to appropriate veterinary assessment is the most important determinant of recovery outcome. Voluntary first responders with basic training prevent suffering during transport. The lack of mandatory veterinary provision means wildlife welfare in the rescue-and-treatment pathway depends on the patchwork of volunteer organizations.