Hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation is a growing citizen wildlife welfare activity, but standards vary enormously and welfare during the rehabilitation period requires specific knowledge and commitment.
Hedgehog rehabilitation welfare encompasses both the care provided during the rescue period and the welfare of the released animal in its new environment. Incorrect warming of hypothermic hedgehogs causes burns; inadequate nutritional support during rehabilitation results in weight loss; inappropriate release sites mean the animal faces the same hazards that caused its rescue. Wildlife rehabilitators provide an essential welfare service, but consistent training and standards are needed to ensure rehabilitation genuinely improves individual hedgehog welfare rather than causing additional harm through well-intentioned but mismanaged care.