Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Inspection Checklist
This comprehensive wildlife rehabilitation facility inspection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with USFWS, State Wildlife Agency, NWRA, IWRC, USDA APHIS. Quarterly inspection of permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities covering housing standards, species segregation, medical protocols, release criteria, and regulatory compliance per NWRA standards and state wildlife agency licensing requirements. Wildlife rehabilitation facilities treat thousands of injured and orphaned animals annua
- Industry: Veterinary & Animal Care
- Frequency: Daily / Per Procedure
- Estimated Time: 40 minutes
- Role: Veterinarian / Clinic Manager / Animal Care Lead
- Total Items: 18
- Compliance: USFWS, State Wildlife Agency, NWRA, IWRC, USDA APHIS
Permits and Regulatory Compliance
Verify current permits per state and federal requirements.
- Is facility in possession of current state wildlife rehabilitation permit covering all species being treated?
- Is USFWS Migratory Bird Treaty Act permit current for treatment of migratory birds?
- Is Bald and Golden Eagle Act permit in place if eagles are treated at facility?
- Are all wildlife handling volunteers trained and supervised per permit conditions?
- Are intake and disposition records maintained per permit requirements showing species, source, outcome?
Housing and Care Standards
Verify housing per NWRA minimum standards.
- Does housing provide adequate space for species at current developmental stage per NWRA standards?
- Are animals housed to minimize human imprinting (limited handling, visual screens, wild conspecifics where possible)?
- Are predator and prey species housed in separate areas preventing stress from sight, sound, or smell?
- Are species-appropriate diets provided with appropriate prey items for carnivores per release preparation?
- Is pre-release flight or exercise area available for conditioning animals before release?
Medical Protocols and Veterinary Oversight
Verify veterinary oversight per NWRA standards.
- Is a licensed veterinarian providing oversight per permit conditions and available for consultation?
- Is written triage and euthanasia protocol in place for animals with non-survivable injuries?
- Are analgesics and sedatives provided per veterinary prescription and recorded per DEA requirements?
- Is protocol in place for exposure risk animals (bats, raccoons, foxes) and submission for rabies testing?
Release Criteria and Success Monitoring
Verify release standards per NWRA release criteria.
- Are written species-specific release criteria established confirming animals are wild-viable before release?
- Is soft release or release site preparation used for long-term patients to maximize survival?
- Are animals released in appropriate habitat with appropriate seasonal timing?
- Are outcome data (release, died in care, euthanized) tracked and reported to state agency per permit?
Related Veterinary Animal Care Checklists
- Animal Feed and Nutrition Compliance Inspection Checklist
- High-Volume Spay-Neuter Clinic Safety and Quality Checklist
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Biosafety Checklist
- Equine Farriery and Hoof Care Safety Checklist
Why Use This Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Inspection Checklist?
This wildlife rehabilitation facility inspection checklist helps veterinary & animal care teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian / clinic manager / animal care lead professionals, this checklist covers 18 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / per procedure.
Ensures compliance with USFWS, State Wildlife Agency, NWRA, IWRC, USDA APHIS. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 18 inspection items across 4 sections: Permits and Regulatory Compliance, Housing and Care Standards, Medical Protocols and Veterinary Oversight, Release Criteria and Success Monitoring. It is designed for veterinary & animal care operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily / per procedure. Each completion takes approximately 40 minutes.
Who should use this Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Veterinarian / Clinic Manager / Animal Care Lead professionals in the veterinary & animal care industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.