Wildlife Diversity Permits: Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits
Permits are issued to individuals for rehabilitation of orphaned and injured wildlife. Rehabilitators work closely with veterinarians toward the ultimate goal of releasing the animal back into the wild. Facilities are inspected prior to permit issuance. TPWD does not grant any money for wildlife rehabilitation. There is no fee for the permit but you are required to pay for food, medication, housing, and other costs associated with treating an animal. It is not legal to propagate, sell or hold protected wildlife for public display under a rehabilitation permit, unless authorized by special provision. Annual reporting requirements apply. A permit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is also required if you wish to rehabilitate birds.
- General facility standards | PDF
- Notice regarding access to wildlife rehabilitation customer information | PDF
- Statewide wild animal transport restrictions
- Texas Administrative Code Regulations for Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits Overview | PDF
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit sub-permittee request | PDF
- Wildlife rehabilitator website change request | PDF
- Wildlife rehabilitation authorization for release | PDF
- Wildlife rehabilitation application | Word
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit annual report | Word
How to Contact Wildlife Rehabilitators in Texas
Bird Permits: Migratory Birds
If you plan to apply for a permit that includes the authority to handle migratory birds (rehabilitation, educational display of birds, or scientific collecting of migratory bird species), you will also be required to apply for a federal permit. Applications and further information can be found at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permits.