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Animal Rehabilitator

Animal Caretakers
Description
Rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife by providing specialized husbandry, medical support under veterinary supervision, and conditioning for release. Work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, sanctuaries, and veterinary facilities while adhering to permits, safety, and biosecurity standards. Maintain detailed records, sanitize and repair enclosures and equipment, and coordinate rescues, transfers, and releases.
  • • Conduct intake triage and stabilize injured or orphaned animals.
  • • Feed and hydrate animals per species-specific rehabilitation protocols.
  • • Hand-feed or tube-feed neonates and juveniles according to instructions.
  • • Examine and observe patients to detect illness, injury, pain, or distress.
  • • Provide treatments and first aid under veterinary direction; consult veterinarians as needed.
  • • Administer medications, fluids, and vaccinations as authorized.
  • • Mix formulas, diets, medications, and supplements according to prescriptions and species needs.
  • • Perform hygiene and wound care, including cleaning, bandage changes, and parasite control.
  • • Implement quarantine and biosecurity procedures to prevent disease transmission.
  • • Maintain and disinfect enclosures, incubators, brooders, and rehab equipment; do facility laundry.
  • • Adjust and monitor temperature, humidity, and lighting in nurseries and enclosures.
  • • Provide species-appropriate enrichment and conditioning to prepare animals for release.
  • • Minimize imprinting and habituation to humans during care and handling.
  • • Move animals through triage, quarantine, rehabilitation, and pre-release enclosures.
  • • Collect and record weights, body condition, treatments, medications, and food intake.
  • • Prepare case notes and reports; maintain permits and regulatory compliance records.
  • • Answer intake calls, advise finders on safe handling and transport, and coordinate rescues.
  • • Perform safe capture and transport of wildlife when appropriate.
  • • Order, receive, and store feed, medications, and supplies; maintain inventory.
  • • Maintain, install, and repair equipment such as incubators, feeding devices, and cages.
  • • Educate the public on wildlife behavior, conflict prevention, and when to intervene.
  • • Plan and conduct releases in suitable habitats in coordination with authorities; monitor outcomes when required.
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Source
Tasks & skills: O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge). Learn more
Sources & Standards: This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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