LICENSING INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE REHABILITATORS
The number of active wildlife rehabilitators in NH has dwindled to just a handful in 2026, and the decline is due primarily to the inability of prospective rehabilitors to get the required experience to become licensed by New Hampshire’s Fish and Game Department. The department’s current requirement is 200 hours of direct, hands-on work with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. This is a daunting requirement!
However, we have some very good news! We have talked with NH Fish and Game and outlined several new, alternative ways that prospective wildlife rehabbers can get the required licensing experience. Fish and Game has shown a willingness to allow for flexibility, and now there are two new ways to accrue hours toward the licensing requirement: a much wider range of hands-on experiences; and in-person or online classroom experiences.
Wide Range of Hands-on Experiences
Hands-on experiences eligible toward the licensing requirement include:
- Hands-on experience with a Class II wildlife rehabilitator
- Hands-on experience at an animal shelter with feral cats or companion exotic pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, domestic birds)
- Hands-on experience at an animal hospital learning how to provide fluids, remove parasites, and basic animal behavior and handling skills
- Hands-on workshops such as our previous, and upcoming, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council’s (IWRC) workshops
The total number of hands-on learning hours must be at least 140 hours, with a maximum number of hours by category.
In-Person or Remote Classroom Experiences
Classroom experiences eligible toward the licensing requirement include:
- in-person classes, and/or
- remote classes
Classroom learning may account for up to 60 hours toward your rehabilitator licensing requirement.
Below is an example chart you may use as you are accumulating required hours for licensure.
Here’s a detailed example to illustrate how the licensing hours may accumulate to the required number.
Tips to help you reach your required hours
Reach out to your local animal shelter and appeal to their love of animals. Offer to fold laundry or clean cages in exchange for experience handling and caring for cats and/or domestic exotic pets. The best path for you to gain animal hospital experience is to ask the veterinarian that knows you through your pet. Reach out to them, explain what you’re looking for, and see if they are willing to do their part in helping New Hampshire’s wildlife.
The IWRC Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation workshop we presented can account for 12 hours of classroom and 3 hours of hands-on experience. In addition to the IWRC Foundations workshop, we have provided a list accounting for up to 55 hours on our Educational Opportunities page.
We are working on scheduling a second NH-based IWRC Foundations workshop; stay tuned as we hope to publish the dates soon.
This alternative path is the best news we’ve had in a while. Connect with each other and let them, and us, know what is and isn’t working as you attempt to gather this experience.