Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation
Chapter NR 19 - Miscellaneous Fur, Fish, Game And Outdoor Recreation
Subchapter II - Wildlife Rehabilitation
Section NR 19.77 - Facility standards

(a) If suspected of having an infectious disease, be quarantined in areas designated for that purpose.

(b) Be kept separated from human living quarters and activities.

(c) Have no contact with captive wildlife licensed under ch. 169, Stats., with the exception of other wildlife held under a rehabilitation license.

(d) Have no contact with the general public unless specifically authorized by the department for educational purposes.

(e) Be kept in enclosures at all times, and have contact with the licensee or designated volunteers only to the extent necessary to provide adequate care and treatment.

(f) Not be tamed, used as pets, held with domestic animals or habituated to humans.

(g) Be of compatible species when housed together, and not pose a threat to health or well-being of other wildlife in the same enclosure.

(h) Be raised with other wild animals of the same species held under the authority of a rehabilitation license whenever appropriate and possible, to ensure proper species orientation.

(a) Enclosures shall be structurally sound, of sufficient strength for species involved, and maintained in good repair to prevent escape or injury to wildlife being rehabilitated. All structures built after July 1, 2016 shall be in compliance with the Minimum Standards of the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council except that, if enclosures are structurally sound, of sufficient strength for species involved, and maintained in good repair to prevent escape or injury, the department may determine standards have been met which fulfill the requirements of this paragraph.

Note: National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council minimum standards for enclosures are available at http://dnr.wi.gov/ or upon request at DNR Service Centers, by writing the Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by calling 1-888-936-7463.

(b) Enclosures shall be constructed to allow sufficient space for individual posture and social movements, unless medical treatment necessitates restricted mobility.

(c) All outdoor wildlife enclosures shall have protective devices at entrances and exits to prevent escapes.

(d) Enclosures shall be secured when unattended.

(e) No exposed sharp objects, ponds with steeply sloped banks, toxic paints or sealants, poisonous vegetation or other hazardous items may be used in the construction of enclosures.

(f) Enclosures shall have visual barriers to restrict wildlife's view of humans, domestic animals, and other species being rehabilitated to reduce inappropriate imprinting, socialization, habituation or stress.

(a) Ambient temperatures shall be sufficient for species involved.

(b) Adequate ventilation by means of windows, doors, vents, fans or air conditioning shall be provided to protect wildlife health and to minimize drafts, odors and condensation.

(c) Adequate lighting shall be provided by artificial or natural means and cycled for appropriate photoperiod for species involved.

(d) Adequate shade, weatherproof shelters, nest boxes, perches and dens shall be provided to protect wildlife from inclement weather and direct sun.

(e) Wildlife being rehabilitated shall be gradually acclimated before being exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.

(a) Adequate feeding schedules shall be maintained for species involved unless medical treatment necessitates restricted food intake.

(b) All food shall be palatable, free of contamination, and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value.

(c) Wildlife's diets shall be supplemented with vitamins and minerals when necessary for species involved.

(d) Food receptacles shall be appropriately sized, easily accessible, kept sanitary and safe.

(a) Fresh uncontaminated water for drinking shall be provided at all times unless medical treatment necessitates restricted water intake.

(b) Water, separate from drinking water, shall be provided for species requiring bathing, swimming or misting unless medical treatment necessitates restricted water exposure.

(c) Water receptacles shall be appropriately sized, easily accessible, kept sanitary and safe.

(a) Removal and disposal of wildlife food wastes, feces and urine, bedding, carcasses, trash, garbage, and debris from the enclosure and premises shall be performed frequently to maintain sanitary conditions and protect wildlife and human health.

(b) Cages, rooms, hard surfaced pens, kennels, runs, equipment, and food and water receptacles shall be sanitized between each wildlife use to prevent disease transmission.

(c) Excess water shall be drained from enclosures and may not drain into neighboring enclosures.

(d) Wildlife in enclosures shall be protected from contact with cleaning activities and chemicals.