California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Although the leadership of CCWR strives to be a liaison between California wildlife rehabilitators and our governing agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), we have no authority regarding regulations or enforcement. We function in an advisory capacity, giving assistance and input where we can.
Important Updates for Wildlife Rehabilitators regarding the new Native Wildlife Rehabilitation 679 Regulations
The California Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, part of the Wildlife Health Laboratory within CDFW has concluded it’s plan to revoke Title 14, Section 679 Possession of Wildlife and Wildlife Rehabilitation and replace it with new 679.1-.9.
You can view the approved regulatory language, department forms, and the Native Wildlife Rehabilitation 679 Regulations Manual and forms on the Fish and Game Commission’s website.
Don’t miss out on important emails from CDFW. Contact RehabWildlife@wildlife.ca.gov and ask to have your email added to their email list.
Contact Information for California department of Fish and Wildlife:
California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Headquarters Office
1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-0411 (General Information)
Wildlife Branch - Wildlife Health Lab
1701 Nimbus Road Suite D, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 358-2790
Follow the current wildlife morbidity and mortality events at the CDFW Disease and Mortality Monitoring page.
If you have questions about obtaining or renewing a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit contact Heather.Perry@wildlife.ca.gov
If you are reporting an avian mortality or disease issue contact Krysta.Rogers@wildlife.ca.gov
If you are reporting non-game mammal mortality contact Deana.Clifford@wildlife.ca.gov
If you are reporting a suspected toxin mortality contact Jaime.Rudd@wildilfe.ca.gov
If you are reporting game animal mortality contact Brandon.Munk@wildlife.ca.gov
Interested in becoming a Permitted California wildlife rehabilitator?
There is a process to becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in California. We highly suggest finding a local wildlife rehabilitation organization and becoming a volunteer before considering getting a permit. However, you are welcome to visit the CDFW Wildlife Welfare and Rehabilitation page. Here is a summary of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit Application Process.