HOW TO BECOME A WILDLIFE CARER IN THE TOOWOOMBA REGION

We receive requests through the facebook pages of Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue and Wildlife Carers Toowoomba Region all the time on how to become a wildlife carer in the Toowoomba Region, when there aren't any incorporated groups issuing permits.  It is not impossible to still become a wildlife carer, but there is no short way to do so. If you are willing to put in the time to do the training, volunteer and set yourself up with required equipment, we can guide you on how to work towards gaining a wildlife rehabilitation permit for least concern species.  

Caring for Australian native wildlife is specialised, and entirely different to caring for domestic animals.  Wildlife carers are bound by legislation to the Code of Practice (see below).  The main aim is to be able to successfully rehabilitate, raise and release Australian native animals back to the wild in perfect health.

Wildlife rehabilitation volunteers are expected to undertake appropriate training.  We have a close working relationship with Wildcare at Nerang and they conduct regular training courses and workshops which cover an extensive range of topics from reptile care to handling and anatomy and physiology. 

Orphaned Eastern Grey Joey "Barney" - Photo copyright Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue

EXPECTATIONS OF A VOLUNTEER WILDLIFE CARER

• Members of the public wanting to be a wildlife carer are not permitted to take on any animal for rehabilitation until they have done appropriate training (see below) to gain a Wildlife Rehabilitation permit issued by the Department of Environment and Science, or a permit from DESC through an incorporated wildlife carer group. Any wildlife that you find during your time training must be taken to a vet for assessment or passed onto a qualified experienced wildife carer.  You can message Wildlife Carers Toowoomba Region for a contact of an experienced carer on Facebook.  
• Once you gain your Rehabilitaiton Permit, a copy of this permit must be kept with you and be willing to be shown to members of the public, vet surgeries or DESC officers any time you are asked for proof of it.
• Must complete appropriate wildlife training courses and continue to do new courses to increase knowledge and update skills into the future.
• Required to abide by the Queensland Government Code of Practice - Care of Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.  View Code Here.
• Shall be aware that rescue and care of native animals can involve considerable personal danger and shall, at no time, put your own life, or lives of others at risk in performing volunteer wildlife rescue work.
• Must be responsible for own wildlife insurance (see below)
• Must be willing to supply all financial costs of wildlife in your care, for formula, feed, medications, veterinarian bills, enclosures and equipment.  Must not rely on or pressure members of the public to support your wildlife rehabilitation work.  You should only accept to take wildlife into your care that you can provide for adequately, and be willing to pass animals onto other experienced carers if this is for the best outcome for the animals (example family orientated animals that need to be raised with others of the same species).
• If able to do wildlife rescues, must own reliable vehicle and wildlife rescue equipment. 
• Must be willing to work with and take advice from experienced carers (Holding a wildlife carers permit for over 10 years) for advice and assistance and not attempt to "do it all on your own" and risk the outcome of the animal or injury to yourself.
• Specialist Species rescue: Koalas, Flying Foxes, Bats, Birds of Prey, Echidnas, Snakes, etc must only be rescued by a very experienced and qualified/vaccinated wildlife volunteer.  Do not attempt to rescue these animals yourself - but call on advice from others. The RSPCA Wildlife Hotline on 1300ANIMAL can always put you in touch with the properly licenced person in your area to help.  Specialist species animals require experienced rescuers to ensure the best outcome for that animal.  Specialist Species Permit Holders hold a specific wildlife rehabiliation permit. 
• You will acknowledge that staff from the Department of Environment and Science can inspect your care facilities and general conditions at any time to ensure that minimum standards and records are maintained.
• You will keep accurate up to date records on all wildlife in your care which includes the species name, date of rescue, veterinarian who assessed animal, outcome etc.
• Noise must be always kept to a minimum for wildlife in care, as animals stress very easily. Homes with small children and domestic pets not advisable. 
• You will be willing to communicate and work with other licenced wildlife carers in your region.  You can request to join Toowoomba Region Wildlife Carers Group private facebook group once you have gained your permit, as a way of interacting with other carers and asking for advice etc.  Specific questions must be answered before approval for joining this group which includes proof of wildlife rehabilitation permit and location and facilities.
• New Carers will start with a "Least Concern Species" Permit. To work towards a Specialist Species permit you will require at least 10 years of experience as a wildlife carer, volunteer experience with a specialist species permit holder, proof of advanced training and required specialist species avairies/enclosure equipment.  Many people want to start off caring for Koalas and Echidnas - while this is a great goal - these animals are some of the hardest animals to care for in Australia and you will need to commit to learning a significant amount over a long period of time before considering becoming a specialist carer.  Knowing your limitations and starting off small is advisable as the best way to learn and to eventually reach those goals.
• Please be wary of individual carers offering to issue permits - unfortunately there are some people offering this, with no authority to do so.  Only Incorporated Wildlife Carer Organizations and the Department of Environment and Science can issue Wildlife Carer Permits. If you are concerned that you have been promised a permit by an individual carer, but never received anything official from DESC, please contact us for verification and advice. 

"Annie" the orphaned Brushtail Possum cuddles up to her teddy bear. Photos Copyright to Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMIT

• QWRC Insurance Card (see Below)
• Proof of previous wildlife carer permit from the past (optional)
• Proof of Wildlife First Aid Training Certificates and any other wildlife rehabilitation training course certificates. 
• Proof of knowledge of native plants and wildlife habitats.
• Letter of recommendation from a minimum of one experienced wildlife carer and mentor (over 10 years experience advisable), with information about your time volunteering with wildlife carers and your ability.
• Letter of recommendation from your local Veterinarian to prove that you have spoken to them about your intentions to become a wildlife carer and have shown proof of your training, and intention to work with that vet for the best outcome for all wildlife patients.
• Wildcare Membership Proof, or official membership card of another wildlife carer organizaton
• Photographic proof and measurements of your aviaries/enclosures on your own property that abide by the recommendations for minimum sizes in the Code of Practice (see below).
• Once you have all of the above, send us a message and we can advise you on how to apply for your permit.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET STARTED
A variety of experience and certifications are required to being your journey to gaining a wildlife rehabilitation permit in the Toowoomba Region.  We have a tick list below with a breakdown of further information on things you will require proof of to apply for your carers permit.  

• If you have held a wildlife carers permit in the past - a copy of this permit will be highly beneficial - even if it is from another state in Australia, or from many years ago.
• We suggest joining Wildcare to attend their training courses that are held at Wacol, Nerang or the Sunshine Coast.  Their educational Calendar is available on their website.  Find courses for animals you are interested in caring for, example possums and birds are a good start. Join Wildcare Here. Please note this membership does not give you a wildlife carers permit, but provides you with access to all wildlife carer training and resources for under $40 a year. 
• Complete Orientation and Rescue and First Aid for Native Wildlife (Basic) at Wildcare Course.  View Wildcare Courses Here
• Complete at least 1 to 2 other courses through Wildcare or other Wildlife Organisations for the animals you are interested in looking after.  View Wildcare Course Calendar Here
• Join QWRC to get your wildlife rescue insurance and rescue vest. Join Here
• Start thinking about what animals you would like to care for and what facilities will be required, and work towards getting a good set-up of enclosures, rescue cages etc.  Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are a good way to start.
• Like the Wildlife Carers Toowoomba Region Facebook Page and message them once you are ready to begin, for assistance with finding a suitable wildlife carer mentor once you have done your basic wildcare training. 
• Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue may be able to provide you with a small amount of donated items to help you get started once you have done your training and are ready to apply for your permit, for example, pouches, syringes, medical items and ointments.  This is subject only to availability of excess donated supplies.  We are working on creating basic rescue kits for new wildlife carers. Contact us for further information.

We hope that this gives you some motivation to get started on the correct way to become a wildlife carer in the Toowoomba Region.  For any further questions, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

Toowoomba Koala and Wildlife Rescue