1565.1 No person shall engage in wildlife rehabilitation without a license from the Department.

1565.2 To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation license, an applicant shall:

1. (a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
2. (b) Present a valid District or state-issued ID;
3. (c) Certify that he or she has not been convicted of an offense relating to wildlife or animal cruelty;
4. (d) Demonstrate reasonable experience and skill in handling and caring for wild animals by providing documentation of one of the following:
5. (1) Two hundred (200) hours of experience as a wildlife rehabilitation apprentice physically caring for wild animals in each of the four seasons and over the course of two or more years;
6. (2) A degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or animal science; or
7. (3) A valid wildlife rehabilitation licenses or permit issued by another state;
8. (e) Complete one hundred (100) hours of documented hands on experience with wildlife within the last year;
9. (f) Complete twelve (12) hours of continuing education classes or research approved by the Department;
10. (g) Be a member in good standing of a nationally recognized rehabilitation association and agree to maintain membership; and
11. (h) Pay a fifty dollar (\$50) fee.

1565.3 A veterinarian that is licensed in the District may provide medical care to sick, injured, or debilitated wildlife.

1565.4 A veterinarian that is licensed in the District may hold wildlife in their care until the animal is medically stable and can be transferred to a licensed wildlife

rehabilitator.

1565.5 A wildlife rehabilitator must possess a Federal Rehabilitation permit issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to 50 CFR § 21.31, prior to rehabilitating migratory birds or waterfowl.

1565.6 A wildlife rehabilitator license is valid for two (2) years from the date of issue.

1565.7 A wildlife rehabilitation license may be renewed if a wildlife rehabilitator has:

(a) Satisfied all recordkeeping requirements for the previous two (2) years;

(b) Completed twelve (12) hours of continuing education classes or research approved by the Department within the last two years;

(c) Completed one hundred (100) hours of documented hands on experience with wildlife within the last year; and

(d) Paid a fifty dollar ($50) fee.

1565.8 To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation apprentice license, an applicant shall:

(a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(b) Present a valid District or state-issued ID;

(c) Certify that he or she has not been convicted of an offense involving wildlife or animal cruelty;

(d) Take a course and pass a test designed by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council or another organization approved by the Department;

(e) Work under the supervision of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the treatment and care of animals being rehabilitated; and

(f) Work in an animal facility licensed by the Department of Health.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 65 DCR 8776 (August 24, 2018).