1565. WILDLIFE PROTECTION: WILDLIFE REHABILITATION LICENSING AND FEES

1565 wildlife Protection: wildlife rehabilitation Licensing and fees 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: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; Present a valid District or state-issued ID; Certify that he or she has not been convicted of an offense relating to wildlife or animal cruelty; Demonstrate reasonable experience and skill in handling and caring for wild animals by providing documentation of one of the following: (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; (2) A degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or animal science; or (3) A valid wildlife rehabilitation licenses or permit issued by another state; Complete one hundred (100) hours of documented hands on experience with wildlife within the last year; Complete twelve (12) hours of continuing education classes or research approved by the Department; Be a member in good standing of a nationally recognized rehabilitation association and agree to maintain membership; and 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: Satisfied all recordkeeping requirements for the previous two (2) years; Completed twelve (12) hours of continuing education classes or research approved by the Department within the last two years; Completed one hundred (100) hours of documented hands on experience with wildlife within the last year; and Paid a fifty dollar ($50) fee. 1565.8 To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation apprentice license, an applicant shall: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; Present a valid District or state-issued ID; Certify that he or she has not been convicted of an offense involving wildlife or animal cruelty; Take a course and pass a test designed by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council or another organization approved by the Department; Work under the supervision of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the treatment and care of animals being rehabilitated; and Work in an animal facility licensed by the Department of Health. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 65 DCR 8776 (August 24, 2018). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Amusements, Parks, and Recreation 19 DCMR § 1565