Animal Intake
FWC Helpline

Most of FWC's activity centers around our 24-hour Helpline and the rehabilitation of native wildlife. The Helpline is vital to giving people timely advice about wildlife problems. Since the best place for wild animals is in the wild, we use the Helpline to establish the best course of action and to determine whether or not intervention is necessary. In the last three years, calls to the FWC Helpline have steadily increased. This year, FWC has received in excess of 1700 calls from across Florida, and we expect that number to grow. Most of the time, people want help for animals hit by cars, injured by pets, or strayed or fallen from their homes. Similarly, many people seek information on damage control, health risks, safety, and agency referrals where specific animals are concerned.


Rehabilitation

Once FWC determines that an animal needs help, it is received at our center staffed by trained volunteers. The center is open to receive animals seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Though we do not have the staffing to do animal transport, we will, in exceptional cases, deliver animals to appropriate veterinary or help facilities. When an injured or orphaned animal arrives at the center, we record information about its species, age, and condition and take down the name of its rescuer. Each animal is accompanied by three distinct written records that allow us to identify it and track its progress.

Next, the animal receives an examination and initial treatment from FWC's director or senior staff member. Once its condition is stable, FWC volunteers follow a prescribed course of treatment for the animal until it is ready for release.


Release

FWC takes great care to ensure that wildlife is returned to the wild. When an animal is ready for release, we return it to its original location or to a safer habitat in that vicinity. At present, FWC is not equipped to handle particular wild animals such as deer, bears, bobcats, raccoons and alligators. In rare instances, infants of these species will be taken in temporarily until a more suitable rehabilitation facility can be found. Once we expand our permanent clinic, FWC plans to provide appropriate housing and release programs for such animals.





Non-Native Wildlife

FWC does not rehabilitate non-native wildlife, but does direct callers to agencies who will provide these animals with proper care.






Squirrel Care

While FWC does not house squirrels for long-term rehabilitation, we maintain an active squirrel fostering program. As part of our ongoing educational outreach programs, FWC offers frequent squirrel-raising classes to the general public. Eastern Grey Squirrels and Southern Flying Squirrels do not require permits for possession or rehabilitation, but FWC requires that our rehabilitators take the special class. In this way, we ensure high quality care for animals in the program. FWC's Squirrel Coordinator offers home and center-based trainings for individuals who cannot attend evening classes, and FWC volunteers are available during business hours to answer questions.





Cooperative Work

FWC works cooperatively with many related local groups. It has long been associated with the Alachua County Humane Society. In fact, the Humane Society currently participates in FWC's squirrel program by selling necessary supplies to the public at low cost. In an effort to provide the community with accurate information and to provide wildlife with the best possible care, FWC also works closely with Alachua County Animal Service, Santa Fe Community College, and the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine.
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Florida Wildlife Care, Incorporated
P.O. Box 1644   |  Gainesville, FL 32602  | (352) 371-4400

FWC is located in Gainesville at Boulware Springs Park, 3400 S.E. 15th Street (See map)
Look for the little white cottage next to the sherrif's doublewide.
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