If you find injured wildlife, immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your local animal control/wildlife agency. Do not attempt to care for the animal yourself, as it is illegal in many places and can be dangerous for both you and the animal.

  1. Assess the situation:
    Determine if the animal is truly injured and if it's safe for you to approach. Signs of injury may include visible wounds, difficulty moving, or unusual behavior. For baby animals, it's often best to leave them alone unless you are certain they are orphaned or injured, as the parents are often nearby. 

  2. Contact experts:
    Find a local wildlife rehabilitator or your state's wildlife agency, like the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. You can use online resources like Animal Help Now or the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association to locate them. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Injured or orphaned wildlife | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

  3. Prepare for transport (if needed):
    If the rehabilitator instructs you to bring the animal in, carefully contain it in a sturdy box with air holes and a soft cloth or towel. Do not offer food or water. 

  4. Follow instructions:
    Adhere to the advice given by the wildlife professional. They will guide you on the best course of action for the specific animal and situation. 

  5. Report observations:
    If you find injured, sick, or dead wildlife, you can also report it to your local wildlife agency to help them track populations and potential issues, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

Grays Harbor County

Twin Harbors Wildlife Center

  • 4 Old Beacon Rd Montesano WA 98563 

  • #360-861-4556

  • Birds of prey, other birds, some small mammals, no racoons 

Thurston County

Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue

  • Olympia, WA 98502

  • #360-970-5402

  • Birds of prey

King County

PAWS Wildlife Center

  • 13508 WA-9 Snohomish, WA 98296

  • #425-412-4040

  • All species including large carnivores - as of 6/8/2023 No longer accepting deer fawns to focus their resources on other species.

Puget Sound WildCare 

  • 28727 216th Ave SE Kent, WA 98042

  • #360-866-8917

  • Amphibians, reptiles, small and medium sized mammals, non – migratory birds (game)

SR3 Sealife Response Rehabilitation and Research 

  • #206-947-4253

  • Marine Mammals 

Kitsap County

West Sounds Wildlife Shelter

  • 7501 NE Dolphin Dr Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

  • #206-855-9057

  • All species 

Jefferson County

Center Valley Animal Rescue 

  • 11900 Center Rd Quilcence, WA 98376

  • #360-765-0598

  • Most mammals and birds

Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue 

  • Port Townsend WA 98368

  • #360-379-0802 or 360-643-0056

  • Birds of prey, other birds including seabirds

Pacific County

  • Peninsula Wild Care 

  • Ocean Park, WA

  • #360-947-3188

  • Squirrels, chipmunks, opossums, cottontails, raccoons, songbirds, waterfowl, seabirds