Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association

OWRA is a non-profit organization and has members from a wide range of backgrounds. OWRA provides training, networking and referral information to wildlife rehabilitators so they can better assist the public when injured, orphaned, or diseased wildlife are encountered. Member benefits include the quarterly newsletter, The Ohio Rehabilitator, an online Membership Directory, members only section on our website, and discounted rates for OWRA sponsored trainings.

OWRA's Mission: Promote communication, cooperation, professionalism, and ethical conduct among persons involved in wildlife rehabilitation, education, and conservation in order to improve the quality of care given to Ohio’s native wildlife; and to inform the public about issues impacting wildlife and helping them to obtain assistance with wildlife concerns and problems.

Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation (IWR) covers wildlife rehabilitation regulations in Ohio, handling wildlife calls, neonatal care of orphaned wildlife, zoonotic diseases, stabilization, and transportation of Category 1 species (tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and Eastern Cottontail Rabbits). This class, or an equivalent, is required by the Ohio Division of Wildlife to apply for a Category 1 Rehabilitation Permit.

Rabies Vector Species (RVS) covers current regulations, status of rabies in Ohio, special considerations for RVS rehabilitation, as well as capture and restraint. Species information and health considerations of raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are also covered. This class, or equivalent, is required by the Ohio Division of Wildlife to accept RVS for wildlife rehabilitation.

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Reach & Teach

A Mentorship Program through the Ohio WIldlife Rehabilitators Association

In an effort to support and encourage new individuals to the field of wildlife rehabilitation, OWRA is launching Reach & Teach, a mentorship program designed to offer assistance to members who have completed OWRA’s Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation training. OWRA is inviting member facilities and individuals permitted through the Ohio Division of Wildlife to reach out and teach new rehabilitators through methods such as on-premise volunteering, facility tours to share ideas, and/or phone availability to offer advice.

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