WildCare is a wildlife rehabilitation center in the San Francisco Bay Area that treats injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals

WildCare is a nonprofit organization based in San Rafael, California, that operates one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in the United States. The center takes in wild animals that are injured, orphaned, sick, or in distress — including birds, mammals, and reptiles native to the Bay Area — and provides medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation with the goal of returning them to the wild.

WildCare operates a hospital facility where veterinarians and trained staff perform surgery, set broken bones, treat infections, and manage other medical conditions. The center also runs a wildlife hotline that residents can call to report injured animals or ask for guidance on wildlife conflicts. Beyond direct animal care, WildCare runs education programs in schools and the community to teach people how to coexist with wildlife and prevent injuries before they happen.

The organization does not charge animals for treatment. Instead, WildCare relies on donations, grants, and community support to fund its operations. Anyone who finds an injured or orphaned wild animal in the Bay Area can contact WildCare for instructions on how to safely capture and transport the animal to the center.

Key Takeaways

  • WildCare treats injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals at its hospital facility in San Rafael, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
  • The center operates a wildlife hotline that residents can call to report injured animals or get information on how to handle wildlife on their property.
  • WildCare provides education programs in schools and communities to teach people how to prevent wildlife injuries and live safely alongside wild animals.
  • The organization is funded by donations and grants, not by fees charged to animals or their finders.
  • WildCare accepts animals from the San Francisco Bay Area and can provide guidance on safe capture and transport before you bring an animal in.

What animals WildCare treats and what conditions they handle

WildCare treats native wild animals found in the Bay Area, including songbirds, raptors (hawks and owls), waterfowl, mammals such as raccoons, foxes, and opossums, and reptiles including snakes and turtles. The center does not treat pets, livestock, or animals that are not native to the region.

The animals that arrive at WildCare come in with a wide range of injuries and conditions. Common reasons for admission include being hit by vehicles, attacked by pets, caught in netting or fishing line, poisoned by pesticides or rodent bait, struck by windows, or separated from their mothers as orphans. WildCare's veterinary staff diagnoses each animal, performs necessary surgery or medical treatment, and then moves the animal through a recovery and conditioning phase before release.

The length of stay varies greatly depending on the injury or condition. A bird with a broken wing might spend several weeks in care, while an orphaned baby raccoon may stay for months until it is old enough and skilled enough to survive on its own. Some animals do not survive their injuries despite treatment, and WildCare staff make decisions about euthanasia when an animal's quality of life cannot be restored.

How to report an injured animal or contact WildCare

WildCare operates a wildlife hotline that Bay Area residents can call to report injured animals, ask for information on wildlife conflicts, or get instructions on how to safely handle a situation. The hotline number is (415) 456-7283. Staff can tell you whether an animal needs when ready rescue, how to safely contain it if you find it, and what to do next.

If you find an injured animal, do not attempt to treat it yourself or keep it as a pet. Instead, call the hotline first. WildCare staff will tell you whether the animal needs rescue, how to safely capture and contain it using a box or carrier, and whether you should transport it to the center or wait for WildCare to pick it up. Improper handling can injure the animal further or expose you to disease or bites.

WildCare's facility is located at 76 Albert Park Lane in San Rafael. The center is open during specific hours for drop-offs of injured animals. Call ahead to confirm hours and to let staff know you are bringing an animal in, so they can prepare to receive it and provide any last-minute instructions.

WildCare's education and prevention programs

Beyond treating individual animals, WildCare runs education programs designed to prevent wildlife injuries before they occur. The organization offers school programs that teach children about local wildlife, habitat, and how to coexist safely with wild animals. WildCare also provides community workshops and presentations on topics such as preventing window strikes, securing trash to keep raccoons out, and safely removing wildlife from homes without harming the animal.

WildCare's education team works with schools, community centers, and organizations throughout the Bay Area. Programs are tailored to different age groups and can focus on specific animals or wildlife conflicts common in a particular neighborhood. The goal is to build understanding and reduce the number of preventable injuries that bring animals to the rehabilitation center.

The organization also publishes resources online and in print about wildlife safety, including guides on what to do if you find a baby bird or fawn, how to make your windows safer for birds, and how to humanely discourage wildlife from your property without causing harm.

How WildCare is funded and how to support it

WildCare is a nonprofit organization that does not charge for animal treatment or hotline services. The center's operating costs — including veterinary care, staff salaries, facility maintenance, and medical supplies — are covered through donations from individuals, grants from foundations, and fundraising events.

People who want to support WildCare can make financial donations online or by mail. The organization also accepts donations of supplies such as specialized food for different animal species, medical equipment, and cleaning materials. Some donors choose to sponsor the care of a specific animal or make a recurring monthly gift.

WildCare also welcomes volunteers who want to help with animal care, facility maintenance, education programs, or administrative work. Volunteers receive training and work under the supervision of staff. The organization's website lists current volunteer opportunities and the process process.

What happens to animals after they recover

The primary goal of WildCare's rehabilitation work is to return animals to the wild in a condition where they can survive and thrive. Before release, animals go through a conditioning phase where they regain strength, practice natural behaviors, and are exposed to outdoor conditions. For example, a bird recovering from a broken wing will spend time in a flight cage to rebuild muscle and coordination before being released.

Release decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. WildCare staff consider whether the animal has fully healed, whether it has the skills and strength needed to survive in the wild, and whether releasing it in a particular location gives it the best chance of success. Some animals are released near the location where they were found, while others are taken to suitable habitat elsewhere in the Bay Area.

Not all animals can be released. Some suffer permanent injuries that prevent them from surviving independently in the wild. In these cases, WildCare may place the animal in a sanctuary, zoo, or educational facility where it can live out its life. A small number of animals that cannot be released or placed are humanely euthanized to prevent suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I find a baby bird on the ground?

If the bird is mostly feathered and hopping around, it is likely a fledgling learning to fly and does not need rescue — the parents are nearby feeding it. If the bird is mostly bare or covered in fluffy down, it is a nestling and may have fallen from a nest. Call WildCare's hotline at (415) 456-7283 for specific guidance on whether the bird needs help and what to do next.

Can I keep an injured wild animal at home while it heals?

No. Wild animals require specialized veterinary care, proper nutrition for their species, and conditions that allow them to recover without becoming dependent on humans. Keeping a wild animal at home is also illegal in California without a permit. Call WildCare's hotline to report the animal and get instructions on safe transport to the center.

Does WildCare treat pets or domestic animals?

No. WildCare treats only native wild animals. If your pet is injured, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. If you find a lost pet, contact local animal shelters or your city's animal control office.

How much does it cost to bring an injured animal to WildCare?

WildCare does not charge for animal treatment or intake. The organization is funded by donations and grants. You can support WildCare's work by making a donation online or by mail if you choose to.

What if I find an injured animal outside of WildCare's service area?

WildCare serves the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are outside this region, search online for a wildlife rehabilitation center near you, or contact your state's Department of Fish and Wildlife for a referral to a licensed rehabilitator in your area.