A Code of Ethics for Wildlife Rehabilitators

• Maintain high standards of animal care through knowledge and an understanding of the field. Stay informed of current rehabilitation information, methods and regulations.
  
  
• Be responsible, conscientious, and dedicated, and continuously work toward improving the quality of care.
  
  
• Abide by local, state, provincial and federal laws concerning wildlife,  wildlife rehabilitation, and association activities.
  
  
• Establish safe work habits and conditions, abiding by current health and safety practices.
  
  
• Enlist the assistance of a veterinarian or other trained  professionals when appropriate.
  
  
• Respect other rehabilitators and persons in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of the animals.
  
  
• Place optimum animal care above personal gain.
  
  
• Provide professional, humane care in all phases of wildlife rehabilitation, respecting the wildness and maintaining the dignity of each animal in life and in death.
  
  
• Encourage community support, involvement through volunteer training and public education to promote a responsible concern for living beings and the welfare of the environment.
  
  
• Work on the basis of sound ecological principles, incorporating appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.
  
  
• Conduct all business and activities in a professional manner, with honesty, integrity, compassion, and commitment, realizing that an individual's conduct reflects on the entire field of wildlife rehabilitation.