## Wildlife Shelter and Foster Carer Authorisation Guide

### The Victorian wildlife rehabilitation system

In Victoria, sick, injured or orphaned wildlife can only be rehabilitated by a wildlife shelter operator or foster carer who is authorised under section 28A of the Wildlife Act 1975 (Wildlife Act). As a wildlife shelter operator or foster carer, you are authorised to acquire, receive, possess, destroy (euthanise) and dispose of wildlife for the purposes of the care, treatment and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. Your dedication and commitment to Victoria’s native wildlife is highly valued by the Victorian Government and the community.

### Purpose of the guide

This guide was first prepared in 2015 by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in consultation with the animal welfare unit within the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR), the RSPCA, Zoos Victoria, veterinarians and representatives from the wildlife rehabilitation community. It has since been reviewed in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date. Wildlife shelter operators and foster carers are regulated by conditions that enforce the minimum standards required for the humane treatment and successful rehabilitation of wildlife in care. This guide explains the objectives of your authorisation conditions, and how you can comply. The advice provided in the ‘how to comply’ section is not mandatory, but rather provides the suggested method of meeting the conditions. You may choose alternative methods if you meet the conditions. Depending on your specialisations and facilities, your authorisation may include additional conditions that restrict the number or type of species you can care for. Please ensure you read your authorisation conditions carefully. For further information, please contact your local DELWP office (Appendix 1) or the DELWP Customer Contact Centre on 136 186. Information on capture and basic first aid for wildlife is provided in Appendix 2.

### Capacity to care

It is important to consider your capacity before agreeing to take wildlife into care. The concept of ‘capacity to care’1 refers to your ability to:

- • provide the minimum care and essential needs of rescued native animals,
- • have the resources required to appropriately prepare wildlife for release back into the wild.

Exceeding your capacity to care for wildlife may result in unacceptable standards and welfare outcomes that do not meet the conditions of your authorisation. Also consider the emotional load required to care for additional animals, and put your own safety and welfare first. Please be mindful of your capacity, particularly when there is an influx of wildlife requiring care due to major incidents like bushfire, significant weather events and other natural disasters. Caring for some young wildlife (e.g. baby birds and joeys) requires significant time commitment and would not be appropriate for those unable to meet their care requirements. DELWP recommends establishing good communication with other wildlife shelter operators and foster carers in your area. If you believe your capacity is exceeded and you are not able to provide adequate care for an animal, it is recommended you contact another wildlife shelter operator or foster carer to see if they have

Wildlife Shelter and Foster Carer Authorisation Guide – V5.00 July 2019

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