Connecticut
CT Wildlife Rehabilitators
Connecticut directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitators — find local help and resources.
Get help nowWildlife response
Found a Wild Animal
At Venderick’s Healing Paw, our primary focus is on the care and rehabilitation of Eastern Grey Squirrels, Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels, Eastern Cottontails, and Chipmunks. When space and resources permit, we may also be able to assist with other native small mammal species such as Virginia Opossums and Groundhogs.
Please text us first, this is always the fastest way to reach us since we are often very busy. We don’t ever want to miss a call or opportunity to help you, so keep in mind text is generally best.
Call or text us
(860) 208-1532A quick photo or video is essential because it allows us to identify the animal, check its condition, and map out a plan.
If we do not rehab that specific species, we’ll start networking behind the scenes to find the right facility.
If we do rehab that specific species, we will go over next steps.
In every circumstance, if we deem necessary and appropriate we will ask you to contain the animal and transport if you’re able. Those simple steps make a massive difference for the animal’s care.
While you reach out
Keep the animal safe
If it is determined the animal needs to come into care, please do the following:
- Contain the animal. Always wear gloves when handling a wild animal.
- Place the animal in a box, tote bin, or carrier (whatever you have on hand that is secure and the animal is unable to escape) and be sure to line the container with fleece or an old t-shirt.
- Bring the entire container indoors and place it in a bathroom or a closet with a door that can be shut. Never leave an animal contained outdoors exposed to predators or the elements.
- Provide safe supplemental heat. Orphaned and injured animals cannot thermoregulate their body temperature. Place the container the animal is in on a heating pad set to low under half the container — this lets the animal move away from the heat if it gets too warm. This is a critical step.
- To reduce stress, limit handling, keep noise to a minimum, turn lights off where the animal is being kept, and reduce any exposure to kids and pets.
- Never offer anything by mouth. This includes water, food, formula, etc.
Regional resources
Find help near you
Even though we field calls and messages from all over, we are legally permitted to rehabilitate wildlife found exclusively within Connecticut. While we are always happy to offer guidance, we wanted to make it easier to put local help right at your fingertips.
Use the directories below to find trusted, state-licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and across the United States to secure proper placement for the animal you’ve found.
Rhode Island
RI Wildlife Rehabilitators
Rhode Island directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitators — find local help and resources.
Get help nowMassachusetts
MA Wildlife Rehabilitators
Massachusetts directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitators — find local help and resources.
Get help nowNationwide
Wildlife Rehabilitators in the United States
Animal Help Now — find a licensed rehabilitator anywhere in the country, day or night.
Get help now