What animals do carers accept?
Every carer has their own area of specialisation. Some focus on birds, others on mammals, reptiles, or specific species. We strongly recommend calling ahead before making a trip to confirm the carer is available and able to take the animal you've found. In an emergency, WIRES (1300 094 737) operates a 24/7 rescue hotline across Australia.
Is this directory free to use?
Yes, completely free, for everyone. There are no fees to search the directory and no fees for carers to be listed. This is a community service, built to make wildlife rescue more accessible across Australia.
I found an injured animal. What do I do?
Search for a carer near you using the Find a carer page. Enter your suburb or postcode to see carers in your area. If you can't find anyone nearby, call WIRES on 1300 094 737, who can help coordinate rescue across all states.
Do carers require a permit?
Yes. Every carer listed on this directory holds a government-issued wildlife carer permit. This permit is issued by the relevant state or territory authority and confirms that the carer is legally registered to care for Australia's native wildlife. Without a valid permit, a carer cannot be listed.
How do I know the animals are in safe hands?
When a carer applies to be listed, they are required to upload their government-issued permit as part of the application process. We review each submission manually to confirm the permit is valid before the carer is added to the directory. This gives you confidence that anyone you contact through this site is a registered, authorised wildlife carer.
What is a permit and why is it required?
A wildlife carer permit is an official authorisation issued by a government authority that allows a person to legally care for native Australian wildlife. It ensures carers have the appropriate training and knowledge to look after injured or orphaned animals. A permit is required to verify that all listed carers are appropriately authorised before they appear in the directory. This protects both the animals in their care and the carers themselves.
Is my permit safe to upload?
Yes. Permits are uploaded over a secure connection and stored in a private, access-controlled environment. Your permit is only used for verification purposes and is not publicly visible or accessible to other users of this directory.
How long does it take for my listing to be approved?
Submissions are reviewed manually and added to the directory as soon as possible. As this is a free service, review times may vary.
How do I update my details or report incorrect information?
Use the Report an error page to flag any changes, whether it's a phone number update, a change to your service area, or anything else. We'll review and update your listing as quickly as we can.
This directory was brought to life by That Wildlife Girl, a passionate wildlife advocate dedicated to connecting injured and orphaned animals with the people who can help them.
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