Be prepared

Under Virginia Good Samaritan laws, you are legally permitted to capture an injured, sick, debilitated, or orphaned wild animal for the sole purpose of transporting it directly to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife veterinarian, or wildlife rehabilitation center. However, you must contact the facility or person beforehand to confirm they will accept the animal. You may not attempt to provide care, such as feeding or giving fluids, as this could harm the animal due to specific nutritional or medical needs.

You can legally rescue a wild animal in Virginia only to transport it directly to a permitted rehabilitator or facility without delay, after confirming acceptance. You cannot hold or care for the animal yourself beyond this purpose, and no specific time limit is defined other than acting promptly. Violating these regulations could lead to legal penalties and harm to the animal.

This is a very basic list of essentials that might help you safely assist in rescuing an animal in need. As always, be especially careful with rabies vector species, and always call for help.

• Thick leather gloves

• Disposable nitrile medical gloves

• Collapsible carrier

• Disposable hand warmers

• Disinfecting wipes/hand sanitizer

• Wildlife 911 contact information (804) 453-0050

An expanded list of essentials should you want to carry more, just in case:

• Towels/blankets

• Pillow case or cloth bag

• Small net (use extreme care when using nets; could cause further harm to some species)

• Tongs

• Face mask/eye protection

• First-aid kit

• Trash bags for debris