Veterinarians have long played an important role in easing the pain and suffering of injured wildlife. US law allows veterinarians to accept injured wild birds of any species for purposes of medical treatment. This is true even if the veterinarian or clinic does not have a federal or state wildlife rehabilitator permit although they are required to turn wildlife over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator within 72 hours of stabilization.
But, just because you can accept wildlife doesn't mean that you always should. You want to be prepared so that admitted wildlife is not unduly stressed and so that you and your staff stay safe. Here are some tips for setting yourself up for admitting wildlife:
This video was made by a friend and veterinary colleague, Dr. Laura Johnson, to illustrate how small animal veterinary clinics should ideally receive and initially care for injured birds of prey.