Our Hours
If you find a wild animal that you think may be in distress, please check our" What do I do?" section ... If you still don’t find the answers give us a call, so we can determine if the animal that you’re concerned about really needs our help or not. In many cases, human intervention is not in the animal’s best interest.
Leave a message
Please be patient! We will return your call as soon as the animals under our care give us a chance. Remember, we are all volunteers and because of space limitations we can only have volunteers caring for the animals, there are no volunteers exclusively attending the phone, that’s why the phone is set up to receive messages only.
If intervention is needed, put the animal in a cardboard box with a t-shirt on the bottom and air holes. Leave the closed box in a quiet, warm, dark place, until you’re able to transport it to our facility. Transport as soon as possible. Do not give food or water to the animal until we talk to you, this could do more harm than good.
Drop off hours are from 8am to 8pm 7 days a week, but PLEASE don’t bring animals to us without calling first, as described above.
There’s a drop off area near the end of the driveway with different sizes of carriers inside. Put the animal in one of the carriers and fill out the admission form.
Please understand that our facility is a private residence as well, and follow the easy instructions posted on the drop off area.
Why taking the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator?
Wildlife rehabilitators must follow certain legalities and pass exams in order to obtain a permit to rehabilitate wildlife. It is illegal for any person who does not have a permit to have/keep a wild animal. Many people quickly get attached to the wild animal they find and may think on keeping it. We assure you, taking the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the best choice for both you and the animal:
- Wild animals can carry diseases and parasites that can be transferred to you, your family and your domestic pets.
- When people attempt to care for wildlife in their homes, many animals die because of inappropriate care or become humanized to the point where they could never survive on their own.
- Taking the animal to a licensed facility is giving it the best chance to survive and to be free again.
Why a drop off area?
Caring for over one thousand animals per year is not an easy task. The indoor area where the animals are cared for is a room in the basement of a private residence. An admission room and a receptionist are not available, and it’s impossible for us to come right on the spot when an animal is being dropped off because we’re either nursing babies, giving medications, or maybe putting a splint on a fractured leg!
We know when somebody is bringing an animal because they spoke to us on the phone already, and as soon as we can we will pick up the precious cargo. Additionally, resting for a few minutes in the drop off area gives the animal a chance to “decompress” from the stress of the trip in the car, which is very stressful for wild animals. If the drop off area method was harmful for the animals in any way we will not be using it!
What care will the animal receive?
The animals brought to Lehigh WildCare will be examined, treated and cared for until they are able to survive on their own. Veterinary care, such as medications, X-rays, or surgery is available if needed through the generosity of local veterinarians. Adult animals are released back where they were found when the circumstances are appropriate; baby animals get mixed with others of their own kind, and are released in different places carefully chosen as the best habitat for them.
Can I visit the animal?
Lehigh WildCare does not have an exhibit license, and operates temporarily in a private residence; therefore, our facility is not open to the public. Besides, at all times, human contact is avoided as much as possible for the well being of the animals.
Can I check on the animal?
Sure you can! All you have to do is call us, leave a message, and refer to the patient number on the right top corner of the admission form you filled out.
Remember, babies get mixed, and it is hard to keep track of them, and please be patient, sometimes we can’t go back to you as fast as you would like, but is only because our first concern is to care for the animals we already have. We do NOT call everybody that brings an animal with an update. YOU have to call us.
Rabies Vector Species
Lehigh WildCare is not licensed (due to lack of space) to accept rabies vector species (RVS), which in Pennsylvania are bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes.
For information and to get help for these animals please call:
610-584-5686 in Lansdale, PA.
215-968-4963 in Newtown, PA
215-482-8217 in Philadelphia, PA
Or check our Rehabilitators in PA section.