Abandoned Wildlife
Abandoned Wildlife
Every animal deserves to live a happy healthy life, and here at Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic we obviously do everything we can for the animals that come through our doors. The problem is that not every animal is given the same opportunity for relative health and contentment. Every day animals are either abandoned, orphaned or injured, and it is not uncommon for a Good Samaritan to seek our help when they come across an unfortunate animal in need of assistance.
Tending to abandoned or orphaned wildlife is not always easy and can even be downright dangerous at times, but if there really is help to be given, we are happy to lend a hand in getting that distressed animal the help it needs.
Trained Professionals in Rehabilitating
Here in Arkansas, there are people who are specially trained to care for abandoned, orphaned or injured wildlife, and to do so they must meet stringent requirements laid out by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before being given the proper permit. If you need help, these people appear on a list compiled by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. It is important to keep in mind that they are trained professionals in rehabilitating animals. That permit allows them to remove wildlife from their habitat if the move is deemed necessary, while non-certified people may not know whether or not an animal truly is in trouble.
Helping Wild Animals - Use Available Resources
Despite the human instinct to immediately initiate orphaned wildlife rescue, there are some cases where it really is better to leave the animal alone. Wildlife is supposed to be wild, after all, and sometimes what appears to be an abandoned animal is not, in fact, abandoned. The adult could just be out of sight at the moment gathering food, not to mention that handling certain wildlife can put untrained humans at risk of exposure to certain diseases and parasites that could be really nasty if transmitted. Worst of all, incorrectly removing an animal from its home can disrupt their lives immensely. You could be doing more harm than good.
Arkansas Game and Fish is the proper contact for handling abandoned wildlife.
Photo by Divide By Zero on Unsplash
What Our Clients Say
C. Mayfield
I have seen a lot of changes since I have been a client at Shackleford Veterinarian Clinic since 1996. The best change of all was when Dr. Barron started. You will not find a better veterinarian or staff!
Tiffany Williams
SRVC answered all of my questions and even allowed me to come back after my appointment to update and add information to my pet's health certificate. I would highly recommend this vet to anyone. They go above and beyond expectation.
Ashley Hurst
I will forever be thankful that Dr. Barron was recommended by my neighbor! My pets have been treated at several different veterinary clinics, but no one
has ever compared to Dr. Barron. The front desk staff and vet techs could not be kinder!
