Possess Live Wildlife for Rehabilitation Facilities

Possess Live Wildlife for Rehabilitation Facilities

This application allows you to possess live wildlife for rehabilitation facility purposes. See section 2(t) of the Wildlife Act – Permit Regulation.

For the purposes of rehabilitating wildlife, this permit authorizes any or all of the following:

  • keep wildlife in captivity;
  • capture wildlife;
  • transport wildlife to a rehabilitation facility;

or for the purpose of:

  • releasing the wildlife;
  • perform euthanasia on wildlife;
  • possess dead wildlife for the purpose of disposal.

This permit is NOT for use for public display of wildlife. (See Possess Live Wildlife Not on Public Display, section 2(j)).

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and the limits of this permit.

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Permit under Wildlife Act, Permit Regulation (section 2(t) Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Permit Fee Fee paid for a permit issued generally or for the wildlife, purpose or method specified (if any) plus the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) surcharge (if any). Varies Wildlife Act Permit Regulation - Schedule 3

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Wildlife Must be wildlife as defined under the Wildlife Act.
Age Applicant must be at least 19 years old, unless a parent or guardian has given written consent to the application. A permit must NOT be issued to an applicant under age 10.

Information Requirements

Authorization Requirement Description Link to Details
New Applications - Permit 2(t) Information to be provided on General Wildlife Application
  • Proof that facilities have been inspected and passed by Ministry personnel (include the name of the ministry employee, their title and the date of inspection)
  • Evidence that the applicant has the means and facilities necessary to treat wildlife, including the following information:
    • Qualifications of the people who will be working with wildlife at the facility
    • Description of measures that will be taken to prevent wildlife escape
    • Description of euthanasia methods to be used
  • Location of Rehabilitation Facility
  • Start and end date of activity requested

NOTE: Rehab facilities must be separate from zoo portion and away from public viewing.

Permit 2(t)
Rehabilitation Exam
  • Successful completion of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Exam, which requires a minimum 80% passing grade. You may schedule an examination through your local FrontCounter BC office. Click here to find a FrontCounter BC location nearest to you. Please call ahead to schedule your exam.
Letter of recommendation from a licenced veterinarian, Conservation Officer, or permit holder of a Designated Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Indicate that you have had a minimum of 100 days of experience over a two-year period in wildlife rehabilitation
Letter from a BC licensed veterinarian Veterinarian must have reasonable accessibility to the proposed facility willing to act as the principal consulting veterinarian
Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance Provide copies of appropriate levels of public liability and property damage insurance
Renewal Applications - Permit 2(t) Information to be provided on General Wildlife Application Details of any changes to previous permit Permit 2(t)
Previous Permit Provide a copy or previous permit number
Reporting Requirements If applicable
Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance Provide proof
Link Description
Wildlife Act - Permit Regulation
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023