Wildlife Rehabilitation at St. Charles Veterinary Hospital | Compassionate Wildlife Care
What Our Wildlife Rehabilitation Service Is About
At St. Charles Veterinary Hospital, we love all animals—not just the ones we welcome into our homes. That’s why we proudly offer a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation service to care for injured, orphaned, or ill native wildlife in our community. Located in Davenport, Florida, we’re uniquely positioned to support the rich biodiversity of our region, from songbirds and squirrels to turtles and opossums.
But what exactly is wildlife rehabilitation? And why does it matter? Here's an inside look at how our team helps wild animals heal—and why this work is so important.
A Lifeline for Injured and Orphaned Wildlife
Each year, thousands of wild animals in Florida suffer from injuries caused by cars, predators, habitat loss, or human interaction. Others are orphaned during storms or displaced by development. These animals often need specialized medical care, nutrition, and housing to survive—services that go far beyond what the average good Samaritan can provide.
That’s where we come in. When wildlife is brought to St. Charles Veterinary Hospital, our trained veterinarians and staff assess the animal’s condition, administer treatment, and, if appropriate, begin the rehabilitation process. Our goal is simple: to heal and release every animal back into its natural habitat when possible.
Expert Care with a Gentle Touch
Wildlife rehabilitation is different from traditional pet care. Wild animals don’t understand that we’re trying to help, so handling must be done carefully and minimally to reduce stress. Our team uses special protocols to ensure each animal receives the most appropriate medical and supportive care, while also maintaining their natural behaviors and fear of humans.
We provide wound care, splinting, hydration, and feeding based on species-specific needs. Young animals may require bottle feeding or specialized formulas, while others may need temporary enclosures that mimic their natural environments. Every step of the way, we focus on giving them the best chance of survival in the wild.
Working With the Community
Our wildlife service is also a collaboration with the community. Many of the animals we treat are brought in by local residents who found them injured or abandoned. We always encourage people to call before handling any wild animal, as some may not need intervention, and others might be dangerous to approach.
We also partner with local wildlife organizations, conservationists, and state agencies to ensure each case follows Florida’s laws and ethical wildlife care practices. When an animal is fully rehabilitated, we coordinate safe release into a suitable, protected habitat.
Why It Matters
Wildlife plays a vital role in our ecosystems, balancing insect populations, spreading seeds, and supporting biodiversity. By helping even one injured animal return to the wild, we contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
But more than that, wildlife rehabilitation reflects our values as caretakers of all living creatures. Whether it’s a domestic pet or a red-shouldered hawk, every animal deserves compassion and a fighting chance.
Have you found an injured or orphaned wild animal? Call St. Charles Veterinary Hospital at (863) 438-6600 before intervening. Want to support our wildlife efforts? Visit us to learn more or make a donation to help us continue providing lifesaving care for Florida’s native wildlife.
