Why Wild at Heart Rescue Cannot Accept Domestic Animals

At Wild at Heart Rescue, Inc., our mission is to protect and restore Mississippi’s native wildlife. Every year, we receive calls from caring people who have found both wild animals and domestic pets in need of help. While we share a deep concern for all animals, it’s important to understand that wildlife rehabilitation and domestic animal rescue are not the same.

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We cannot accept cats, dogs, or other domestic animals, and here’s why.

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1. Legal Reasons: Permits and Regulations

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Wildlife is regulated by law. Native wild animals are protected by state and federal regulations, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state wildlife codes.

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• Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed and permitted by agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state Departments of Natural Resources.

• These permits only authorize the care of native wild species.

• Domestic animals fall under the responsibility of local animal control, humane societies, SPCAs, and shelters.

 

Accepting pets would violate our permits and jeopardize our ability to help wildlife.

 

2. Mission and Ethics: Two Distinct Goals

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• Wildlife Rehabilitation: The goal is to return wild animals to their natural habitat. We work to keep them wild and fearful of humans so they can survive after release.

• Domestic Animal Rescue: The goal is to find homes for pets by socializing them, vaccinating them, and preparing them for adoption.

 

These missions are fundamentally different and cannot be combined without harming the animals.

 

3. Specialized Knowledge and Care

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Wildlife and pets require completely different expertise.

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• Wildlife rehabilitators are trained in species-specific diets, medical needs, and housing for wild animals like owls, raccoons, rabbits, and songbirds.

• Shelters and veterinarians are trained in vaccinations, spay/neuter, behavior, and adoption for pets.

 

Each field exists to give the right animal the right care.

 

4. Disease and Safety Concerns

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• Wildlife can carry diseases such as rabies or distemper that can spread to pets and people.

• Pets can spread diseases to wildlife as well.

• The presence of dogs or cats can fatally stress wild prey animals.

 

Keeping the two separate ensures safety for everyone.

 

Who To Call First

The best way to help is knowing who to call first.

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• For injured or orphaned wildlife: Use Animal Help Now to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Always call first before moving an animal.

• For injured or lost pets: Contact your local animal shelter or humane society. These organizations are trained and equipped to help pets.

 

Local Resources for Domestic Animals

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Here are trusted shelters in our region if you encounter a stray, injured, or lost pet:

 

Humane Society of South Mississippi
2615 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 863-3354
www.hssm.org

 

Jackson County Animal Shelter
4400 Audubon Lane, Gautier, MS 39553
(228) 497-6350
pets.co.jackson.ms.us

 

Hancock County Animal Shelter
7175 Texas Flat Road, Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 466-4516
Hancock County Shelter

 

Southern Pines Animal Shelter
1901 N. 31st Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-6632
www.southernpinesanimalshelter.org

 

Stone County S.P.C.A.
1989 MS-26, Wiggins, MS 39577
(601) 928-1930
www.stonecountyspca.org

 

George County Animal Shelter
3571 N. 16th St., Lucedale, MS
(601) 728-7709

 

Mobile County Animal Shelter
7665 Howells Ferry Road, Mobile, AL 36618
(251) 574-3647
Mobile County Shelter

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It’s not about one type of animal being more important than another. It’s about ensuring that every animal gets the care it needs, from the people trained and legally permitted to provide it.

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At Wild at Heart Rescue, Inc., we are committed to protecting and releasing native wildlife. For pets, we rely on our incredible shelter partners who are equally dedicated to their mission of adoption and care. Together, we make sure that every animal has the best chance at life.