Who Can Become a Member of NYSWRC?
Updated
Anyone with an interest in wildlife rehabilitation can join the NY State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Inc. (NYSWRC). According to the organization's website, its membership is open to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and assistants, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and other interested lay persons. The site states that NYSWRC welcomes your interest and participation, so membership is not limited to people who already hold a rehabilitation license.
Membership categories described by NYSWRC
The site lists the following groups as members:
| Member group | What they bring or need |
|---|---|
| Licensed wildlife rehabilitators and assistants | Direct field experience; may want networking, technical updates, and peer support |
| Veterinarians | Medical expertise relevant to treating distressed wildlife |
| Wildlife professionals | Broader professional context in conservation and wildlife work |
| Interested lay persons | General interest in wildlife; no license required per the site's description |
The common thread is an interest in the care of distressed wildlife and in the organization's work, not a specific credential.
What NYSWRC does for its members
Knowing what the organization actually does helps you decide whether joining is worthwhile. The site describes its work as:
- Promoting the professionalism of licensed wildlife rehabilitators
- Giving rehabilitators the field support and educational services they need to care for distressed wildlife appropriately
- Providing timely access to the latest technical information through a system of network support
- Working with governmental agencies to formulate better regulations concerning wildlife
- Disseminating educational material to New York State residents about distressed wildlife
- Promoting the conservation of wildlife, their habitats, and other natural resources
If you are a rehabilitator or assistant, the technical information and network support are the most directly relevant benefits. If you are a veterinarian or wildlife professional, the regulatory and educational work may be the main draw. If you are a lay person, membership is a way to support conservation and stay informed.
How to join
The website provides a "Become a Member" path. To sign up:
- Go to nyswrc.org.
- Follow the "Become a Member" link.
- Complete the membership sign-up as directed on that page.
The site does not publish membership pricing or login requirements in the material available here, so check the membership page itself for current dues, application steps, and any category-specific requirements before assuming anything about cost or access.
A related event to note
The site also announces the NYSWRC Annual Conference for November 12–15, 2026, in Ossining, New York, with registration opening September 1. If you are considering membership, the conference is a concrete way to see whether the organization's educational and networking offerings fit your needs.
Quick answer
If you are a licensed rehabilitator or assistant, a veterinarian, a wildlife professional, or simply a New York resident interested in wildlife, you are within the groups NYSWRC describes as its members. The organization states it welcomes interest and participation, and the sign-up path is the "Become a Member" link on nyswrc.org.