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Injured Wildlife

No one likes to see an animal in pain, but when you come across injured wildlife, it’s not always clear what to do. The prevailing myth is that you should “put the animal out of its misery,” and in some cases that may be necessary. However, it often isn’t, a proper vet care can lead to recovery and re-release for the injured animal. And if nothing can be done, a vet can give the animal a more peaceful end than a layperson could.

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When you see injured wildlife, it’s best to call the experts and follow their advice from there. Here at Village Veterinary Clinic, we’re those experts, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

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The main reason for contacting an injured wildlife vet is for the sake of the animal’s health and comfort. However, it’s also critical that you stay well away from the animal until you have been given the go-ahead to approach, both to keep you safe and to protect wildlife. 

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An injured wildlife Veterinarian can offer better advice than your companions or your own knowledge can produce and can lead to the best outcomes for all involved.

Veterinarian with injured crane

We also have a wide range of amphibians, reptiles, and fish. While this is not a complete list, it is representative of the most common types of wildlife you will see, both in areas near human habitation and in the backcountry. If you see animals that look injured or are acting strangely in any way, it’s critical – for their sake and for the surrounding population – that you contact an expert right away.

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How Village Veterinary Clinic Works

Here at Village Veterinary Clinic, we have a standard operating procedure when we get a call from an injured animal. Firstly, we will ask you what kind of animal it is and what condition it’s in. We are prepared to take in birds, deer and many other species of local wildlife.

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We also work with Fairfax County Animal Control, so if they are the better option for taking action, we will let you know and help you contact them. In some cases, it may be best to leave the animal alone, and if so, we will tell you that.

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Wildlife We Treat

In Fairfax County, we see a wide range of wildlife. According to the Fairfax County Government’s wildlife page, this includes:

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  • Bats

  • Beaver

  • Black Bear

  • Bobcat

  • Coyote

  • Deer

  • Red Fox/Gray Fox

  • Groundhog

  • Opossum

  • Raccoon

  • Squirrels/Chipmunks

  • Skunks

  • Birds of Prey

  • Canada Geese

  • Songbirds

  • Vultures

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