Wildlife Rescue Permits: Dallas vs Fort Worth
How do wildlife rescue permits rules compare between Dallas, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Texas Parks and Wildlife requires a Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit before anyone in Dallas may possess injured or orphaned wildlife. Residents finding wildlife should contact DFW Wildlife Coalition or a permitted rehabilitator rather than caring for animals themselves.
View full Dallas rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
No data available yet for Fort Worth.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| State permit | TX Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit | - |
| Federal permit | USFWS for migratory birds | - |
| Holding limit | 48 hours without permit | - |
| Local hotline | DFW Wildlife Coalition | - |
| Drop-off | Dallas Animal Services | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can I keep a baby squirrel I found in my Dallas yard?
No. Texas Parks and Wildlife rules limit possession of native wildlife to 48 hours for stabilization, then transfer to a permitted rehabilitator. Long-term care without a Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit violates state law and risks the animal.
Who do I call for injured wildlife in Dallas?
Contact DFW Wildlife Coalition for songbirds, raptors, mammals, and reptiles, or call Dallas Animal Services for after-hours emergencies. Both route animals to permitted rehabilitators authorized by Texas Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Fort Worth FAQ
No FAQs available.
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