Wildlife policy.
We love all animals and want to help every animal whether a pet or wildlife. Unfortunately if a wild animal allows itself to be captured, most of these animals are severely unwell. We would suggest that ideally wildlife casualties are best taken to a dedicated wildlife rescue who have the facilities to rehabilitate and release. You may wish to try the following -
Wildlife Aid
Tiggywinkles
If you are unable to take the animal to a rescue, most vets (including ourselves) offer a free of charge emergency treatment immediately after the animal is found. This may be immediate pain relief, single antibiotic or euthanasia if unfortunately the animal is suffering and beyond treatment. The goal of treating wildlife is to return the animal to the wild in a fit state for survival and any decision to attempt treatment must always keep the animals long term welfare in mind. It is imperative to provide suitable housing, feeding and ongoing medical care whilst any wild animal remains in captivity and not to do so is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. Such care may well be beyond an individual’s scope and we urge consultation with a reputable wildlife rehabilitators.
Current legislation regarding grey squirrels as an invasive species means that it is not possible to release grey squirrels. A Natural England license is required to keep a grey squirrel in captivity. If you have any squirrel enquiries, we suggest you try Urban Squirrels. We do not provide treatment for grey squirrels presented by individuals, but of course we provide free to charge humane euthanasia to prevent suffering.
Our exotic pet specialty also encompasses wildlife and as such we are able to provide a variety of advanced treatment and surgery. This is based on a long term welfare assessment and we will not perform such treatments if we deem it not compatible with good welfare. Treatment beyond free immediate emergency treatment is at our normal surgery prices for which we are happy to provide estimates. We would love to help every wild animal but we are only a small independent practice, receive no charitable support and would be quickly overrun if we tried to treat all of London’s wildlife free of charge. This also applies if you wish to make an appointment for an animal that has been in captivity for a period and any follow up to free emergency treatment.