FAQs

What areas does Gulf Coast Wildlife Rescue cover?

We service Alvin, Angleton, Rosharon, Clute, Richwood, Brazoria, West Columbia, Sweeny, Van Vleck, Bay City, Sargent, El Campo, Damon, Wharton, Danbury, Liverpool, Surfside, Quintana, Freeport, Jones Creek, Oyster Creek, and San Luis Pass.

We have volunteers that help us cover Edna, Blessing, Palacious, Port Lavaca and Victoria.

We do NOT cover Manvel, Pearland, Sugarland, Missouri City, Keemah, Texas City, Dickenson, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Pasedena, Galveston or Houston. These areas are closer to the  Houston rehab centers.

Do the GCWR rehabilitators come and pick up the animals that need to be rescued?

Due to the high volume of calls and the time needed to care for  the injured/orphaned wildlife it is impossible for the rehabilitators to be able to go and pick up all the wildlife calls that come in. We ask that the public safely place the animal in a box or kennel, call the hotline and they will be instructed to take the animal to the closest rehabilitator that specializes in that particular animal.

Does GCWR have a central wildlife center?

We are a home-based wildlife rescue organization. We work from our homes which allows us to give care 24/7 to the wildlife. Some of our rehabilitators have been rehabbing for decades and have very large facilities and separate buildings which serve as wildlife hospitals. All rehabber’s facilities have been inspected and approved by state and federal agencies.

How does the GCWR hotline work?

Call 979-849-0184 and you will hear a message. Leave a message and a volunteer will return your call shortly (usually within 15 minutes). Please be patient. Remember we receive LOTS of calls and the volunteer answering the phone is ALSO a rehabilitator who is answering other calls, rescuing wildlife, feeding, cleaning, and medicating wildlife. We return calls as soon as physically possible. Just like you — We Care About the Wildlife. Remember you MUST leave a voicemail message in order to receive a call back. You may text pictures of the wildlife to the hotline but remember you must ALSO leave a voicemail message in order to receive a call back. If you have not heard from us within the hour —please call again and leave another message.

How can I become a rehabilitator?

Wildlife rehabilitators are permitted by Texas Parks & Wildlife and US Fish & Wildlife. In order to get permitted you must receive training from experienced wildlife rehabilitators. We offer training and support for those interested in becoming a rehabilitator. We are always looking for new volunteers. In the spring/summer we need folks who are willing to raise baby birds, squirrels, raccoons and opossums. Please call the GCWR hotline and leave a message and we will get you started helping the wildlife.

Does GCWR have paid employees or rehabilitators?

GCWR prides itself in being comprised of 100% volunteers. A few of our rehabilitators can spend over 70 hours/weekly during busy season caring for wildlife. Some of our rehabilitators have full-time jobs along with volunteering for GCWR. Our volunteers are trained, care deeply for wildlife, and are professional — but just not paid.

What species of animals does GCWR rehabilitate?

We care for ALL native wildlife including birds, mammals and reptiles. Every year we care for over 2,500 animals. Over the years we have taken in tens of thousands of animals. We rehabilitate owls, hawks, eagles, pelicans, waterfowl, songbirds, gulls, and egrets. We also rehabilitate the non-protected pigeons, sparrows and starlings. We take in squirrels, opossums, raccoons, deer, fox, coyote, bobcat, bats, skunks, armadillos, rats, mice, beaver, otter, and moles! We do not take in domestic pets such as dogs and cats. We do not take in feral hogs or livestock. We do not accept exotic pets.

How long has GCWR been in existence?

Gulf Coast Wildlife Rescue began in 2001. Our co-founders Dana Simon and Cherie Allen have been active in wildlife rehabilitation since 1992.

What does my donation to GCWR pay for?

Every penny goes towards purchasing foods, medicines and caging for the wildlife. GCWR prides itself in being good stewards of your donations.