Read the below description of each agency and how it works, and what you can say on the phone to get free wildlife removal services in your city or town.
This is the government animal control services. Sometimes they are organized by county, sometimes by city. This agency typically deals with domestic animal issues involving dogs and cats. This includes things like stray dogs or cats, barking or dangerous animals, adoptions, etc. This agency will sometimes lend assistance with wildlife concerns, for free. The first step is to call and ask if they'll assist with your wildlife problem. To increase the chance of success, do not lie, but if applicable, state that the problem is a public health matter, or that you feel the public safety is at risk, perhaps due to the spread of rabies or other diseases.
This is the statewide government wildlife agency, using your tax dollars to address wildlife issues. Sometimes called the State Fish & Wildlife Agency. State game wardens address many wildlife management matters, from hunting licenses, to poaching, endangered species, and yes, wildlife management. They deal with wild animals outside the range of a pest control company, such as cougars or bears. But they also have resources that may apply to your wildlife problem. To increase the chance of success, state that the problem is a public health matter in your state, perhaps due to the spread of rabies or other diseases.
Yes, your local police department will sometimes help with wildlife problems! I've seen many cases of the cops chasing down an errant bat in your house or snake in your pool! To increase the chance of success, never lie to the police dispatcher, but if applicable, state that you feel your personal safety is at risk, or the problem is a public safety matter, or a public health issue perhaps due to the spread of rabies or other diseases. Success may come down to whether or not a police officer wants to show up to this call, or is available. It's not always consistent.
Wildlife rehabbers are NOT government agencies. They are also not businesses. They are privately run, and operate on volunteer work and donations. Wildlife rehabber facilities deal strictly with wild animals. They may be able to help you with your wildlife problem, depending on the type of problem. The level of help might depend on their resources at the time. They will almost surely help in any case of an injured wild animal, or an orphaned baby animal, such as a baby squirrel or bird that fell out of a tree, etc. Please treat any local wildlife rehabilitation kindly and donate if you are able to.
If you can't manage to get free service, we can help. No free agency is going to provide the level of service we provide. If you have animals in your attic, for example, none of the above agencies are going to inspect your home and inside your attic, identify and remove the animals with advanced equipment and techniques, or perform needed repairs to your roof or vents to keep critters out. No free agency is gong to repair wildlife damage or clean up your attic. The city or state government services are slow, M-F 9-5 agencies, and they usually don't do the job correctly, if at all. Call us if you want to get: