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We cannot answer animal questions
via email.
Please call 209.883.9414.
We are open to receive animals between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm every day, including weekends and holidays.
Safety Precautions
Birds of Prey - Hawks and owls have strong, sharp talons and will use them. The larger ones can do serious damage.

Adult Mammals - Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and other mammals will bite. Use caution. Wear gloves and use a towel to cover the eyes and protect your hands.

Skunks and Bats - Never touch a skunk or bat with your bare hands Use gloves. They are high risk for rabies. Don't risk an exposure. Keep them safe by keeping yourself safe.

Baby Birds - Small birds are very fragile. Be extremely gentle. Children often squeeze these birds too hard and cause fatal internal injuries.

Baby Mammals - Baby raccoons, opossums, and squirrels require special formulas and feeding techniques. Please, do not feed.
Is the animal orphaned?
Leave it be
Bring it in.
Baby Deer
Sick or Injured Deer

Can stand and walk

Looks healthy

Mother deer leave their fawns alone all day. They are not abandoned, but the mother will not return until you leave. If you brought the fawn home, please return it. The mother will search for several days.
Too weak to stand

Covered with fleas and ticks

Standing next to a dead doe.

Do not feed. It cannot digest food until it is stabilized.
Young Birds
Hatchling Birds

Fully feathered with a short tail

Hopping around

Trying to fly

Mom and dad are in the trees watching. It will learn to fly in a few hours. Even if there are cats around, the bird is better off with its parents. Leave it be.
Few or no feathers

Eyes closed

Cold and weak

A cat had it.

Do not give food or water.
Young Mammals
Infant Mammals

Running around

Good body weight

Free of obvious fleas and ticks.

It isn't orphaned. Mom is near by hiding.
Eyes closed

Cold, weak, or injured

Covered with fleas and ticks

Near a dead female

A cat had it.

Do not feed. The wrong formula or formula fed the wrong way is fatal.
Young Bunnies
Infant Bunnies

Eyes open

Hopping around

Looks healthy

It is a teenager out on its own. Teenage cottontails fit in the palm of your hand and are easy to catch.

Leave them be.
Eyes closed

Cold, weak, or injured

A cat had it.

Do not feed. The wrong formula or formula fed the wrong way is fatal.

How to Transport an Animal


Small Birds should be put into a small cardboard box or a paper bag. Put a few pencil size holes for air, and several layers of soft tissue for padding and insulation in the bottom of the bag.

Larger Birds, Raptors, and Baby Mammals should be put into a cardboard box with a few small holes near the top. Be sure to fasten the lid securely. Do not use wire cages.


Larger Mammals should be put into sturdy carriers. Drape a towel over the holes and door to calm the animal.


Reptiles should be put into carefully sealed containers with small air holes to prevent escape.

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