Wildlife Assistance & Information Foundation

Dr. Derek Spielman with friend.

Health Mascot

The Brushtail Possum which is extinct over most of its range now clings to survival in urban areas.

Aims & Objectives

The aim of the Health Division of WAIF is to support wildlife, the natural environment and wildlife carers by promoting the health and welfare of individual native wild animals and wild populations without endangering wild populations or damaging the environment. Members of WAIF consider the integrity and sustainability of the natural environment first and foremost, then the needs and welfare of individual animals, then the needs of carers and wildlife rehabilitation organisations, and lastly the WAIF organisation.

Veterinary Clinic

WAIF operates a part-time veterinary clinic in St Ives every Sunday morning. The WAIF Wildlife Veterinary Clinic and WAIF veterinarians, funded primarily by WAIF, are dedicated to treating injured, sick or abandoned wildlife. Records from the veterinary practice form part of the health database which is accessible through the Health or Education Divisions.

The clinic has three main purposes:

1. •  to provide excellent veterinary services for native wildlife,
   

2. •  provide an educational resource for carers, veterinarians and other wildlife health professionals
   

3. •  to investigate the full range of diseases affecting wild animals and the most appropriate and effective treatments
   

Education is provided in three ways:

1. •  direct to clients during consultations,
   

2. •  advice to veterinarians, and,
   

3. •  developing and maintaining a database of cases, investigative results and appropriate and effective treatments.
   

Bookings for an appointment are required to minimise waiting. The consultation fee for each native wild animal is $5 or the costs of the drugs provided, whichever is greater. Repeat visits for the same animal and the same condition do not attract additional charges other than the costs of drugs. However, WAIF would be pleased to accept donations which are tax deductible if over $2.00. Non-native wildlife that cannot be treated effectively at other private veterinary clinics may be treated at the WAIF Wildlife Veterinary Clinic on a full fee paying basis (e.g., pet reptiles, fish and amphibians).  A full fee is charged for the treatment of wildlife pets. The clinic does not treat domestic pets or feral animals. For treatment options for non-native animals please refer to the contact list.

Although the clinic operates only one morning each week ongoing veterinary advice for cases already examined by WAIF veterinarians can be provided via the telephone or email. General advice regarding the health and welfare of native wild animals not already examined by WAIF veterinarians can also be provided by these means. WAIF has developed fact sheets for several common wild species which can be downloaded from this website.

For bookings or enquiries please telephone WAIF on 02 9456 0452 or email health@waif.org.au. If you are interested in volunteering at the WAIF Wildlife Veterinary Clinic please email your resume to health@waif.org.au.