The West Sound Wildlife Shelter (WSWS) is a wildlife hospital, rehabilitation and education facility and serves as the primary rehabilitation center for Kitsap County, and other counties in the western Puget Sound region. We rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned wildlife, giving them a second chance at life. We strive to follow best practices when it comes to care for our patients and our education animals.
In addition to our rehabilitation efforts, WSWS works with the greater western Puget Sound community on habitat and species conservation and education. We have partnerships with several local community groups and work with the cities of Bainbridge Island, Gig Harbor, Kingston, Port Gamble, and Poulsbo, to promote conservation, education, and awareness.
WSWS holds rehabilitation permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a federal permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allowing WSWS to rehabilitate migratory birds. The Shelter holds a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit to possess non-releasable raptors for educational programs. The permanent WSWS staff is comprised of the executive director, the special events and development coordinator, three full-time licensed wildlife rehabilitators, and one wildlife assistant/receptionist. The entire wildlife care team includes the shelter staff, seasonal employees, seasonal interns, more than 70 wildlife care and support volunteers, and 5 volunteer veterinarians.
