Wildlife Removal Services

If you need to hire a wildlife removal professional, here's how to find one that uses humane, effective practices

• Make sure the company you hire not only removes the animals but also ensures they won't get back in. Photo by Humane Wildlife Services
• John Griffin of Humane Wildlife Services installs a one-way door on a roof. Photo by Humane Wildlife Services
• An ethical wildlife removal company will make sure baby animals are reunited with their families whenever possible. Photo by Humane Wildlife Services

Ask for an inspection and written estimate

It will be difficult for any company to assess and price the job over the phone, but they should be able to give you a rundown of their services and fees. Any fee for the on-site inspection should apply toward the work that is contracted. During the on-site visit, ask that the company identify:

• The animal(s) using the structure.
• All of the entry points as well as any potential entry points.
• Whether or not there are offspring.
• How the answers to these were determined.

Most companies will, and all should, provide pictures to explain how the animal is using a structure and what needs to be repaired to ensure the structure is wildlife-proof.

Get specifics on how the problem and the animals will be handled

Request specific details about how the intrusion or problem will be resolved and how the animal(s) will be treated. Will the animal be killed, and if so, why? Are there offspring that will be orphaned or abandoned? Will the method used resolve the problem for the long-term?

Insist on humane techniques

If an animal is inside a structure, insist on the use of guaranteed eviction/exclusion strategies, such as one-way doors and/or hands-on removal and reunion of families that will ultimately lead to their release outside of the structure.

Prevent a recurrence of the problem

Make sure that the company provides a full range of animal-proofing/exclusion services that carry at least a one-year guarantee against re-entry. The job is not complete until the identified access points have been effectively refitted with exclusion material that will stand up to challenge by wildlife.

Be on the lookout for unethical fees and practices

Never sign a contract that contains an open-ended clause allowing a company to charge for removal of any and every animal that can be trapped on the property. This is an unethical practice and will not solve conflicts for the long-term.

Get referrals from trusted sources

Obtain a referral for the company from a local wildlife rehabilitator, humane society or animal control agency. Ask these references how they have determined that the company uses humane practices. You can also ask for references from previous customers.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Request written assurance that the company’s practices are in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations. Make sure that the company carries commercial liability insurance and any required licenses.

More resources

Purchase a copy of, the go-to guide for useful, humane solutions to conflicts with wildlife.
» If you are in the D.C. metro area, take advantage of Humane Wildlife Services, our wildlife conflict resolution service.