vermin sanctuary

Vermin Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to the rescue, care, and release of injured and orphaned native wildlife—especially the overlooked, the misunderstood, and the misfit.

Donate

Found injured or orphaned wildlife?

text

(615) 564-0082

If you’ve found a wild animal in need, send a text with the following info:

Location (nearest address or cross streets)
Species (if known—raccoon, opossum, etc.)
Condition (injured, orphaned, trapped, etc.)
Include a photo or video if possible—it helps us assess the situation faster.

Please note: This number is monitored by one person (me!) while actively caring for animals

I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thank you for helping the wild ones. 💚

No cow’s milk. No baby formula. No pet food. Feeding the wrong thing—even with good intentions—can cause serious harm or death.
If it’s not cold, injured, or crying nonstop, wait and watch. Wild moms don’t hover—many only return when they feel safe. When in doubt, text first.
We get it—they’re cute. But keeping wild animals is illegal without a permit and dangerous for their health and survival. They’re not pets, and rehab is not a DIY project.
No ointments, no bandages, no homemade meds. Wildlife has very different needs than domestic animals. You might cause more harm than good.
We know it feels like the right thing—but pouring water into a weak or cold animal’s mouth can cause aspiration and kill it. Hydration is part of medical care—not a first-aid fix.
Social media can wait. Let’s make sure the animal lives long enough to be featured in a happy ending post.

habits that harm

Not every baby animal you see is abandoned. Many wild moms leave their young alone for hours while foraging nearby. Unless the animal is obviously injured, in immediate danger, or cold to the touch, take a step back and wait.
➤ For baby opossums: If they’re alone and under 7” long (not including the tail), they likely fell off mom’s back and need help.

➤ For raccoons and other mammals: Watch from a distance for a few hours—mom may come back once it’s quiet.

➤ If you’re unsure, text us a photo and we’ll guide you.
➤Use a towel or gloves and place it in a well-ventilated box. Keep it warm and quiet.

➤ Place a heating pad under half the box (on the lowest setting) so the animal can move away from the heat if needed.
Your location
What species it is
What condition it’s in
Include pic/video, if possible

steps that save

donate

Your grocery run = our rescue fund. Kroger chips in, you don’t pay extra.

send supplies.

save lives

Want to help the wild ones directly?

Shop our Amazon and Chewy wish lists to send much-needed supplies straight to Vermin Sanctuary. Every heating pad, feeding dish, and crate goes toward giving injured and orphaned wildlife a second chance.

We’re always in need of formula, cleaning supplies, medical gear, and tough-as-nails enclosures.

It’s not glamorous—but it saves lives.

Thank you for helping us do the dirty, necessary, life-saving work.

Learn more