About us – WILDLIFE RESCUE OF EAST TENNESSEE

Who We Are

Dedicated Compassion, Professional Standards.

Our organization provides a critical safety net for the biodiverse region of East Tennessee, operating a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility staffed by certified wildlife experts, licensed veterinary technicians, and compassionate volunteers. We are deeply committed to ensuring that the care provided goes far beyond basic first aid; it encompasses meticulous diagnostic procedures, complex surgical interventions, long-term physical therapy, and specialized psychological conditioning necessary to prepare animals for the immense challenges of survival in the wild. The core of our operation is built on transparent protocols and ethical practices, strictly adhering to all state and federal guidelines governing wildlife handling and care, which guarantees that our efforts are not only effective but also legally and morally sound. We are immensely proud of our reputation for credibility and professionalism, maintaining detailed records of every animal’s journey from intake to release and constantly working to integrate the newest advancements in veterinary medicine and behavioral science into our daily operations to achieve the highest possible rehabilitation success rates for the varied species we serve.

Our Story

From a Single Vision to a Community-Wide Lifeline.

Wildlife Rescue of East Tennessee was born out of a profound and urgent recognition that the increasing encroachment of human development into natural habitats was creating a mounting crisis for local wildlife, and there was a significant lack of resources dedicated to the professional care of these injured and displaced animals. Our founders, a small group of highly passionate veterinarians and licensed rehabilitators, initially operated out of a modest, purpose-built garage facility in 2010, relying entirely on personal funds and a shared desire to bridge this critical gap in animal welfare. They started small, treating common local species like songbirds and opossums, but the immediate and overwhelming demand from the community quickly demonstrated the vital need for a more structured and substantial organization, prompting the official establishment of WRET as a non-profit entity and the beginning of our ambitious journey toward expansion.

What We Do

Comprehensive Care from Emergency Response to Wild Release.

The essence of our work is a meticulously structured, multi-stage process designed to maximize the chances of a successful and enduring return to the wild for every animal under our care. This process begins the moment an animal is reported in distress, triggering our 24/7 response team to rapidly assess the situation, safely capture and secure the animal using low-stress techniques, and transport it immediately to our medical triage center for stabilization. Upon arrival, the animal undergoes a thorough examination by our on-site veterinary staff, which includes diagnostic imaging, blood work, and immediate treatment for shock, pain, and injury, laying the crucial foundation for their long-term recovery journey. The immediate goal is stabilization and the development of an individualized rehabilitation plan, considering the species’ specific nutritional, medical, and behavioral requirements, which can range from orthopedic surgery for fractures to intensive fluid therapy for dehydration, ensuring all critical needs are addressed with professional urgency.

Connect with Wildlife Rescue of East Tennessee.

For all Wildlife Emergencies Only—meaning an animal is visibly injured, trapped, or orphaned—please call our dedicated 24/7 hotline immediately for expert guidance and dispatching of a rescue team, as rapid response is critical to ensuring the best outcome for the animal, and this line is monitored around the clock by trained professionals. For all administrative inquiries, including questions about volunteering, donations, educational workshops, or general information regarding our organization, we kindly request that you utilize the designated email address or call our main office line during standard business hours, which allows us to maintain the readiness of the emergency line for time-sensitive situations that directly impact patient care. We are committed to responding to all non-emergency communications within one business day, providing detailed answers and assistance to ensure that your experience connecting with WRET is as informative and helpful as possible, as your engagement is a critical component of our ongoing success and mission fulfillment across the region.

Full Contact Details:

Address: 3407 MEMORIAL BLVD, KINGSPORT, TN 37664

Email: info@wlret.site

Individuals interested in pursuing a career with Wildlife Rescue of East Tennessee should begin by thoroughly reviewing the detailed job descriptions posted on our official careers page, ensuring that their professional qualifications, specialized experience, and deep personal commitment align perfectly with the rigorous requirements of the advertised position. Our application process requires the submission of a comprehensive resume and a detailed cover letter that specifically addresses how the candidate’s experience aligns with our mission of 24/7 emergency response, expert rehabilitation, and public education, allowing us to gauge not only professional skill but also cultural fit.

Join Us

Become a Professional Lifeline for Wildlife.

Wildlife Rescue of East Tennessee offers challenging and immensely rewarding career opportunities for highly skilled professionals who are deeply committed to animal welfare, conservation science, and the highest standards of veterinary and rehabilitation medicine, providing a unique environment for specialized growth. We periodically seek to fill highly specialized positions, including Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators who possess the necessary state and federal permits and years of hands-on experience, Veterinary Technicians with critical care and exotic species experience, and Environmental Education Specialists with a proven track record of developing and delivering impactful public programs. Our team environment is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous learning, as we are constantly integrating the latest scientific research into our protocols to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients, offering a career path where your passion for conservation directly translates into quantifiable, lifesaving impact. We are committed to ethical hiring practices and seek diverse candidates who bring not only credentials but also an unwavering commitment to the compassionate, professional handling of wildlife in crisis.