A tiny little Yellow Warbler flew into my window, I Googled what to do, and after the initial assessment, suggested I call the Wildlife Rescue. I spoke to Laurie, I was a little panicked and she calmly went over what happened and suggested that I bring the feathered friend in. When I arrived, I was met by Cathleen, she took the birdy, asked if I would like to be able to check up on the birdy, of course I answered "YES", she took the birdy away and asked me to wait. She returned with a patient number so I could follow up. She also told me that they put him in the aviary and he was flying around 🙏, but they would hang onto the patient and administer anti-inflammatory meds for a few days. She offered me the option, if things go well, to be the one to release the birdy. Of course I accepted, she said they will reach out when the patient is ready and give instructions on how to release the baby back to our neighborhood. 5 out of 5 ⭐. These people are very caring about their patients and the people that rescue them. 💖✨💖
WildCare
WildCare at a glance
Reviewers praise WildCare for its knowledgeable staff, prompt intake of injured wildlife, and accessible phone guidance. Visitors note the facility serves as a community resource with an education center, though some find the temporary location confusing or limited in animal display. A recurring criticism involves disputes over pet birds, where owners allege the organization euthanized animals without adequate prior communication or consent.
- Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 226 reviews (85% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 226 Google reviews (131 with written comments, 13 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 5% of reviews.
- Most recent review: October 28, 2026.
- Service: Wildlife serving San Francisco, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Score profile vs other wildlife removal services
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: satisfaction and reliability; weakest: momentum.
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
226 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars19285%
- 4 stars209%
- 3 stars52%
- 2 stars00%
- 1 star94%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 131 written reviews
- Praise7395%
- Complaints45%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude4153%
- Quality & results1114%
- Speed & response1013%
- Price & value56%
- Honesty & trust45%
- Would recommend45%
- Communication23%
What customers talk about
We read 131 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She returned with a patient number so I could follow up.”
“They do great work, so appreciated, the volunteers are the best!”
“We took a woodpecker here and they accepted him quickly and got him treatment right away.”
“They are worth it for sure!”
“They do everything for those sweet creatures and I have full trust in their knowledge and desire to help all living things.”
“They are liars and I would not trust them with any animal shame on them!”
“We highly recommend to join this great FREE OUTDOORS adventures!”
“Sadly, it had to be euthanized but the person who let me know was kind and explained everything that had been done to try and save the animal.”
People customers mention
- Rafael 7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
I have been rescuing pigeons for about 4 or more years and I have brought many injured pigeons to WildCare. They do everything for those sweet creatures and I have full trust in their knowledge and desire to help all living things. I also will continue to donate:) GO WILDCARE SAN RAFEAL
They were very informative and pleasant to talk with. So glad they are a resource for our community.
I'm glad this place exists. We took a woodpecker here and they accepted him quickly and got him treatment right away.
If you find injured wildlife, this is the place to bring them. Call first. They will do everything they can to care for and release wild animals.
A wonderful asset to our community. They work very hard and have a knowledgeable team of experts and volunteers. Really grateful to have them around!
Do NOT bring any of your pet birds here! They say they will help and immediately euthanize your pets! This place is horrific!
Photos
Customer reviews
4.7 ★★★★★ 226 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
I have been rescuing pigeons for about 4 or more years and I have brought many injured pigeons to WildCare. They do everything for those sweet creatures and I have full trust in their knowledge and desire to help all living things. I also will continue to donate:) GO WILDCARE SAN RAFEAL
Thank you for your dedication to the wildlife of Marin County and beyond!
They were very informative and pleasant to talk with. So glad they are a resource for our community.
Thank you, Chris, for helping us care for the Wildlife in Marin County!
I'm glad this place exists. We took a woodpecker here and they accepted him quickly and got him treatment right away.
If you find injured wildlife, this is the place to bring them. Call first. They will do everything they can to care for and release wild animals.
I am so glad to have them in my area! They are wonderful and so caring!
A wonderful asset to our community. They work very hard and have a knowledgeable team of experts and volunteers. Really grateful to have them around!
Do NOT bring any of your pet birds here! They say they will help and immediately euthanize your pets! This place is horrific!
Thank you for sharing your concern. WildCare’s veterinary decisions are made by licensed professionals based on the animal’s medical condition, welfare, and quality of life. WildCare does not euthanize animals based on public pressure or species alone. We accept and treat House Sparrows, and humane euthanasia is only considered when an animal is suffering from severe, irreversible conditions. WildCare is a wildlife hospital. We do not treat pets. We understand this case has been painful, and we welcome anyone with questions about our wildlife care policies to contact us directly at 415-456-7283.
I rescued a house sparrow when she was approximately seven days old. I claimed her as a pet and had her examined by a veterinarian, who provided a written report. The examination confirmed that she was healthy, although she had a broken left leg. The veterinarian stated that this injury would not affect her normal quality of life in captivity. I was also informed that house sparrows are legal to own as pets in California. From the time I rescued her, I hand-fed her every day from approximately 6:00 a.m. until nighttime and personally cared for her until she was one month old. During that time, I raised her as my pet and developed a strong bond with her. I later sought a second opinion from WildCare in San Rafael, which offered free veterinary care for my sparrow, Ducky. They assured me that Ducky would be returned to me after the examination. When I brought Ducky in, they asked what I planned to do with her. I clearly and repeatedly confirmed that I intended to take her back because she was my pet. Cate Mason informed me that the examination would be completed by that evening or the following morning. After receiving no update, I sent an email that evening requesting information about Ducky’s condition. WildCare then called me and stated that Ducky was malnourished and unhealthy and therefore had to be euthanized. I told them that this was not true, as my own veterinarian had already examined her and confirmed that she was healthy. I asked them to return my pet to me. They replied that they would first contact my veterinarian. After I contacted my veterinarian and participated in a three-way call with WildCare, they informed us that they had already euthanized my pet, Ducky.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We understand how painful it is to lose an animal you care about and we recognize this outcome has been heartbreaking for you. We want to clarify what occurred. When you first contacted us, you were told that WildCare does not accept pets, and you were referred to avian veterinary clinics and a wildlife hospital closer to you. As one of the only Bay Area wildlife hospitals that treats House Sparrows, we provide full medical care to every patient. However, no staff member would ever offer veterinary care with the promise of returning a wild animal to a member of the public. That is not something we ever do. The bird arrived with a luxated hock and an improperly healed femur fracture, both caused by Metabolic Bone Disease from improper nutrition during development. These deformities were not repairable and would have caused chronic pain and secondary injuries. After decades of experience treating wild songbirds, our veterinary staff determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option. It is never an easy decision. We will conduct an internal review to ensure our policies are communicated clearly. While we understand that emotions surrounding the loss of an animal can be intense, statements that misrepresent what occurred make it more difficult for the public to understand both this case and the important work wildlife rehabilitation organizations perform every day.
they misled a person, making them believe they would help their pet sparrow, and they euthanized it without the person even knowing how do you guys sleep at night? that bird was someone's pet, that was loved, and you took it upon yourselves to kill it. I hope whoever does that loses their job!! just wanted to add. if they think euthanized is best, they are required by law to inform the owner of the pet. not to do it without knowledge. I hope they sue and win, even though it won't bring back their baby. shame on all of you, trying to justify this.
Thank you for sharing your concern. WildCare’s veterinary decisions are made by licensed professionals based on the animal’s medical condition, welfare, and quality of life. WildCare does not euthanize animals based on public pressure or species alone. We accept and treat House Sparrows, and humane euthanasia is only considered when an animal is suffering from severe, irreversible conditions. We understand this case has been painful, and we welcome anyone with questions about our wildlife care policies to contact us directly at 415-456-7283.
Business details
- Address: 37 Schmidt Ln, San Rafael, CA 94903
- Phone: (415) 456-7283
- Website: discoverwildcare.org
- Service area: San Francisco, CA