Veterinarians For Wildlife

Wild Truths: Dr Mila and Dr Sandy

Episode Summary

Vets are a vital part of the wildlife rescue system—but they’re often the quiet link in a fragile chain. While they provide critical care to injured animals and support to volunteer carers, many face the same struggles: limited funding, emotional exhaustion, and little recognition for their frontline role.
In this episode, we speak with Dr Mila and Dr Sandy, two veterinary professionals with deep experience in wildlife care, to understand the systemic gaps they face—and how the vet–carer pipeline could be better supported from the inside out.

Their message? If we want to protect wildlife, we must support the people trained to heal them.

 Key Issues Raised by Dr Mila & Dr Sandy:

• Lack of funding for clinics providing pro-bono or discounted wildlife care
• No formal vet support structure embedded within WIRES or across rescue networks
• Poor communication between vets, carers, and rescue organisations
• Emotional toll of treating preventable injuries (e.g. vehicle trauma, shooting injuries)
• Absence of long-term treatment options—many clinics only able to provide first aid
• Limited access to training or resources for vets in regional/rural areas
• Inconsistent data collection on wildlife treatment outcomes
• Vets often left out of policy and rescue planning discussions

 Their Suggestions for Change:

• Establish a formal wildlife vet support network within WIRES
• Fund regional vet clinics to offer specialised wildlife care
• Create consistent protocols for triage, treatment, and communication
• Support collaborative training for carers and vets
• Recognise wildlife treatment as essential frontline care—worthy of funding and support
• Include vets in rescue planning and organisational decisions
• Build ongoing mental health support into the wildlife response system

Why It Matters:

When vets are unsupported, wildlife suffers. The pipeline breaks down. Animals are lost. Carers burn out.
This episode calls for a better framework—one where vets are seen, funded, and empowered to do the work they’re trained to do.

• Invest in the vet–carer relationship
• Remove red tape
• Value local expertise
• Fund the hands that heal

Take Action:

• Share this episode with local clinics, carers, and rescue coordinators
• Advocate for dedicated wildlife care funding in your region
• Encourage WIRES to create formal support for vets
• Speak up at the SGM—push for policy that protects frontline workers

Listen. Reflect. Reform.
Together, we can build a wildlife rescue system that supports every link in the chain—starting with the vets who show up, stitch up, and speak up.

🎧 Listen to Dr Mila & Dr Sandy’s story.
📣 Share it with someone who cares.
✅ Your voice—and your vote—matter.