Found an injured or orphaned animal?  We are happy to help!

Text or call us at 615-559-WILD (9453). 

You may send a picture of short video of the animal you have found by text. Please note that all calls will go directly to voicemail. You must leave a message for us to help. Calls are returned daily from 9am to 4pm. Calls received after 4pm will be returned the next day. Please visit our emergency care instructions for overnight care. 

Walden’s Puddle provides care and treatment to sick, injured and orphaned native Tennessee wildlife. We are a professionally-staffed wildlife  rehabilitation facility in Middle Tennessee. We do not charge for services and receive no federal or state funding at this time. We are here to help wildlife in trouble. If you suspect an animal is orphaned, please observe to make sure its mother is not nearby.

If You Find A Wild Animal That Might Be Orphaned Or Injured

If you find a wild animal that might be orphaned or injured, call our Wildlife Admissions Line immediately at 615-559-WILD (9453) and LEAVE A MESSAGE. Please Do Not Email, We May Not Get Your Message In Time.

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IF OUR ADMISSION APPOINTMENTS ARE FULL

In the event our admission appointments are full or we are at capacity, please contact these other licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators. Also, please read the related emergency animal care information on this website. Thank you for your understanding.

Lilliebirds Wildlife Rehab: 615-579-8801
Ziggy’s Tree Wildlife Rehab: 615-631-2205 for small mammals or (931) 841-9781 for song birds
Nashville Wildlife Conservation: 615-270-9009 (Turtles)

Please GO HERE for an extensive list of all permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators in all counties of Tennessee.

Latest News On Facebook

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Want hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation? We're now accepting applications for August - October internships!

Interns are an essential part of our team during late baby season. You’ll gain hands-on experience with diet preparation, daily animal care and enrichment activities, enclosure cleaning, medication administration, and other aspects of wildlife rehabilitation. We have an incredible staff that’s ready to teach you the ins and outs of wildlife rehabilitation!

Before applying, here are a few important things to know:

- This is an unpaid internship.
- We are located in Joelton, Tennessee.
- We work with wild animals. That means no cuddling, petting, or baby-talking any patients. Our goal is always to keep them wild so they can successfully return to their natural habitat.
- Wildlife rehab is messy! Expect dirty, smelly animal care with infinite laundry and dishes to wash.
- This is a physically demanding role. You'll spend most of your shift on your feet, often working outdoors in the Tennessee heat while caring for the animals.
- Rabies vaccination is not required for all animal care, but it is required for working with rabies vector species like raccoons, foxes, skunks, and coyotes.

If you're passionate about wildlife, eager to learn, and ready to work hard, we'd love to hear from you!

Please email your resume and cover letter to AsstManager@waldenspuddle.org.
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
Want hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation? Were now accepting applications for August - October internships!

Interns are an essential part of our team during late baby season. You’ll gain hands-on experience with diet preparation, daily animal care and enrichment activities, enclosure cleaning, medication administration, and other aspects of wildlife rehabilitation. We have an incredible staff that’s ready to teach you the ins and outs of wildlife rehabilitation!

Before applying, here are a few important things to know:

- This is an unpaid internship.
- We are located in Joelton, Tennessee.
- We work with wild animals. That means no cuddling, petting, or baby-talking any patients. Our goal is always to keep them wild so they can successfully return to their natural habitat.
- Wildlife rehab is messy! Expect dirty, smelly animal care with infinite laundry and dishes to wash. 
- This is a physically demanding role. Youll spend most of your shift on your feet, often working outdoors in the Tennessee heat while caring for the animals.
- Rabies vaccination is not required for all animal care, but it is required for working with rabies vector species like raccoons, foxes, skunks, and coyotes.

If youre passionate about wildlife, eager to learn, and ready to work hard, wed love to hear from you!

Please email your resume and cover letter to AsstManager@waldenspuddle.org.

Comment on Facebook

You had me until you said I can't baby talk to any of the patients lol I cannot promise that. I would accidentally do it 😆

I interned at Walden's Puddle a few years ago and it was incredible! I still use some of the things I learned here in my job as a vet tech

Do you have to be a college vet student?

Madison Schmeling I wish you could come here and do this

How many hours per week & how many days a week?

What is the minimum age requirement?

Me and my roomie volunteered. I wish I could do it again

Hunter Weilacher

Ayla Borum 🥰

Riley Perry

Lisa Faye McDaniel Kylie????

Hayden Butts

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Our Volunteer of the Quarter
🌟Kristin Fulgoni🌟

We are proud to recognize Kristin Fulgoni as our Volunteer of the Quarter!
Kristin has been a regular volunteer with Walden’s Puddle for nearly two years, and her dedication, reliability, and compassion have made a tremendous impact on our organization. She consistently goes above and beyond in the care she provides to the animals, and her attention to detail and strong work ethic never go unnoticed.
Our days run more smoothly when Kristin is here, and we always know that every task she takes on will be completed thoroughly and with great care. She truly embodies everything we hope for in a volunteer and serves as an example of the incredible difference one person can make.
Kristin, thank you for your hard work, your commitment, and the love you show our patients every day. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Walden’s Puddle family and hope to have you with us for many years to come! ❤️🦝🦉🦊
... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Our Volunteer of the Quarter
       🌟Kristin Fulgoni🌟

We are proud to recognize Kristin Fulgoni as our Volunteer of the Quarter!
Kristin has been a regular volunteer with Walden’s Puddle for nearly two years, and her dedication, reliability, and compassion have made a tremendous impact on our organization. She consistently goes above and beyond in the care she provides to the animals, and her attention to detail and strong work ethic never go unnoticed.
Our days run more smoothly when Kristin is here, and we always know that every task she takes on will be completed thoroughly and with great care. She truly embodies everything we hope for in a volunteer and serves as an example of the incredible difference one person can make.
Kristin, thank you for your hard work, your commitment, and the love you show our patients every day. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Walden’s Puddle family and hope to have you with us for many years to come! ❤️🦝🦉🦊

Comment on Facebook

Congratulations! So glad to know there are people like you who care!

Thank you Kristin! You’re awesome!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I love this so much and the world needs more people like her. Thank you Kristin, for your dedication, we know it’s not always easy but you keep showing up so you definitely make a difference. ❤️

Congratulations!!!!

Congratulations. Kristin! Thank you for all you do. 😊

Kristin you are amazing! We appreciate everything you do for Walden’s Puddle!

Thank you@

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WALDEN'S PUDDLE ON YOUTUBE

WP. Newsletter 2023.Final

 

IF OUR ADMISSION APPOINTMENTS ARE FULL

In the event our admission appointments are full or we are at capacity, please contact these other licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators. Also, please read the related emergency animal care information on this website. Thank you for your understanding.

Lilliebirds Wildlife Rehab: 615-579-8801
Ziggy’s Tree Wildlife Rehab: 615-631-2205 (small mammals) or (931) 841-9781 (song birds)
Nashville Wildlife Conservation/ 615-270-9009 (Turtles)

Please GO HERE for an extensive list of all permitted Wildlife Rehabilitators in all counties of Tennessee.

Recent Posts

  • Under Construction
    April 1, 2024
    Our Website is currently undergoing a much needed update. If you are having trouble filling out applications for volunteering, reach out to our volunteer coordinator at puddlevolunteers@gmail.com. We will get back to you as
  • The Puddle In The News
    September 13, 2021
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Members of a Nashville nonprofit say they’ve treated four times the amount of foxes this year than usual. News 2 spoke with Joanna Prosser, an Animal Care Supervisor of Walden’s Puddle about
  • We Need A Gently Used Riding Mower
    July 29, 2020
    If you have a gently used riding mower (in good condition) that you’d be willing to donate to us (tax-deductible), please call us and leave a message at
  • The Big Payback 2020
    May 6, 2020
    Walden’s Puddle is once again participating in The Big Payback, a region-wide, 24-hour online giving event created to help Middle Tennessee nonprofits raise funds vital to continue their work, which directly improves
  • During the COVID-19 Crisis
    March 19, 2020
    As the recent developments unfold regarding the COVID-19 virus, our primary concern turns to the health and safety of human lives. With this in mind, Waldens puddle has decided to temporarily suspend new admissions during

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