About WERC

Over 30 Years Serving The Morgan Hill, San Martin And Gilroy Communities

WERC was founded by Sue Howell in 1991. Since then Sue has been actively involved in
wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. Sue is a member of NWRA (National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association) and a founding member of CCWR (California Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators). John Quick was a co-founder of Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center and the first attending veterinarian of the organization. Today his daughter Ashley is the executive director, continuing the family tradition of wildlife rescue.

More than 40 different species will come through our door each year. You can follow along with our animal rescue and releases on or Facebook and Instagram pages.

Terra the Burrowing Owl - Picture Credit Brad Lewis

Terra - Our Burrowing Owl Ambassador - PC By Brad Lewis

Our Accredidations

W.E.R.C. is a member in good standing of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC), and the California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators (CCWR). These organizations address implementation of standards for facilities, care, and caging for wildlife rehabilitation. In July 1993, W.E.R.C. passed the IWRC Pilot Accreditation Program for Basic Standards of Care in Wildlife Rehabilitation. We were issued a glowing report by the IWRC Standards and Accreditation Chair. Copies of this report are available upon request from W.E.R.C. or the IWRC. W.E.R.C. is also a member of both the Morgan Hill and Gilroy Chambers of Commerce.

Nearly all wild birds and mammals are protected under the law. Therefore, it is illegal for them to be taken from the wild and kept as pets or patients without federal and state permits. W.E.R.C. is the only facility in South Santa Clara County licensed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide rehabilitative services.