Wildlife removal in Georgia
Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division issues NWCO permits (written exam required) for paid wildlife work. A standard pest control license does not cover wildlife jobs - it is a separate credential. Permit holders may hold wildlife under 72 hours for transport and release with landowner permission, but rabies-vector species trigger extra health-department screening.
Get connected with a provider in Georgia
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EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is an independent connection service. We are not a government animal control agency and do not directly perform wildlife removal. When you call, you may be connected with an independent, third-party wildlife removal provider or a partner call center. We may be compensated when callers are connected with a partner provider. Availability, services, pricing, and licensing vary by location.
What Georgia law allows
- Paid wildlife work requires an NWCO permit from the DNR Special Permit Unit. A structural pest control license alone does not cover it.
- Permit holders may possess nuisance wildlife for under 72 hours for transport and release into suitable habitat with landowner permission.
- Rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, bobcat, fox, coyote) that scratched or bit a person or pet require health-department protocols before any release decision.
- Bats: exclusion only, never lethal removal. Avoid exclusion April 1 to July 31 unless it is confirmed no flightless young are present.
Rules paraphrased from the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division — the primary source. Last reviewed 2026-07-04.
Relocation rules
Georgia is more permissive than Ohio or Virginia: permitted operators may release wildlife into suitable habitat with landowner permission within 72 hours. But rabies-vector animals involved in any bite or scratch incident go through health-department screening first.
Bat rules
Georgia allows bat exclusion only - never lethal removal - and exclusion should be avoided April 1 to July 31 unless a professional confirms no flightless young are present.
Covered cities in Georgia
Macon
Bibb County · Common calls: flying squirrels, gray squirrels, raccoons
Augusta
Richmond County · Common calls: snakes, raccoons, gray squirrels
Columbus
Muscogee County · Common calls: bats, raccoons, gray squirrels
Roswell
Fulton County · Common calls: flying squirrels, raccoons, rat snakes
Alpharetta
Fulton County · Common calls: gray squirrels, bats, raccoons
Georgia wildlife law FAQs
Does my pest control company’s license cover wildlife removal in Georgia?
No. Georgia treats wildlife work as a separate credential: a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit from DNR, with its own written exam. The Structural Pest Control Act license covers insects and rodents, not raccoons, bats, or squirrels.
Can trapped wildlife be relocated in Georgia?
Often yes. NWCO permit holders may hold animals under 72 hours and release them into suitable habitat with landowner permission. The exception: rabies-vector species that bit or scratched someone must go through health-department protocols before any release.
Talk to someone about your animal problem now
Call (833) 555-0100Calls answered 24/7. No obligation.
EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is an independent connection service. We are not a government animal control agency and do not directly perform wildlife removal. When you call, you may be connected with an independent, third-party wildlife removal provider or a partner call center. We may be compensated when callers are connected with a partner provider. Availability, services, pricing, and licensing vary by location.