Wildlife removal in Georgia
Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division regulates commercial nuisance animal control. Paid operators need an NWCO permit (written exam required). Georgia is relatively permissive for relocation compared to other states, allowing transport and release within 72 hours with landowner permission, but rabies-vector species have strict limitations.
Get connected with a provider in Georgia
Call (844) 578-3091Call hours: Mon–Sun, 8 AM–6 PM. Coverage varies by location.
Disclaimer: EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com.
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 (such as raccoons and skunks) 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 2026-07-16.
Relocation rules
Georgia is more permissive: 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.
City guides in Georgia
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 wildlife problem
Call (844) 578-3091Call hours: Mon–Sun, 8 AM–6 PM. Coverage varies by location.
Disclaimer: EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com.