The Wildlife Center of Virginia’s annual Call of the Wild conference is a leading continuing education opportunity for wildlife rehabilitators and other wildlife first responders. Co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, this hybrid event brings together more than 400 participants from around the world — including rehabilitators, veterinary professionals, wildlife biologists, environmental educators, and others dedicated to wildlife and conservation.
Designed to support both accessibility and hands-on learning, the conference includes two days of online presentations and an in-person day of workshops and seminars. The in-person session will take place on Saturday, November 21, at the Best Western in Waynesboro, Virginia.
Program
Join us for our 31st annual conference to explore wildlife courses spanning from the fundamentals to expert techniques and findings.
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Registration
Register for Classes
Registration for all three days of the conference, both online and in-person, is now open!
Scholarships
Scholarships may be used for registration fees only.
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) is offering a maximum of $225 in scholarship funds for veterinary students currently enrolled in a DVM/VMD program. Interested students should email VVMA at Talya@vvma.org with a short paragraph on why they’d like to attend Call of the Wild. Email submissions are due by October 23; students will be selected by October 30 and will receive a code for complimentary registration.
New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitation
NJAWR provides up to $500 in reimbursement to support four members attending continuing education conferences in 2027. Eligible conference-related costs include registration fees and travel expenses (airfare, mileage, lodging).
Applicants must be current NJAWR members. Applications must be received by November 7th, 2026.
Receipt of application is acknowledged via email. Scholarship recipients will be notified by email. Reimbursement for conference registration will be sent after proof of conference attendance. To receive reimbursement, members must submit receipts and documentation within 30 days of conference completion, along with a brief summary of how the conference content will benefit their work in wildlife rehabilitation.
If you wish to apply for one of these scholarships, please complete this application form.
Rehabitat Pennsylvania
Thanks to a generous donation from Rehabitat Inc., a limited number of scholarships are available for permitted Pennsylvania wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians working with a permitted rehabilitator, and/or capture and transport (C&T) permittees.
To apply, please email your name, mailing address, and a copy of your current Pennsylvania wildlife rehabilitation permit to corescan@wildlifecenter.org. Be sure to include a brief summary of the species you rehabilitate.
Approved applicants will receive a coupon code to waive conference registration fees during online checkout.
Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Plan Your Travel
Lodging
Saturday's in-person sessions will be held at the Best Western Inn & Suites Conference Center in Waynesboro, VA, conveniently located off Interstate 64 at Exit 94.
Room blocks:
- Limited rooms are available for attendees at a discounted rate ($140/night) through Wednesday, October 21
- Reserve your room online or contact the hotel directly at: 540.942.1100
- This pet-friendly hotel offers a range of amenities, including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, an indoor heated saltwater pool, and a fitness center.
Air Travel
Regional Airports:
- Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) - 30 minutes from Best Western, Waynesboro
- Charlottesville Airport (CHO) - 45 minutes from Best Western, Waynesboro
- Richmond International Airport (RIC) - 1.5 hours from Best Western, Waynesboro
- Dulles International Airport (IAD) - 2.5 hours from Best Western, Waynesboro
All airports have rental car agencies within the airline terminals.
Continuing Education Credits
All hours at the Call of the Wild conference qualify for obtaining or renewing a wildlife rehabilitation permit. A number of classes will qualify for professional veterinary/technician CE as well as approved CE for animal control officers in Virginia.
Exhibitors
Interested in being an exhibitor?
Join us in creating an engaging and educational experience for our attendees by showcasing your organization, products, or services at our event. Exhibit tables will be set up at the Best Western on Saturday, November 21.
There are no fees for exhibitors – we’re delighted to have a variety of things for our participants to see, learn about, and/or purchase. However, we do request a donated item for our door prize give-away for attendees!
Register your exhibit tables here
The deadline for exhibit registration is October 1, 2026.
Cancellation Policy
Registration cancellations must be submitted in writing (via email) as soon as possible; please email corescan@wildlifecenter.org.
- Prior to November 1: eligible to receive full refund
- After November 1: may qualify for partial refund
No refunds will be given after the start of the conference, for no-shows of in-person classes, or following the conference for online classes.
Call of the Wild Conference Archive

Check out our list of classes and speakers at past Call of the Wild conferences!
