The Sarvey Wildlife Care Center was established in 1981 with a handful of patients from the local neighborhood.

Within 6 years it became necessary to secure a more spacious and appropriate location. Kaye Baxter, director, purchased 5 acres just south of Arlington, Washington, so thousands of rehabilitating animals a second chance. With two ponds on the east side of the property secured for recovering deer and waterfowl and the clinic, educational building, eagle flight, and a wide range of enclosures on the west half of the property, the land retains it's rustic 'out in the country' atmosphere.

In 1995 Sarvey took in 992 animals and by 2006 Sarvey was taking in over 4,000 patients annually. Sarvey does over 120 education programs a year reaching 15,000 to 17,000 children and adults annually. There is a high demand for our programs as we reach more and more community members.

The first goal for Sarvey volunteers is to provide food, shelter, and rehabilitation to orphaned and injured wildlife, is just as comforting to the person who finds an animal in distress as it is to that animal. Having to leave an animal to die in pain and fear is incredibility disturbing, having someone to turn to for help is a welcome relief.

The answer to the multifaceted threats against our wildlife ultimately lies in education. Sarvey provides programs for public and private schools as well as the general public and private organizations. The astounding growth in the number of animals we receive each year is a clear indication of the need for wildlife education.  Sarvey accepts all wildlife.

Sarvey has the only wildlife ambulance servicing Skagit, Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties. It is important that the local authorities have an immediate avenue to take when encountering injured or orphaned wildlife. We have worked well with many city and country police departments and other law enforcement agencies including U.S. Customs.

There are several organizations that we work with to better the wildlife population and share rehabilitation information. Sarvey is recognized by Animal Centers of Excellence, (A.C.E.). The Trumpeter Swan Association, International Rehabilitation Council, National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association, United States Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Fish and Wildlife.

Sarvey is a locally based non profit 501(c)3 corporation with funding coming mostly from private individuals in our community. Our sole focus is Washington wildlife. We accept all wildlife throughout the state. Sarvey does not discriminate against any wildlife and we are very cost effective. The veterinarians that assist us donate their time. Our corporate officers and board of directors take no salaries. 

Sarvey Staff
It takes over 100 volunteers to keep Sarvey's doors open. The spring and summer are our busiest times. Every cage or enclosure gets cleaned everyday and all animals get fresh water and food everyday that is mandatory. Some volunteers clean and feed and others work with the staff handling animals and administering medications. Some concentrate on maintaining the buildings.

Education

The Sarvey Wildlife Care Center helps educate the public about wildlife, where they live and how you can help. Sarvey volunteers go to schools and events throughout western Washington bringing non-releasable raptors along.