How to Bath a Bat

Bats are typically illegal to keep as pets because of their tendency to carry rabies. However, you may become a legal bat foster parent in many states or volunteer at a wildlife center that often cares for babies before they are old enough to be released into the wild. A bat may get dirty and need a bath from time to time if you are caring for one. Bathing a bat is a delicate process that should be handled carefully to avoid injury to you or the animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Thick gloves
  • Sink with sprayer
  • Tearless puppy shampoo
  • Dry towel
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on gloves before handling the bat. Even babies may bite, and a tame bat could be unpredictable. The gloves should be thick enough to provide armor against a potential bite.

    • 2

      Grab the bat very gently with its wings folded to the side. Grip the animal like a hot dog with its face from your palm and your thumb and forefinger gripping the top of its chest.

    • 3

      Spray a little bit of lukewarm water over the animal's back. Avoid the head so you do not stress it out.

    • 4

      Rub a small amount of tearless puppy shampoo over its fur with your free hand. Avoid the head once again. Rub it into a soft lather.

    • 5

      Rinse the shampoo from the bat's fur until it is completely gone and then immediately wrap the animal in a dry towel.

    • 6

      Sit down with the bat and help dry it using a hair dryer on a warm (not hot) and low setting so as not to spook it. Many bats may try and nip at the gust of air.

    • 7

      Place the bat back in its enclosure when it's completely dry.