Wanting to help a stray animal is kind, but a frightened, hurt or sick animal may bite or scratch, even if it would normally be gentle. Keeping yourself safe is the first step to helping it.
Read the body language first
Signs an animal is relaxed or friendly
- Loose, wiggly body; soft eyes
- Dogs: relaxed tail wag at mid-height, play bows
- Cats: tail held up, slow blinking, rubbing against objects
Signs of fear or warning: give it space
- Stiff or frozen body, crouching low
- Tail tucked (dogs) or lashing (cats)
- Ears pinned back, whites of the eyes showing
- Growling, hissing, lip-licking or yawning in a tense way
- Raised hair along the back
A frightened animal that cannot escape may bite. Never corner, chase or grab it.
How to approach
- Move slowly and stay calm. Speak softly. Avoid staring directly into its eyes.
- Turn slightly sideways and crouch at a distance, rather than standing over the animal.
- Let it come to you. You can toss a little food to build trust. If it moves away, let it.
- Keep an escape route for both of you.
- Do not reach over the head. If the animal approaches and seems relaxed, offer the back of your hand to sniff before gently touching the chest or chin.
If a dog runs toward you aggressively, stand still like a tree with your arms folded, avoid eye contact and do not run. Put something between you, such as a bag or jacket, if needed.
Moving an injured animal
- Keep a distance from the face; injured animals often bite out of pain.
- Gently place a thick towel or blanket over a small animal and lift it, supporting the body, into a box or carrier with air holes.
- For a larger dog, use a blanket as a stretcher, keeping the spine as straight as possible.
- If you cannot handle the animal safely, keep watch from a distance and ask a local animal rescue group or veterinarian for help.
If you are bitten or scratched
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and plenty of running water for about 15 minutes. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection, including rabies.
- Apply an antiseptic and cover the wound.
- See a doctor promptly, even for a small bite or a deep scratch. The doctor will decide whether you need a tetanus shot, antibiotics or rabies post-exposure treatment.
- If you can do so safely, note where the animal is and what it looks like; this can help medical staff assess the risk.
Cat bites in particular often become infected, because their narrow teeth push bacteria deep into the skin.
Protect your own pets too
Wash your hands and change clothes after handling a stray before touching your own pets, and keep new animals separate until a veterinarian has checked them. See common infectious diseases in strays.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for medical or veterinary advice.