Helping Stray Animals
Found a kitten, a lost dog or a cat in your neighborhood? Start with the step-by-step helper, then read our practical guides.
Start here
Guides
Found Kittens Outside? What to Do First (and When to Wait)
Found a litter of kittens without their mother? Why you should usually watch before you act, how to tell if kittens need help now, and what to do next.
Read guideCaring for Orphaned Kittens and Puppies – Warmth, Feeding and Toileting
A step-by-step guide to caring for newborn kittens and puppies without a mother: keeping them warm, bottle-feeding safely, helping them toilet and spotting danger signs.
Read guideHow to Approach a Stray Dog or Cat Safely
How to read a stray animal's body language, approach without getting hurt, move an injured animal, and what to do right away if you are bitten or scratched.
Read guideWhat Is TNR? Trap-Neuter-Return Explained
What trap-neuter-return (TNR) is, how it works step by step, why it can reduce stray cat numbers over time, and its benefits for cats and communities.
Read guideCommon Diseases in Stray Cats and Dogs – and How to Protect Your Pets
Common infectious diseases in stray cats and dogs, including feline panleukopenia, parvovirus, distemper and cat flu, and how to quarantine rescued animals to protect your own pets.
Read guideFostering a Rescue Animal – A Beginner's Guide
What fostering a rescued cat or dog involves, how to prepare a safe space, what to do in the first week, and how to help your foster animal get ready for adoption.
Read guideBringing Home an Adopted Pet – The 3-3-3 Adjustment Guide
What to expect in the first 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after adopting a rescue dog or cat, and how to help your new pet feel safe and settle in.
Read guideCaring for Community Cats and Dogs Responsibly
How to feed and care for community animals responsibly: feeding schedules, keeping areas clean, simple shelters for winter and water in summer, and being a good neighbor.
Read guideOur approach
Safety first
For you and the animal: we explain how to help without getting hurt.
General knowledge
Advice that applies anywhere. For local services, contact a vet or animal rescue group near you.
No fundraising
We never ask for or handle donations, and we do not show graphic images.