The most important rules
Whatever you have found, a few principles apply in almost every situation:
- Keep yourself safe. Frightened or injured animals may bite or scratch. Move slowly, do not corner them, and use a towel or blanket to handle small animals.
- Babies are often not abandoned. Mother cats, dogs and wild animals leave their young for hours to find food. If the babies look clean and well-fed, watch from a distance first.
- Warmth before food. Newborn kittens and puppies cannot keep themselves warm, and a cold baby cannot digest food. Warm them gently before feeding.
- No cow’s milk. Kittens and puppies need a milk replacer made for their species.
- Friendly animals may be lost pets. Check for a collar or tag, and ask a vet to scan for a microchip.
- Get professional help. A veterinarian can check the animal’s health, and local animal rescue groups can advise on fostering, adoption and neutering.
- Wash any bite or scratch with soap and running water for about 15 minutes and see a doctor.
Common situations
A litter of kittens alone. Usually, wait and watch. Take them in only if they are in danger, injured, cold, dirty or crying non-stop, or if the mother does not return after several hours. See found kittens outside.
A friendly adult cat or dog. It may be a lost pet. Look for identification, get a microchip scan and share found-pet notices locally.
A cat that avoids people. It is probably a community cat that lives outdoors. Neutering programs (TNR) help these cats most; see what TNR is.
A frightened dog. Do not chase or corner it. Keep your distance and ask a local animal rescue group for help.
An injured animal. Protect yourself, contain the animal gently in a box or blanket, and go to a vet. See how to approach a stray safely.
This tool gives general guidance and is not a substitute for advice from a veterinarian or animal rescue professional.