How to Help Abandoned & Injured Animals

Practice proper safety at all times when tending to a injured animal. Watch for signs of distress in the wild or domesticated animal. If it is a wild baby animal, do not touch it and wait four hours to see if its mother returns. If the mother does not return within four hours, call your local National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association (NWRA). If the animal is an adult and clearly injured, call the NWRA immediately.

Approach the animal carefully to keep it from becoming nervous. Speak to it gently and calmly. Have food in your hand to keep the animal from wanting to run away from you.

Restrain the animal, if it is domesticated. Attach a leash, rope or cloth, or create a barrier for the animal to protect it. Help maneuver traffic around an animal who is trapped on the road if you are unable to create a barrier or restraint.

Help the animal into your car or into other safety if it is domesticated. If it is a wild animal, do not touch it but remain near it until help arrives. Refrain from feeding the animal as this could worsen its condition.

Check the domesticated animal's tag, and call the number on the tag. If the animal does not have a tag, transport it to the nearest animal shelter.