Please use the Wildlife Emergency or Wildlife Conflict service on our page to get help with a wildlife issue anywhere in the United States. AHNow provides resources on this page for both wildlife and domestic animal issues.
The resources below may be used to supplement your search for help or guidance. Need a quick video on moving a turtle across the road? You'll find it here.
In addition, this page contains valuable and effective tips on how you can help make the world a better place for our animal friends.
Animal Help Now gleans the bulk of its data from state and federal wildlife rehabilitation licensee lists. Because these lists can change at any time, AHNow continuously updates this information (i.e., literally every week).
In addition, AHNow provides wildlife rehabilitators with the ability to update their data.
AHNow also maintains data on wildlife hotlines, wildlife agencies, and veterinarians who accept wildlife, as well as other agencies, organizations and businesses that have proven to be helpful during wildlife emergencies.
AHNow also maintains data on humane wildlife conflict resolution professionals.
Animal Help Now does not simply track the names and numbers of these various helpers. The organization strives to gather and maintain additional important information, including the types of animals the helper accepts/assists, the helper's hours of operation, the helper's preferred contact method, etc. By providing this extra information, AHNow seeks to ensure that wildlife emergencies and conflicts are resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.
AHNow regularly contacts helpers to ensure their data is complete and current.
To apply for listing on Animal Help Now, click here.
Animal Help Now provides you with a list of all the helpers we know about in your area. We list helpers whether they are open or closed. Please respect helpers' privacy - especially at-home wildlife rehabilitators - by not calling outside of published hours.
Regretfully, animal emergency services either are limited or simply do not exist in many areas. See below for suggestions on how to find hard-to-find help!
If few wildlife helpers are in your area, contact local veterinarians to ask if they are willing to stabilize and/or hold wildlife until a wildlife rehabilitator/transporter can be located. To find vets in your area, Google "emergency veterinarian".
Your local animal control agency or animal shelter also may be willing and able to assist. To find animal control agencies and animal shelters in your area, Google "animal control" or "animal shelter".
I need help with a wildlife emergency but I am not in the United States.
I need help with a wildlife conflict but I am not in the United States.
I need help with a domestic animal issue.
If the helpers you contacted were unhelpful, we suggest you follow the advice provided in the FAQ above to exhaust all options. If you still do not get the help you need, consider contacting an advocacy organization, several of which are listed near the bottom of this page. As a last resort, you can contact us, but we are not always able to respond quickly and we cannot guarantee we will be helpful.
This problem is related to your browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.) and not specific to Animal Help Now. Talk to your system administrator or search "mailto not working in [browser name]" for further assistance.
From a desktop or laptop computer or other large-screen device, go to the AHNow.org home page, and then click the Get Listed button in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
For assistance with wildlife emergencies outside the United States, check the other resources on this page (including this FAQ) and visit this International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council page.
In Australia, visit WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) for contact information, or download the WIRES Rescue App for Android or Apple.
You can also try contacting your local or federal wildlife agency.
Often, well-meaning humans unintentionally take healthy young raptors away from their parents. If you found a baby owl, hawk or eagle and the bird appears to be uninjured, reuniting the baby with his parents is the best approach. If the baby is injured or if you are unsure, use Animal Help Now to find the nearest wildlife emergency professional.
For more information, click here.
Do NOT handle the bat with bare hands. To do so could jeopardize your safety as well as the life of the bat. And unless absolutely necessary, do not handle the bat before getting this guidance from the Bat World website.
Always remember that baby wild animals left alone for long periods of time (up to 14 hours) may not have been abandoned. Do not interfere unless you are certain the animal has been abandoned or separated from her mother. Rabbits have very large digestive organs that store enough milk that the mother returns just twice each day to feed her kits. Other animals may exhibit similar behavior.
If the mother is confirmed dead or the baby animal is covered with blood or insects, has been caught by a cat, dog or wild animal or is cold, use Animal Help Now to contact a nearby wildlife rehabilitator.
See also:
If you have found a wild baby animal, it may be possible and advisable to try to reunite the baby with his or her parents. The following conditions must all be met:
The information in the following chart can help guide your efforts:
See also:
If the wild animal is obviously injured or if the animal was in the dog or cat's mouth, the animal needs to be seen by a wildlife rehabilitator.
Use Animal Help Now to find the nearest emergency assistance.
Check out these great ideas on keeping cats happy and wildlife safe.
Carefully put him in a shoe box with air holes and a clean, tight-woven cloth like a T-shirt lining the bottom. Keep him in a quiet place away from any other animals, and keep him warm so he doesn't go into shock. Do not attempt to give him food or water.
Use Animal Help Now to find the nearest emergency assistance.
Note: Even if a bird flies away after striking a window, he may die elsewhere as a result of his injuries, so it's best to seek medical attention.
This document provides immediate, effective guidance on preventing bird window strikes.
This document provides immediate, effective guidance.
Adult deer don't handle the stress of capture and captivity well, and attempts to treat an injured adult deer typically will do more harm than good. If the deer can walk and is in a relatively safe place, simply leave the deer alone. If she cannot stand, euthanasia is likely the most humane option. In either case, do not approach the deer – injured and scared deer could easily injure you or make her injury worse. If she is severely injured or near a busy road, contact a wildlife emergency professional through Animal Help Now for advice, or call 911 or Animal Control. For more information, see Native Animal Rescue's deer page.
Please read this document for guidance on helping an animal afflicted with mange.
Never attempt to rehabilitate wildlife by yourself. As a rule, you must have a license to treat wildlife. Rehabilitating wildlife without a license often places undue risk upon the animal. Animals have very specific needs that often only the experts know and can accommodate.
Still, a situation may require that you provide short-term, temporary care for an animal in need. For specific instructions based on the type of animal, please see the Greenwood Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center website.
If the animal lives in the wild, first and foremost be sure to eliminate any food sources that may be attracting the animal. Observe, too, to ensure the animal does not have dependent young. When food sources have been removed and the possibility of dependent young has been eliminated, hazing is often the most humane way to help. If you need advice, go to our home page and click Wildlife Conflict.
If the animal lives with humans - for instance, if a human family made the mistake of adopting an orphaned baby raccoon - the chances of positive outcomes are slim. Most U.S. states prohibit keeping wildlife in human homes, and many states require the killing of wild animals who are habituated to humans.
We recommend you educate yourself. This will give the animal his or her best chance at a positive outcome. Do some web research to find out how your state handles captive wildlife. You can also contact nearby wildlife rehabilitators for their advice. To find nearby rehabbers, go to our home page and click Wildlife Emergency.
Always remember to exercise safety and caution when helping animals. Even though your intentions are good, many animals - especially wild ones - may perceive you as a threat.
Understand that approaching an animal without proper preparation can result in injury to yourself and/or bring further harm upon the animal.
Whenever possible, consult the experts we direct you to before approaching or handling an animal. Their understanding of animal health and behavior may spare you and the animal both trouble and harm.
If you are unable to reach an expert, please refer to the instructions provided by Greenwood Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center for the most appropriate way to capture and transport an animal. If you do not have access to the internet, brief capture and transport instructions are provided below.
DO NOT attempt to capture or transport an animal unless you believe it is absolutely critical to his health and survival. For an injured animal, the shock and fear associated with being handled may be enough to kill him. Further, a frightened animal can cause you harm.
DO NOT attempt to capture or transport rabies vector species, including foxes, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, and bats, without specific instruction from an expert. Even a small scratch can result in a fatal case of rabies and will almost certainly result in the animal being killed to determine whether or not she has rabies.
Please understand that the risk of disease accompanies handling most animals. Rodents, for instance, may carry a host of communicable diseases. Exercise the utmost caution when handling or capturing an animal.
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you must capture an animal for the sake of her health and survival, and you have so far been unable to reach an expert, follow the instructions below:
Here are a few species-specific handling and transportation resources:
Helpful guide on capturing waterfowl.
You can also search the web for guidance on specific issues.
Some rehabbers will assist with transportation. In Colorado, the Division of Parks and Wildlife trains and manages volunteer wildlife transport teams. Call (970) 389-5203 for more information.
Animal Help Now wants to hear from you! Please contact us if you have information regarding wildlife transportation services in your state or region.
For assistance with wildlife conflicts outside the United States, check the other resources on this page or contact local, regional, or national animal advocacy organizations for their recommendations.
In Australia, contact WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.).
You can also try contacting your local or federal wildlife agency.
All wildlife conflicts can be managed humanely, but help and resources used to be hard to find. Animal Help Now is committed to providing easy access to cost-effective, long-term solutions to human-wildlife conflicts. That's why we recently added Wildlife Conflict assistance to our app (see image below) and will continue to add educational resources on this page.
The Humane Wildlife Control Operators (HWCOs) and Humane Wildlife Control Consultants (HWCCs) listed in our Wildlife Conflicts search results are vetted through a rigorous application process and must meet established humane standards (see below). Note: Because humane wildlife control is a developing field, listings are continually growing.
Here's a helpful guide on humanely removing an animal from beneath a porch or deck.
Animal Help Now uses the following standards as part of our vetting process for wildlife conflict app listings:
Here are a few additional resources:
Animal Help Now wants to hear from you! Please contact us if you have information regarding services that specialize in humanely resolving human/wildlife conflicts in your state or region.
The well-being of animals may not be a priority for some individuals faced with a wildlife conflict, and it may surprise them to learn that humane solutions are also better for humans. Traditional pest/wildlife control companies often scare consumers into paying their costly fees to trap and relocate wildlife when in reality, the solution may be as simple as removing an overlooked food source. When wildlife take up residence in human structures, the tendency has been to trap and relocate the animals. Not only is this inhumane, it is an ineffective, short-term approach. Humane operators primarily use "eviction and exclusion" methods that both resolve the current conflicts and prevent future conflicts from arising. Exclusion means the animals cannot return to the structure. A word of caution: do not attempt eviction and exclusion methods without first contacting a professional humane wildlife control operator or consultant because otherwise, you may inadvertently cause other problems that are not easily resolved.
Not only are trapping and relocation inhumane, but in most states, they are also illegal. Animals left in "live" traps can and do injure themselves trying to escape. Relocating animals (moving them to another property) is often a death sentence for the animal moved and definitely a death sentence for any dependent young left behind. Animals moved from their home ranges face:
The most humane approach is what is called "eviction and exclusion." This method involves setting up one-way doors so when an animal leaves the area where he or she is not wanted, the animal cannot get back in. Any dependent young are immediately captured and reunited with the parents. The final step is to take appropriate steps to ensure that the area is no longer accessible to unwanted animals.
The "eviction and exclusion" approach minimizes the adverse impacts on animals removed from areas where they are not wanted. The approach can have fairly benign on species such as raccoons, who tend to keep multiple homes.
Before hiring a traditional operator, contact a humane wildlife control consultant and/or research the solution yourself - you may find a simple, inexpensive DIY solution. Refer to our FAQ: Where can I find additional resources? If you determine there are no other solutions and you must hire a traditional pest/wildlife control operator, this guide can help you find one that uses humane, effective practices and may even save you some money.
It's hard to believe, but an estimated 1 billion birds die annually from window strikes. The good news is that each of us can take measures to bring down that number.
This document provides immediate, effective guidance on preventing bird window strikes.
This is a complex issue, and it's becoming increasingly so as humans continue to destroy wildlife habitat and to otherwise negatively impact wildlife. We urge you to research your particular situation online. We will say, however, that one thing you absolutely should not do is feed bread to ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
If the bird you found is injured and you are fairly certain the bird is a wild species, please first go to our home page and click Wildlife Emergency to find the nearest help.
If the bird is likely a companion animal species and appears healthy, see our tips on how to find the animal's guardian.
If the bird is a companion animal species and does appears to need veterinary care, please contact your nearest veterinarian. Ideally, find an avian veterinarian by doing a web search for "avian veterinarians near me".
Birds banded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will have a metal leg band. Permitted researchers often use auxiliary markers in combination with the required federal leg band.
Examples of three main types of metal bands are shown in the image below.
The USFWS Migratory Bird Program and researchers rely on the public to report federally banded birds and those with auxiliary markers at www.reportband.gov.
Pigeon bands are plastic covered in metal and include an organization code (AU, CU, IF, IPB, and NPA often), four-digit year, a club code (2-4 characters) and a 4-5 digit number. Pigeon bands may be reported to the American Racing Pigeon Union or the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union.
If the bird band you found is not described above, additional resources are available here.
Animal Help Now does not provide listings of common domestic animal "helpers" such as veterinarians, shelters, cruelty investigators, and the like, but we do offer guidance and advice.
If you are trying to help an animal, the following guidance may be useful:
If you live with animals who are dependent upon you - whether dogs, cats, hamsters, fishes, ... whomever! - you need to create and maintain a plan to ensure they are cared for in the event you are no longer able to do so.
This means identifying friends, family members, or others who will assume a role as a temporary or permanent guardian, ensuring the animal(s) receive uninterrupted care during any transitions, setting aside funds for the animal's short- and long-term care, etc.
This boils down to having an emergency plan in place and providing for the animal in your will.
As to emergency plans, here's helpful advice from HSUS:
In the confusion that accompanies a person's unexpected illness, accident or death, pets may be overlooked. In some cases, pets are discovered in the person's home days after the tragedy. To prevent this from happening to your pet, take these simple precautions:
If you don't have a will, you will need to create one or at least create a pet trust.
You will find a number of helpful planning resources online. Useful web search terms include "pet care if I die", "pet planning", "pet trust", "estate planning", "include my cat [or dog] in my will", etc.
We strongly recommend hiring a probate attorney - preferably one who cares about animals - to draft/modify your will or pet trust.
Important: Add a yearly or semi-annual calendar reminder to review your will keep it current.
A final note: Some of us will always count on a handshake to seal a plan, and in best-case scenarios such plans will be as reliable as any developed by a qualified attorney. The advantage of involving an attorney is to ensure worst-case scenarios are also covered.
See also:
If for whatever good reason you must find a new home for your animal companion, your responsibility is to find the best home you possibly can. Network among your family, friends, and colleagues. Do not trust anyone you do not know or who doesn't come highly recommended by someone you know and trust.
Adopt-a-Pet.com is a non-profit pet adoption website supported by The Petco Foundation. The free program aims to help people place companion animals with new, loving homes.
You will find other good resources online. Your local humane society may also be a good option, but do your research, as some shelters are much better than others.
Never abandon an animal, and never release an animal into the wild. Animals who have lived in human homes are unequipped to survive on their own outdoors.
Animal Help Now wants to hear from you! Please contact us if you have information regarding additional re-homing resources.
Veterinary Financial Help
Our thanks to American Dog Mag, Operation We Are Here, for much of this information.
National Organizations
Fundraising Options
Fast action is critical when an animal goes missing.
If you have lost your pet, place a yard sign in front of your house, with a photo of your missing pet and your phone number. People who find a pet often walk or drive around the area, trying to find his or her owner.
If your cat is missing, try putting his or her litter box outside. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and this has proven to be an effective method of guiding lost felines back home.
Call all area animal shelters and animal control agencies.
Post a "missing pet" profile on one or more of the many websites listed here, which provide resources for people who have lost companion animals:
If an animal is lost due to a disaster (hurricane, wildfire, etc.), you can also search Facebook for temporary pages set up to reunite animals with their guardians. Use keywords such as "lost and found animals" or "lost and found pets" along with words that describe the location or name of the disaster (e.g., "Lost and Found Pets Black Forest Wildfire").
If your cat is lost, try putting his or her litter box outside. Sometimes cats get spooked and disoriented, but because they can smell their boxes from a distance, this trick may help their way back home.
Print and distribute posters with the words "LOST DOG", "LOST CAT", etc. in large lettering at the top. Include a large photograph, the animal's name, and a photograph or physical description. Don't rely on simply listing the breed of the animal, as many people will not be familiar with certain breeds. Offer a reward, but do not mention the amount. Also be sure to include your phone number.
Also consider placing a "Lost" ad in your local newspaper the morning after your companion animal goes missing.
You may wish to distribute notecards to individuals in the neighborhood. Place them underneath your neighbors' doors or on the windshields of their cars.
If you have recently moved, consider doing the same thing in your old neighborhood. Some animals have an uncanny ability to find their way "home".
Speak to anyone you see about your lost companion. Ask them to look inside outdoor buildings such as sheds and barns, as the animal may be afraid and looking for places to hide. Also try to search the neighborhood with family and friends, calling your companion animal's name.
Be aggressive and proactive in your search. Check local shelters by visiting them; do not assume staff members know your animal well enough to distinguish him from the rest.
Call all local police and state troopers, all boarding houses, dog training clubs and groomers, and the highway department. Call veterinarians and animal hospitals both in your area and in all surrounding areas; often someone will find a stray and drive many miles to a clinic.
If you find your companion animal outside and she appears afraid or hesitant, do not chase her. She is likely much faster than you and will escape. Instead, sit on the ground and speak in a normal tone, calling the animal's name and saying familiar words and phrases.
It is important to have clear photographs of your companion animal on hand in case you need them. Always make sure the animal is wearing a collar and tags displaying current contact information.
Warning: Handling an animal can be dangerous to you and harmful for the animal. We urge you to exercise caution and good judgment when handling an animal.
Be sure to look closely at any tags on her collar. Make a note of any identification numbers, and dial any phone numbers you find.
Be sure to notify the shelter or shelters in the area in which you found the animal. If you are concerned the animal may not be claimed and therefore don't want to take the animal to a shelter, you should still contact the shelter in the location the animal was found and file a "home" report.
Check lost and found websites and smartphone apps to see if someone is looking for the animal:
If the animal was likely lost due to a disaster (hurricane, wildfire, etc.), you can also search Facebook for temporary pages set up to reunite animals with their guardians. Use keywords such as "lost and found animals" or "lost and found pets" along with words that describe the location or name of the disaster (e.g., "Lost and Found Pets Black Forest Wildfire").
Note: Very few resources are available for found farmed animals. If you find a farmed animal, contact the Microsanctuary Resource Center, a local animal advocacy organization, or an appropriate government agency.
If the animal is injured, call an emergency veterinarian to ask for advice about how to care for the animal. If you are unable to reach a clinic, or need additional advice, follow these instructions.
If you take the animal to a vet, be aware that you may be financially responsible for her care. Veterinarians in Animal Help Now results have not agreed to provide free vet care.
If you turn a found animal over to a shelter or an animal control agency, you will not be financially responsible for their care.
Because an injured animal may be in a great deal of pain - and when in pain even the gentlest animals can act unpredictably - you must take care to protect yourself against bites and scratches. Even if you know the animal, she can still pose a danger to both you and herself. Keep your face away from any injured animal's mouth and claws.
Before attempting to move an injured companion animal, check to see if she is conscious, breathing, or bleeding. If a cat or dog is not breathing, nose to mouth resuscitation can be administered by sealing the mouth and lips shut and breathing into her nose to inflate the lungs.
If the animal is bleeding profusely, apply direct pressure to the wound with a shirt or cloth.
Wrap the animal's head in a cloth, towel, or shirt. This serves to minimize stress on the animal, and helps keep you from getting bitten.
NEVER muzzle a vomiting animal, as this could cause her to choke and die. Cats and other small animals can be wrapped in towels to restrain them, but make sure not to wrap the animal so tightly she experiences pain or difficulty breathing.
Fractures are common in traumatic situations, so it is important to be VERY careful when moving an injured animal. Place the animal on a board, door, or any solid surface before moving her. DO NOT try to splint a broken bone unless instructed to do so by an expert; this can lead to further harm to the animal.
Bring the animal to a veterinary facility as soon as possible, but make sure to call as far in advance as possible to let them know you need emergency care.
Warning: Handling an animal can be dangerous to you and harmful for the animal. We urge you to exercise caution and good judgment when handling an animal.
Place the animal inside a portable carrier during the ride to the shelter. Because all animals respond differently to traveling inside a moving vehicle, this is one way you can minimize the risk of the animal becoming upset and unmanageable.
If you do not own a carrier, you may be able to fashion one out of a box or plastic tub. Make sure that it has large enough holes or open spaces to allow the animal to breathe.
Once the animal is inside the vehicle, strap the carrier to the center seat in back with a seatbelt. If the carrier is too large for a seatbelt, place it in a stable location in the back of an SUV or van with a safe, strong, wire mesh installed between the cargo and seating areas. This will prevent the animal from distracting you while driving or from being thrown into the front seat in the event of an accident or sudden stop.
If you are unable to provide a carrier of any kind, or the animal is too large or too heavy for a carrier, you may place him in the cargo area.
WARNING: DO NOT place the animal in the bed of a pickup truck. This is unsafe for the animal and a potential safety risk for other drivers.
If you are unable to move the animal because you do not have access to transportation, first call the shelters in your area to find out if they have staff that can pick up the animal. If they are unable to assist you, some companies specialize in transporting animals, including www.TLCPetTransport.com and www.animalsaway.com.
Your objective when transporting an injured animal is to ensure that no further harm comes to him, and that your safety and the safety of others is not at risk.
It is best to wrap the animal in a blanket or cloth and place him inside a portable carrier for the ride to the vet. Because all animals act differently when traveling inside a moving vehicle, this is one way you can minimize the risk of the animal becoming upset and unmanageable.
If you do not own a carrier, you may be able to fashion one out of a box or plastic tub. Make sure that it has large enough holes or open spaces to allow the animal to breathe.
If the animal is too large or too heavy for a carrier, simply wrap him in a blanket and place him in a stable location, such as the back of an SUV or van. It is best to use a vehicle that has a safe, strong, wire mesh installed between the cargo and seating areas. This will prevent the animal from distracting you while driving or from being thrown into the front seat in the event of an accident or sudden stop.
If you are unable to provide a carrier of any kind, or the animal is too large or too heavy for a carrier, you may place him in the cargo area.
WARNING: DO NOT place the animal in the bed of a pickup truck. This is unsafe for the animal and a potential safety risk for other drivers.
If you have found a companion animal and you must board her overnight, be cautious and make sure to protect yourself from potential harm. Even animals that seem friendly may exhibit unpredictable behavior in unfamiliar situations. Protect yourself against bites, scratches, and disease by minimizing contact with the animal and wearing protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves. DO NOT allow children near the animal.
Minimize stress on the animal as much as possible.
Have you tried contacting a mobile vet? To do so, go to the home page, tap or click the Pet or Farmed Animal Issues link, indicate that you cannot transport the animal, and answer the subsequent questions. Your results will include all nearby mobile veterinarians.
Be sure to leave a message if you cannot reach the veterinarian. Many mobile veterinarians use their voice mail to handle all incoming calls. Many operate in remote areas with limited coverage and depend on cell phones. You also may wish to call an emergency veterinarian and ask for advice about how to care for the animal.
If you are unable to reach a clinic, or need additional advice, follow the instructions below.
Be cautious, even if you know the animal. She can still pose a danger to both you and herself. An injured animal may be in a great deal of pain, and the actions of even the gentlest animals can be unpredictable. Take care to protect yourself against bites and scratches. Keep your face away from any injured animal's mouth and claws.
We do include mobile veterinarians in our results. If you don't see one, go to the home page, tap or click the Pets and Farmed Animals link, indicate that you cannot transport the animal, and answer the subsequent questions. Your results will include all nearby mobile veterinarians.
Always bring the animal to a veterinary clinic and consult a poison control hotline if you suspect an animal has ingested a toxic substance.
Be aware that hours or even days may pass before an animal shows symptoms of poisoning. Remember to get help as soon as possible. The difference between life and death could be determined by seconds or minutes.
Your veterinarian will likely be able to provide assistance and/or advice about what to do in this situation, but you also may call the Pet Poison Hotline (800) 213-6680 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435. There will be a fee attached to phone consultation at poison control centers.
Collect as much information as possible about the substance ingested, including a sample and/or ingredient list of the poisonous material, as well as any material the animal may have vomited or chewed. Doing so may provide the information a veterinarian needs in order to treat the animal.
Write down what you witnessed, including dates and times. If possible, document the incident using photography or video. When filing a report, be sure to note all agencies you contacted, the names of the persons you spoke with, and the details and outcomes of your conversations.
To get help for animals involved in domestic violence, see RedRover.org/Domestic.
Animal Help Now recommends calling 911 for dogs left in hot cars. RedRover has an excellent website devoted to this issue, mydogiscool.com. Visit this site for fliers, other literature and helpful educational ideas.
If you are offended by images or scenes depicting animal abuse or cruelty in a movie or television show, your best course of action may be to contact the network or publisher responsible for the content. Unfortunately, many such depictions are considered constitutionally protected free speech. You also may wish to contact the American Humane Association Movie and Television Unit, which oversees the use of live animals in television and movies.
If you know of a website that displays videos depicting cruelty to animals, file a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Department of Justice.
If possible, get screen captures of the content.
If you encounter an animal in the road or on the shoulder while driving and you have time to avoid hitting her, tap your brakes (so your brake lights flash), sound your horn, and flash your headlights to scare off the animal and to warn other drivers behind and in front of you.
If you are driving through an area where animal traffic is likely, be especially careful at dusk and dawn, when many animals venture out to eat.
At night, use your high-beams as often as possible, and try to be aware of any activity alongside the road. If you spot a deer in the distance, flash your lights on and off several times. Deer fixate on headlights, so this may cause the animal to flee.
If you encounter a herd of animals in the road, call 911 or contact the county sheriff. If you won't be putting yourself at risk, attempt to frighten the animals off the road.
The general approach to unfamiliar dogs is to see if you can get the owner's (guardian's) information from tags on the collar and to get the animal into a confined space such as a fenced-in yard. If you sense the animal may be dangerous, contact law enforcement/animal control immediately and consider alerting your neighbors.
Whenever you see a lost or stray animal, be on the lookout for "Lost" posters. You also may wish to consult one or more of the following websites, which help people find lost companion animals:
If you have exhausted the options provided to you through the Animal Help Now program, including attempting to enlist the help of an animal advocacy group, here are some things you can try.
Is the cat feral? Either way, do your best to capture the cat when she gets down. (Note: If the cat is meowing, she is probably not feral.)
Look around to see if anyone has reported a lost cat matching the cat's description.
Sometimes a utility company will help by providing staff, vehicles, nonconductive extension poles and other safety equipment. They don't usually provide this service but sometimes will if there is enough public outcry of concern for the cat.
Some fire departments respond to these calls, but this is the exception and not the rule. When contacting animal control or fire departments, it might not hurt to try a few times as it's possible you will reach a different dispatch operator, one who's more sympathetic to cats.
If someone has a connection to the cat, that might assist in a public awareness campaign and might compel the fire department or animal control to help out.
A tree trimmer truck with hydraulic bucket is also a possibility. Some heavy equipment rental companies may be willing to help.
Another option is to park a recreational vehicle (RV) or other high-profile vehicle next to the pole to decrease the distance the cat would jump or fall.
You may also try contacting professional tree climbers, professional tree trimmers, and reaching out to your local climbing gym.
Other options include holding a net (sheets, blankets, beach towels, etc.) and forcing the cat off the perch. A more passive approach is to put padding (mattresses, towels, pillows, etc.) around the base of the pole to cushion the cat's landing if he/she jumps or falls. You might also consider building a platform on a low branch to assist the cat coming down.
Smelly food may tempt the cat off the perch, but it also may attract wildlife or other animals that might deter the cat from coming down. Very little is known about the effectiveness of putting out food for a cat in a situation such as this.
If you need to generate public support, take photographs and distribute fliers.
As humans become aware of the astronomical number of birds and small mammals injured and killed by cats – it's billions and billions every year in the United States alone – we are getting increasingly creative in finding solutions that are both good for wildlife and good for domestic felines. Do a web search for "cat enclosures", "cat habitats", "catios", and the like, and you will find a whole world of opportunities for allowing your cat to experience nature without putting wildlife at risk. Good luck!
In preparing for or responding to a disaster, it is your responsibility to evacuate your animals.
The responsibility for coordinating animal evacuation and sheltering before and during a disaster falls to the local government in charge of the incident. Should the local government order animal evacuation or make sheltering available, notice to the public should be provided on local television, radio or your local government's website.
If you need help evacuating animals, look to local television, radio or your local government's website right now for assistance.
If you are evacuating your own pets:
Our thanks to RedRover and the Humane Society of Boulder Valley for much of the content in this answer.
For help with animals lost during/after a disaster, click here. For help with animals found during/after a disaster, click here. Be sure to read all the way to the bottom of the topic.
Animal shelters and law enforcement agencies that may be helpful if you have lost or found an animal during or after a disaster (a discussion of lost and found companion animals is in the next section).
If you are trying to help wildlife during or after a disaster, use the Wildlife Emergency button on the Animal Help Now home page.
Here are some items you'll want to have on hand for the next time you encounter an animal in need:
Here are some items you'll want to have on hand in case you need to evacuate your pet (companion animal):
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association offers this popular publication, inspired by veterinary offices requesting information about how to temporarily treat and care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
To purchase your copy, click here.
A person can work for animals in a number of ways, and the opportunities will only increase as humans increasingly understand animals and their needs.
Here is a sampling of animal-related work:
Our thanks to Professor Leslie Irvine for much of the following information.
Animal Help Now offers a wide range of educational and promotional materials to help you help animals. These informative publications are available for both online sharing and for posting/displaying in public areas.
To create a link to ahnow.org, simply paste the following lines into your website:
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To create a link with more informative text:
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Visit AnimalHelpNow.org for assistance with wildlife emergencies throughout the United States.
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