Animal care guide

What to do when you find a stray dog

• Stay calm and keep your distance. Frightened dogs can bite.
• Look for a collar, tag or tattoo. Do not corner or chase the dog.
• If the dog seems friendly and you can do so safely, offer water and move it away from traffic, for example by opening a car door or leading with a leash.
• Contact local animal control or a shelter. Ask whether they can scan for a microchip, or take the dog to a vet who can.
• Photograph the dog and note where you found it. Then submit a report.

How to help an injured animal safely

• Your safety comes first. Injured animals in pain may bite or scratch.
• Call a local emergency vet or animal control and follow their instructions.
• Keep the animal warm, quiet and away from traffic. Do not give food or medication.
• If you must move a small animal, use a towel or box and wear gloves. For a large injured animal, wait for professionals.

What to do when you find abandoned puppies

• Watch from a distance for a while. A mother may be nearby finding food.
• If puppies are in danger, cold, or clearly alone for many hours, contact a vet, shelter or rescue group for advice.
• Keep them warm and in a quiet, dry box lined with a soft towel.
• Very young puppies need specialist feeding. Do not give cow's milk. Ask a vet what to use.

Food, water and temporary shelter

• Offer fresh water first, in a shallow bowl.
• Small portions of plain, simple food are safer than large meals for a very hungry animal. Avoid chocolate, grapes, onions and cooked bones.
• Provide a dry, draft-free place indoors or a covered area outdoors.
• Keep unfamiliar animals separate from your own pets until a vet has checked them.

When to contact a veterinarian

• Visible injuries, bleeding, limping or trouble breathing
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures or collapse
• Extreme thinness, dehydration or very young age
• Contact with traffic, poison or other trauma

If you are unsure, call and ask. Vets can advise by phone.

How to reunite lost pets with their owners

• Check for tags and take the animal to a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip.
• Report the found animal to local animal control and shelters.
• Post a photo with the area found, but keep one identifying detail back to verify an owner.
• Check local lost-pet groups and notice boards.

Responsible pet ownership

• Keep ID tags and a registered microchip up to date.
• Keep vaccinations and parasite treatment current.
• Spay or neuter to help reduce unwanted litters.
• Make a plan for your pet in emergencies, and never abandon an animal. Shelters and rescues can help if you can no longer care for a pet.