What to Do If You Find an Abandoned or Injured Animal

Finding an abandoned or injured animal is emotionally overwhelming. Your instinct is to help immediately — but rushing in without thinking can put both you and the animal at risk. Here's what 35 years of rescue experience has taught us about doing it safely and effectively.

Safety first

Safety first. An injured or frightened animal may bite, scratch or bolt into traffic. Approach slowly, speak softly, and never corner a scared animal. If the animal is aggressive, stays near a busy road, or is a large dog you don't feel safe approaching, call us or the RSPCA rather than trying to handle it yourself.

If the animal is approachable, check for identification. A collar with a tag is the fastest way home. If there is no tag, you can take the animal to any vet to be scanned for a microchip — it's free, takes 30 seconds, and is legally required before rehoming. We're qualified microchip implanters and can scan animals at our base in Sandridge.

If you find a stray dog

If you find a stray dog: by law, you must report it to the local council dog warden. In Hertfordshire, call your district council. You can also contact us directly — we have relationships with most local wardens and can often speed up the process. Keep the dog secure in a garden, garage or room away from your own pets until help arrives.

Feed the dog small amounts of plain food (boiled chicken and rice is ideal) rather than rich leftovers. Many strays are malnourished and will overeat if given the chance, causing vomiting. Provide clean water but don't force it — dehydrated animals sometimes drink too fast and make themselves ill.

Take photos from multiple angles and note the exact location, time and any distinguishing features. This helps us match the dog with missing pet reports and share accurate information with owners searching for them. Share on local Facebook groups and lost pet registers too.

If you find a stray cat

If you find a stray cat: cats are different from dogs. A 'stray' cat may simply be an outdoor cat visiting your garden — this is extremely common in suburban Hertfordshire. Before assuming abandonment, observe for 24–48 hours. Does it look well-fed? Is it friendly and confident? These suggest an owned outdoor cat.

A genuinely lost or abandoned cat often looks thin, has a dull coat, is nervous around people, or sits in the same spot crying for hours. If you're unsure, take a photo and post on local community groups. If no one claims it after a few days, contact us or a local rescue. We can assess, scan for a chip, and either reunite or take into foster care.

If the animal is injured

If the animal is injured: do not try to set bones, clean deep wounds, or remove embedded objects yourself. Cover the animal with a blanket or towel to reduce stress and prevent them from seeing movement. For bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Call us immediately — if we're unavailable, any local vet will see an injured stray even without an appointment.

Transport injured animals carefully. A cardboard box lined with a towel works for small pets. For dogs, a makeshift stretcher from a blanket and broom handles can help if they can't walk. Keep the car quiet, warm and calm. Stress kills injured animals faster than most physical injuries.

Report to us

Report every find to us. Even if you've already called the RSPCA or council, let us know. We maintain a local database of lost and found animals, and we may know an owner already searching. WhatsApp us a photo and location — we'll respond within 24 hours, usually much faster.

If you want to do more: consider fostering. We always need temporary homes for animals while we search for owners or arrange permanent placement. We cover all food and vet costs. Fostering literally saves lives — and it's one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do.