assisting sick, orphaned
or injured wild animals

If you find a wild animal who needs assistance, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation facility or veterinarian to provide potentially life saving help. To find a wildlife rehabilitator near you, Google "wildlife rehabilitation near me", "veterinarian near me" or visit:
First, make sure the animal is actually in need of assistance. Birds and small mammals are often removed from their homes by well meaning people who think they are injured, when in fact, they are just waiting for their parent(s) to return or are learning how to fly. Signs they may need help include:
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They are brought to you by a cat or dog.
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There’s evidence of bleeding or a bite wound.
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They appear to have a broken limb.
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A bird is featherless or nearly featherless and on the ground.
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The animal is shivering.
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There’s a dead parent nearby.
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They are crying and wandering for many hours without a parent in sight.
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Once you have determined that they are indeed in need of assistance, follow these simple steps:
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If you have a towel, blanket or shirt in your car, use that to safely contain the animal. If you have gloves or protective eyewear, utilize those to avoid injuries. Even small animals can inflict wounds when distressed. If you do not have access to a box, carrier or ventilated container, you can use the towel to contain them during the transport. I always travel with a carrier, towel, gloves and net in the event of an emergency. Approach the animal slowly, without speaking to them or making unnecessary noise. You can throw or place a towel over their head to calm them down and avoid additional stress.
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While transporting the animal, keep noise to a minimum, lights off and keep the temperature comfortable, not cold. Keep the container away from direct sunlight, air conditioning or heat. Resist the urge to peer into the box or speak to them. Wild animals can die from stress alone. Humans are seen as predators.
Do not offer them food or water, as this can create further complications. If you find the animal after hours, you can typically leave them in a drop off cage at the facility or you can keep them at your home until the facility opens the next day. Do not have any contact with them during this time. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive. If you cannot reach a wildlife rehabilitator, you can contact a local vet for assistance or for additional helpful references.
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Some facilities will not accept animals that are not native to the region where they were found. It is important to call ahead to confirm that they will provide care to the individual(s) you are taking there to avoid them being euthanized. If the local rehab will not accept them, your only option may be a local vet or an at home rehabber. Ask the facility that will not accept them for local references or additional resources. There are often Facebook groups for local rescuers and caregivers. Please exhaust all online resources and local contacts. You can also send us an email for more specialized information or for assistance in South Florida.
assisting
kittens

If you find an orphaned or injured kitten, please do your part in ensuring they receive potentially life saving care. Before you take action, make sure you aren't "kit-napping" them from their mother. Their mom can take much better care of them than you or I can. How do you know if a kitten needs to be assisted? Learn from Kitten Lady's info-graphic below to make an informed judgement call!






If based on this information, you decide to take the kitten and get them care, you'll need some assistance determining their age to provide for them properly. Kitten Lady's Age and Feeding Charts are provided below. Please also refer to her YouTube Channel that has hundreds of videos that will help you provide for neonatal kittens.


Getting involved in Trap neuter return or TNR
