What are Safe Haven’s suggestions for necessary animal rescues?
- Prepare a container. Place a soft cloth on the bottom of a cardboard box with a lid, a cat or dog carrier will work as well. Make sure there are air holes. For smaller animals, you can use a paper bag with air holes punched in.
- Protect yourself. If possible, wear heavy gloves. Some animals may bite or scratch to try and protect themselves, even if they are injured or sick. Wild animals commonly have parasites such as fleas, lice and ticks, and may carry diseases.
- Cover the animal with a light sheet or towel.
- Gently pick up the animal and put it in the prepared container.
- Warm the animal if it’s cold out or if the animal shows signs of being chilled. Put one end of the container on a heating pad set on low or fill a Ziploc bag with warm water. Wrap it in cloth and put it next to the animal. Make sure the container doesn’t leak or the animal will get wet, increasing its chill.
- Tape the box shut or roll the top of the paper bag closed.
- Note exactly where you found the animal. This will be very important for later release.
- Keep the animal in warm, dark quiet place. Do no handle it. Do not give it food or water. Keep children and pets away.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency or wildlife veterinarian as soon as possible. Don’t keep the animal at your home longer than necessary. Keep the animal in a container; don’t let it loose in your house or car.
- Wash your hands after contact with the animal. Wash anything the animal came in contact with such as towels, jackets, blankets and pet carrier. This will prevent the spread of diseases or parasites to you or your pets.
- Get the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
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