Injured Animals
Found an Injured Animal?
Finding an injured animal can be upsetting, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether you’ve found an injured pet, farm animal or wildlife, your actions could help save a life.
The guidance below will help you respond safely while ensuring the animal receives the care it needs.
Injured Dogs & Cats
If you find an injured dog or cat, approach with caution. Even the friendliest pet may be frightened or in pain and could react unexpectedly.
If it is safe to do so:
- Move the animal away from immediate danger, such as a busy road.
- Avoid handling the animal more than necessary.
- Check for an ID tag.
- If possible, bring the animal to your nearest veterinary practice to be scanned for a microchip.
If you believe the animal has been abandoned, neglected or deliberately injured, please contact the NSPCA.
Injured Wildlife
Wild animals can become highly stressed when handled, so it’s important to intervene only when necessary.
If the animal is clearly injured or in immediate danger:
- Keep children and pets away.
- If safe, place the animal in a well-ventilated box lined with a towel.
- Keep the animal somewhere quiet, warm and dark.
- Do not offer food or water unless advised by a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary professional.
- Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation service or veterinary practice for advice.
Injured Birds
Not every young bird found on the ground needs rescuing. During spring and summer, many fledglings leave the nest before they can fly properly. Their parents are usually nearby, continuing to feed and care for them.
Before intervening:
- Observe the bird from a distance for a short time.
- If the bird is fully feathered, alert and uninjured, it is likely a fledgling and should be left where it is.
- Keep dogs, cats and people away while the parents continue to care for it.
If the bird is clearly injured, has been caught by a cat or dog, has visible wounds, or is an unfeathered nestling that has fallen from the nest, it should receive help as soon as possible.
If it is safe to do so, place the bird in a small, ventilated box lined with a towel and keep it somewhere quiet, warm and dark while you seek advice from a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinary practice.
What Not to Do
To avoid causing further injury:
- Don’t put yourself at risk.
- Don’t chase an injured animal.
- Don’t feed injured wildlife unless instructed.
- Don’t attempt treatment unless you’re trained to do so.
Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is seek expert help as quickly as possible.
In an Emergency
If an animal is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, contact:
- Your nearest veterinary practice
- An Garda Síochána (if there is an immediate public safety concern)
- The NSPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline (for welfare concerns)
If you’re unsure what to do, please get in touch with our team. We’ll help point you in the right direction and ensure the animal receives the most appropriate care.
Together, we can give injured animals the best possible chance of recovery
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