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Help an animal in need

If you’re worried about an animal, you’re in the right place.

Rescuing animal victims of cruelty and neglect is a job that no other charity does - so our specially trained team will always prioritise it. But we care about all animals - and know you do too. 

Tell us about the animal and we’ll guide you to the best and quickest way of getting them the help they need. 

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Report an Animal Welfare incident

We receive a call for help approximately every 30 seconds. We have to prioritise cases of cruelty and neglect where our specialist skills are required. Help us prioritise these calls to help more animals by using our report an incident triage.

Tell us your concern

What kind of animal are you concerned about

What kind of animal are you concerned about?

How big is the injured wild animal

An animal the same size or smaller than a rabbit or pigeon

An animal larger than a rabbit or pigeon

Thank you for caring about this dog

If you think a dog is sick, injured or in need of veterinary care, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find a dog's owner:

  • check for a collar and contact details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the dog isn’t theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can’t quickly find the owner, contact your local dog warden. They are responsible for strays including those that are sick or injured, and will ensure the dog gets the care they need. Report a stray dog.

If you are in need of more advice, please call us on 0300 123 4999. Please be aware our rescue teams are busy helping animal victims of cruelty and neglect, therefore we may not be able to send an officer to help you.

Thank you for caring about this animal

If you think an animal on a farm is sick, injured or in need of veterinary care, try to notify the farmer. Most care deeply for their animals and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

If you're unsure how to find the owner

  • look on fences and gates for 'in case of emergency' signs
  • look for nearby farms and outbuildings
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the animal isn't theirs, someone may have contact details of the farmer
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can’t find the owner and the animal needs help, contact APHA England on 03000 200 301 or APHA Cymru for farms in Wales on 0300 303 8268.

Do you think the horse, pony or donkey is owned

Thank you for caring about this cat

If you think a cat is sick, injured or in need of veterinary care, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their cat and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find a cat's owner:

  • check for a collar and contact details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the cat isn't theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If the cat needs emergency treatment and you can't quickly find the owner, please take them to the nearest vet. This is the quickest way to get the cat the help they need. Do not try and handle or transport a feral cat.

Safety advice

Watch our video to see how you can help them. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

For further advice, the PDSA has really good animal first aid guidance. When moving an animal, make sure you don't make any injuries worse. Stay calm, reassure them and make sure they are safe before moving them. You could use a blanket, towel or board to help support and carry the pet.

If you are in need of more advice, please call us on 0300 123 4999. Please be aware our rescue teams are busy helping animal victims of cruelty and neglect, therefore we may not be able to send an officer to help you.

How big is the injured animal?

An animal the same size or smaller than a cat.

An animal larger than a cat.

Tell us about the animal. Is it...

There are many ways that you can help an animal

Don't worry if you're not sure what to do. We'll walk you through to make sure the animal gets the help it needs

Can you safely help this animal? If you’re not sure, have a look at what we consider to be safe.

Thank you for caring about this animal

If you think a horse is sick, injured or in need of veterinary care, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their animals and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

If you're unsure how to find the owner:

  • look on fences and gates for 'in case of emergency' signs
  • look for nearby stables and barns
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the horse isn't theirs, they may have contact details of the owner
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can’t find the owner and the horse needs urgent care, contact a local equine vet for advice - they will advise on the best way to get the horse the help they need.

If you think the horse has been neglected or is a victim of cruelty, contact us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this animal

If you can’t find the owner and the horse needs urgent care, contact a local equine vet for advice - they will advise on the best way to get the horse the help they need.

If you think the horse has been neglected or is a victim of cruelty, contact us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this animal

If you think a pet is sick, injured or in need of veterinary care, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find the owner

  • check for a collar and contact details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the pet isn’t theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If the animal needs emergency treatment and you can't quickly find the owner, please get in contact so we can help by calling 0300 1234 999.Here's more on animal first aid from the PDSA.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

There are many ways that you can help

Don't worry if you're not sure what to do. We'll walk you through to make sure this pet gets the help they need

Can you safely help this animal? If you’re not sure, have a look at what we consider to be safe.

How to help a wild animal in the road

Thank you for caring about this animal.

If the animal seems healthy

If the animal is on a motorway or A-road, call Highways England (0300 123 5000) or Traffic Wales (0845 602 6020) who will make arrangements for the animal to be removed.

On minor roads, call the police on 101. They'll decide the best action to take for the safety of both the animal and road users.

If the animal is injured

If an animal is in the road and injured, please call us on 0300 1234 999.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this animal. We appreciate your understanding.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How to help a sick or injured seal

Thank you for caring about this seal.

It’s not unusual for seals to be on the beach and it doesn’t mean they’re unwell. Watch it for an hour or two - they may wander off. After that time if it’s clear that they need help, contact us on 0300 1234 999.

Don't try to rescue, handle or transport the seal yourself.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this seal. We appreciate your understanding.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How to help a sick or injured fox

Thank you for caring about this fox.

If it’s unclear if the fox is injured or not, watch and wait for an hour or two. They may recover and wander off. After that time, if it’s clear that they need help, contact us on 0300 1234 999.

Don't try to rescue, handle or transport the fox yourself as they can be aggressive when stressed or injured.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this fox. We appreciate your understanding.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How to help a sick or injured deer

If it’s unclear if the deer is injured or not, watch and wait for an hour or two. They may recover and wander off. After that time, if it’s clear that they need help, contact us on 0300 1234 999.

Don't try to rescue, handle or transport the deer yourself.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this deer. We appreciate your understanding.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How to help a whale, dolphin or porpoise

Thank you for caring about this animal.

If they are alive

Keep a safe distance and don't touch the animal. Ring the British Marine Divers Rescue on 01825 765546.

If they are dead

Call the Strandings hotline on 0800 6520333.

How to help a sick or injured large bird, swan or bird of prey

Thank you for caring about this bird.

Contact us on 0300 1234 999. Don't try to rescue, handle or transport the bird yourself. Swans, geese and birds of prey can be aggressive when stressed or injured.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this bird. We appreciate your understanding.

If the bird is dead, please report it to DEFRA.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How to help a sick or injured badger

Thank you for caring about this badger.

If it’s unclear if the badger is injured or not, watch and wait for an hour or two. They may recover and wander off. After that time, if it’s clear that they need help, contact us on 0300 1234 999.

Don't try to rescue, handle or transport the badger yourself as they can be aggressive when stressed or injured.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this badger. We appreciate your understanding.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this animal

Get in contact so we can help by calling us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a sick or injured pet

Thank you for caring about this pet.

If you think a pet is sick, injured or in need of veterinary care, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find the owner:

  • check the pet for contact or other identification details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the pet isn't theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If the animal needs emergency treatment and you can't quickly find the owner, please take them to the nearest vet. This is the quickest way to get them the help they need.

Safety advice

For your safety, do not try to handle ferrets or any of the animals listed here. Watch our video to see how you can help them. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

For advice on how to move an animal, the PDSA has really good animal first aid advice. When moving an animal, make sure you don't make any injuries worse. Stay calm, reassure them and make sure they are safe before moving them. You could use a blanket, towel or board to help support and carry the pet.

Thank you for caring about this animal

Get in contact so we can help by calling us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Tell us about the animal. Are they a...

Thank you for caring about this animal

Get in contact so we can help by calling us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a sick or injured small bird

Thank you for caring about this bird.

The best and quickest thing you can do to help an injured bird is to take it to a vet. Watch the video to see how to safely handle them.

Always wear gloves, eye protection and a mask when handling birds due to Avian Flu, and be sure to wash hands afterwards. If you’re worried or unsure, ask a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • It’s quite common to see a baby bird out of the nest as they are learning to fly and usually they don’t need rescuing. If you find a baby bird, keep your pets away and follow our detailed advice on what to do.

How you can help a sick or injured rabbit

Thank you for caring about this rabbit.

If you find a wild rabbit that you think is sick or injured, the best thing to do is take it to a vet as soon as possible. Watch our video on how to handle and transport them. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • It’s normal for baby rabbits to be left alone for long periods of time, even when they’re very young. Their mother will usually come back around dusk to feed them.

    A baby rabbit will need your help straight away if:

    • they’re injured
    • they’ve been caught by a dog or cat
    • they are covered with flies’ eggs (that look like small grains of rice)
    • their eyes are closed, or they’re not covered in fur - this will be a baby rabbit that’s been dug out of the warren, so check for any other babies nearby
    • you can see their mother is dead nearby - she will have bald patches on her chest where the babies feed

    Watch our video above on how to safely handle a baby rabbit or hare.

How you can help a sick or injured frog or toad

If you find a sick or injured frog or toad, find out how to help them from the Froglife website. It can be difficult to treat amphibians, so sometimes it’s best to leave them in the garden to recover on their own.

If the animal is seriously sick or injured, then the quickest way to get them help will be to contact a vet. Watch our video on how to handle and transport the frog. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

How you can help an injured bat

Thank you for caring about this bat.

Bats need highly specialised care, so contact the Bat Conservation Trust via their website or by calling their helpline on 0345 1300 228. They will tell you how you can help an adult or baby bat, and how to handle and transport a bat safely.

  • If it’s night time, you can help a trapped bat by keeping the room calm and quiet. Contain the bat in one room, then open all the windows as widely as you can. Make sure there’s a clear path for the bat and open curtains. Finally, dim the lights and the bat should make its own way out of the room. Remember to check that the bat has left and isn’t hiding behind furniture or curtains.

    If the bat isn’t flying, or it’s during the day, contact the Bat Conservation Trust on 0345 1300 228 for help.

How you can help a sick or injured hedgehog

Thank you for caring about this hedgehog.

The best and quickest thing you can do to help an injured hedgehog is to take it to a vet. Watch the video to see how to safely help them. If you’re worried or unsure, ask a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

Here are signs that a hedgehog is likely sick or injured:

There is obvious sign of injury (like an open wound, or burn or damaged spines)

  • It doesn't seem interested in the food you've put out
  • They are staggering, wobbly, walking around in circles or lethargic
  • You can see a large number of flies or ticks on the hedgehog
  • You can see any maggots or fly eggs on them
  • The hedgehog does not roll up or try to roll up when you approach or touch it

You should also help hedgehogs if:

  • The weather is cold - regular ground frost, snow, or temperatures are at or below freezing for several days
  • It is small - the size of an apple or smaller
  • It is in immediate danger, for example on a road

  • If you find a baby hedgehog on their own at night, it’s best to leave them alone as a parent is likely close by.

    For an injured baby, in the daylight or night, the best thing you can do is take it to a vet.

    Watch our video above on how to safely handle a hedgehog.

How you can help a sick or injured rat or mouse

Thank you for caring about this rodent.

If you find a wild rat or mouse that you think is sick or injured, the best thing to do is take it to a vet as soon as possible. Watch our video on how to handle and transport them. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • If you find a baby rat or mouse with fur and its eyes are open the best thing to do is leave it alone. Keep away and monitor the baby - the mother should come back to pick it up within a few hours.

    A baby rodent will need your help straight away if:

    • it has no fur or its eyes are closed, and it’s out of the nest
    • you can see the dead parents nearby
    • the parents haven’t returned to the nest after two hours of monitoring

    To help a baby rat or mouse, watch our video on how to handle and transport it to a vet.

How you can help a sick or injured squirrel

Thank you for caring about this squirrel.

If the injured squirrel you’ve found is grey, please take them to your local vet. It is illegal to treat and release grey squirrels because they are an invasive species. So the vet may put them to sleep humanely. Stopping them from suffering is the kindest thing to do.

It is still legal to treat and release red squirrels, so if you find one that’s injured or orphaned, please contact a local vet.

To help a squirrel safely, watch our video on how to handle and transport them. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • If you find a baby squirrel, you should leave it where you found it, keep pets away and follow these tips:

    • Check the area for any other siblings which may also need help.
    • The baby should cry which will encourage the mother to help. You can also play squirrel baby distress noises (available online).
    • If a baby squirrel or their nest has fallen to the ground, put them back in the tree for the mother to collect. The safest way to do this is to use a basket or pot you can put the nest in and hang or place in the tree.
    • If there’s no nest, collect leaves and small twigs to keep in the basket with the squirrels. Securely place it in the tree to protect the baby squirrels from predators.
    • Don’t give a baby squirrel food or water - this can do more harm than good.

There are many ways you can help a trapped animal

You can make an animal’s day by helping them get free. Don't worry if you're not sure what to do. We'll walk you through to make sure the animal gets the help they need.

Can you safely help this animal? If you’re not sure, have a look at what we consider to be safe.

Thank you for caring about this trapped dog

If you see a trapped dog, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find a dog's owner:

  • check for a collar and contact details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the dog isn’t theirs, someone may know who it belongs to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can’t quickly find the owner, contact your local dog warden. They are responsible for dogs including those that are trapped, and will ensure the dog gets the care they need. Report a stray dog.

Thank you for caring about this animal

If you see a trapped farm animal, try to notify the farmer. Most care deeply for their animals and will make arrangements to release them.

If you're unsure how to find the owner

  • look on fences and gates for 'in case of emergency' signs
  • look for nearby farms and outbuildings
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the animal isn’t theirs, someone may have contact details of the farmer
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can’t find the owner and the animal needs help, contact APHA England on 03000 200 301 or APHA Cymru for farms in Wales on 0300 303 8268.

Do you think the horse, pony or donkey is owned?

Thank you for caring about this trapped cat

If you see a trapped cat, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find a cat’s owner:

  • check for a collar and contact details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the cat isn’t theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can't quickly find the owner, follow our advice for helping stuck or entangled cats.

Do not try and handle a feral cat.

  • If a cat is stuck up a tree or on a roof, they can most likely get down. Keep an eye on them and if they don’t make their own way down, entice them with strong smelling treats. After a time, if that doesn’t work, contact a local tree surgeon.

  • If a pet cat is tangled up in netting and you can’t find the owner, wear gloves and free them using the advice in this illustration. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

    If you’re able to free them and they look uninjured, leave them be. But if the cat’s injured, please get them to a vet.

    If they are trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

    British Sign Language support

    If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How big is the trapped animal

An animal the same size or smaller than a cat.

An animal larger than a cat.

How big is the trapped wild animal?

An animal the same size or smaller than a rabbit or a pigeon (for birds).

An animal larger than a rabbit or pigeon.

Thank you for caring about this animal

Get in contact so we can help by calling us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Tell us about the animal, are they a...

Thank you for caring about this trapped wild animal

If you find a trapped or tangled wild animal take great care and assess the animal and your surroundings. If you can easily free them without risk to you or the animal, please do so taking all safety precautions.

If you’re able to free them and they look uninjured, you’ve made their day! Thank you so much.

Please don’t try to free a badger, fox, seal, deer, heron or gannet. If another animal is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a trapped bird

Thank you for caring about this bird.

Follow our guidance and you will likely be able to help the trapped bird quite easily. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • To help encourage a bird to leave a house or shed, you canopen external doors and windows and turn off the lights.

    If you think a bird is living in your property, contact the environmental health department of your local council.

    Once the animal has left, block up any holes they have been using to access the building.

    Trapped in a chimney

    If they are trapped above a gas fire, contact a registered Gas Safe engineer to disconnect the gas supply before trying to rescue the bird.

    Once the gas supply has been disconnected, open external doors and windows, pulling any curtains out of the way. Place a torch in the chimney, shining on the floor to help coax the bird towards the light. Leave the room quiet and empty. This may take some time, so leave the room undisturbed for a few hours.

  • If a bird is trapped or tangled up in netting or fencing, you should be able to free them with scissors, clippers or secateurs. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

    If you see that they’re injured when released, please get the bird to a vet.

    If the bird is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help them or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

    British Sign Language support

    If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a trapped rabbit

Thank you for caring about this rabbit.

Follow our guidance and you will likely be able to help the trapped rabbit quite easily. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • Put gloves on and reach in to remove the rabbit. Take them to the vets for a check up, if you think they might be injured.

  • If a rabbit is trapped or tangled up in netting or fencing, you should be able to free them with scissors, clippers or secateurs. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

    If you see that they’re injured when released, please get them to a vet.

    If the rabbit is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help them or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

    British Sign Language support

    If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a trapped frog or toad

Thank you for caring about this frog.

Follow our guidance and you will likely be able to help the frog quite easily. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

If a frog or toad is trapped or tangled up in netting or fencing, you should be able to free them with scissors, clippers or secateurs. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

If you see that they’re injured when released, please get them to a vet.

If the frog or toad is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help them or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a trapped bat

Thank you for caring about this bat.

If it’s night time, you can help a trapped bat by keeping the room calm and quiet. Contain the bat in one room, then open all the windows as widely as you can. Make sure there’s a clear path for the bat and open curtains. Finally, dim the lights and the bat should make their own way out of the room. Remember to check that the bat has left and isn't hiding behind furniture or curtains.

If the bat isn’t flying, or it’s during the day, please visit the Bat Conservation Trust.

How you can help a trapped hedgehog

Thank you for caring about this hedgehog.

Follow our guidance and you will likely be able to help the trapped hedgehog quite easily. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • Put gloves on and reach into the drain to remove the hedgehog. Take them to the vet for a check up, if you think they might be injured.

    Watch our video on how to safely handle a hedgehog.

  • If a hedgehog is trapped or tangled up in netting or fencing, you should be able to free them with scissors, clippers or secateurs. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

    If you see that they’re injured when released, please get them to a vet.

    If the hedgehog is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help them or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

    British Sign Language support

    If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a trapped rat or mouse

Thank you for caring about this rodent, such as a rat or mouse.

Follow our guidance and you will likely be able to help the trapped rodent quite easily. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • For a rodent that doesn’t seem injured and is moving around, you can help them find a way out. Leave doors open to create a route straight outside, shutting all other doors. Keep pets well away when you do this.

    You could also use a live-capture trap baited with food, but make sure you check the trap every two hours so the rodent isn’t left in there for too long. Then release them outside.

  • If a rat or mouse is trapped or tangled up in netting or fencing, you should be able to free them with scissors, clippers or secateurs. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

    If you see that they’re injured when released, please get them to a vet.

    If the rat or mouse is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help them or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

    British Sign Language support

    If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

How you can help a trapped squirrel

Thank you for caring about this squirrel.

Follow our guidance and you will likely be able to help the squirrel quite easily. If you’re worried or unsure, try to find a friend or neighbour to give you a hand.

  • If squirrels enter a house or shed they will normally leave pretty quickly if you open external doors and windows, turn off the lights and put strong smelling food at exit points.

    If a squirrel is living or nesting in your property please contact Environmental Health at your local council. After the squirrel and their young have left, block up any holes they have been using to access the building.

    Trapped in a chimney

    If the squirrel is trapped above a gas fire, contact a registered Gas Safe engineer to disconnect the gas supply before trying to rescue them.

    Once the gas supply has been disconnected, open external doors and windows, pulling any curtains out of the way. Place a torch in the chimney, shining on the floor to help coax the squirrel towards the light. Leave the room quiet and empty. This may take some time, so leave the room undisturbed for a few hours.

  • If a squirrel is trapped or tangled up in netting or fencing, you should be able to free them with scissors, clippers or secateurs. Don’t forget to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

    If you see that the squirrel is badly injured when released, please get them to a vet. By law, grey squirrels cannot be treated and released, because they’re considered an invasive species. So the vet will prevent any further suffering by putting them to sleep.

    A vet will be able to treat and then release red squirrels though.

    If the squirrel is trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help them or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 123 4999.

    British Sign Language support

    If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this trapped horse

Try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their animals and will see to their needs and have them looked at by their vet if needed.

If you're unsure how to find the owner:

  • look on fences and gates for 'in case of emergency' signs
  • look for nearby stables and barns
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the horse isn't theirs, someone may have contact details of the owner
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can’t find the owner and the horse needs urgent help, get in contact so we can help by calling 0300 1234 999.

Because cruelty and neglect calls are our top priority, it might take us longer than we’d like to help this horse. We appreciate your understanding.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this trapped horse

Get in contact so we can help by calling 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

There are many ways that you can help

Don't worry if you're not sure what to do. We'll walk you through to make sure the animal gets the help they need

Can you safely help this pet? If you’re not sure, have a look at what we consider to be safe.

Thank you for caring about this trapped pet

If you find a large, trapped pet, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find the owner

  • check for a collar and contact details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the pet isn’t theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can't find the owner and you think you can help release the pet, put on gloves and follow our advice. This is the quickest way to get them the help they need.

For your safety, do not try to handle ferrets or any of the animals listed here.

If they are trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this trapped pet

If you see a trapped pet, try to notify the owner. Most care deeply for their pets and will make arrangements to have them looked at by their vet.

Here are some ways to find the owner

  • check the pet for contact or other identification details
  • knock on the door of nearby houses - even if the pet isn't theirs, someone may know who they belong to
  • post on local community groups like WhatsApp, Facebook or NextDoor

If you can't find the owner and you think you can help release the pet, put on gloves and follow the advice in the illustration. This is the quickest way to get them the help they need.

For your safety, do not try to handle ferrets or any of the animals listed here.

If they are trapped and it would be unsafe for you to help or it would require specialist tools, please call us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Thank you for caring about this trapped pet

Get in contact so we can help by calling us on 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Are you reporting any of these scenarios?

How you can help a dog in a hot car

If the dog is not in distress, leave them in the car and...

  • Work out how long the dog has been in the car. A 'pay and display' ticket could help.
  • Make a note of the car's registration. If the owner returns but you still feel they put the dog in danger, you can tell the police.
  • If you're at a shop, venue or event, ask staff to alert the owner over the loudspeaker.
  • Make sure someone stays with the dog. Monitor their condition.

Thank you for caring about this dog.

If the dog is in distress, ring the police

Call 999 now

How you can help a barking dog

Thank you for caring about this dog. They bark for many reasons, even when they may not necessarily be in distress. In the first instance, you should contact your local authority and make a noise complaint. They will contact us if they think there is a case of neglect or cruelty we should get involved in.

Report a barking dog to your local authority

How you can help a dog kept outside

It's not illegal to keep a dog outside, even if we don't necessarily agree with it. Any dog that is kept outside needs to be in a suitable environment.

If you’re concerned about a dog, here’s what they need outside to be safe and happy. The page also includes what to do if a dog’s needs aren’t being met.

Thank you for caring about this dog.

How you can help a farm animal

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is responsible for safeguarding the welfare of animals on commercial farms. You can contact them on:

England: 03000 200 301 / customeradvice@apha.gov.uk

Wales: 0300 303 8268 / apha.cymruwales@apha.gov.uk

Before you contact APHA, gather some key information first:

  • The name of the farm and precise location (the app what3words can help)
  • Details of your concerns and the animals involved
  • Photos or video showing your concerns
  • The names of anyone involved, if available.

How you can help a stray dog

Stray dogs are the responsibility of your local authority’s dog warden. Contacting them is the quickest way for you to help the dog. We don't collect strays - our priority has to be helping animals suffering from cruelty and neglect.

Check out our top tips on what to do if you've found a lost, stray, or abandoned dog. Thank you for caring about this dog.

Report a stray dog to your local authority

How you can help a stray cat

Thank you for caring about this cat. It can be hard to tell if a cat is stray, is roaming but owned or living as a feral. We don't collect strays - our priority has to be helping animals suffering from cruelty and neglect.

But there are some practical things you can do to help a stray cat . And if a stray looks sick or injured, please take it to a vet.

If you are in need of more advice, please call us on 0300 123 4999. Please be aware our rescue teams are busy helping animal victims of cruelty and neglect, therefore we may not be able to send an officer to help you.

How you can help a tethered horse

Thank you for caring about this horse. Tethering is not illegal in the UK, but it can compromise a horse's well-being so it’s not a practice we recommend. Our officers can only help a tethered horse if their welfare is affected (e.g. an injury caused by improper tethering equipment).  Find out more about tethering horses.

If you're concerned about a tethered horse because it looks like they’re in poor condition please ring 0300 1234 999.

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

To help this animal, here’s what we recommend...

Chat online

Our chatbot will help you get instant answers, fast, and connect you with a person if needed. Live chat is available from 8am - 6pm.

Chat now

Call us

Please call our RSPCA cruelty and neglect line on 0300 1234 999

Lines are open 8am - 6pm

Call us

British Sign Language support

If you require additional support we offer an emergency line with a BSL interpreter to help you report cruelty and neglect

Injured wildlife needs you

More often than not, the quickest and best way to help a small bird or animal is to take it to your nearest vet. This will free up our rescuers to get to the animals at risk of cruelty and neglect who need us most.

Your questions

  • Animal cruelty is where a person is deliberately causing an animal to suffer, for example by physically harming them. Neglect is where a person is causing an animal to suffer by not providing everything they need to be well. For example they’re not giving the animal the food, water or vet treatment they need. They might be keeping the animal in a small cage or leaving them alone for too long. People don’t always mean to neglect animals, they sometimes don’t understand what they need.

  • Before you contact us to report cruelty or neglect, please make a note of the following:

    • Your name, address and telephone number for our records. Don't worry, we'll treat your personal information in confidence and won’t share it with anybody unless we’re authorised to do so by law. For more information, please see our privacy policy
    • The date, time and location/address of the incident. You can also use what3words to let us know the location. This app is free to download for both iOS and Android devices, and also works offline. You can also use it via the online map at what3words.com.
    • A description of the animal's environment and bodily condition. This will help us to assess the situation and the animal's welfare.
    • If known, the name(s) and address(es) of the person(s) involved.
    • The names and addresses of any witnesses.
    • The registration number and description of any vehicle involved.

  • We value your call and want to do everything in our power to help animals. Due to the high number of calls – and our unique skills as a charity – we have to prioritise all calls about cruelty, neglect or injured animals. We then assess their severity and urgency. 

    Depending on this prioritisation, we may send an RSPCA inspector or animal rescue officer to the incident. We also work with specialist partner charities to attend some incidents.

    Sometimes the best thing to help an animal quickly is for us to refer incidents to other specialist organisations or to help the public to help animals themselves.

    We cannot accept calls from withheld phone numbers. If you need to contact us and your phone is set up to withhold your number, most phones can be made to temporarily show your number by dialling 1470, then our number 0300 1234 999. If you are calling from the emergency services, we maintain a different phone line for you to call us directly - please contact your control room for details.

  • You can download the Relay UK app for help contacting us if you're deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired.

    Download the app onto your smartphone, tablet, or computer from:

  • As a veterinary surgeon, your first responsibility is to protect the health and welfare of the animals under your care. If you have any concerns that an animal’s owner or keeper is harming them or is likely to do so, either deliberately or by neglect, that animal’s welfare must come first. Please contact us if you believe an animal’s owner or keeper is harming them, being sure to take due consideration of other professional responsibilities.

    Please note that this advice is produced by the RSPCA and applies to England and Wales. The same RCVS rules apply to vets Scotland but the animal welfare laws are different and you should consult the SSPCA for advice if required.

  • If an alleged offence has been committed, our officers will carry out a full and thorough investigation. Read our frequently asked questions about investigations to find out more.

  • We ask people to take action to help small sick or injured wild animals themselves, rather than waiting for the RSPCA. That’s because it’s the quickest way for thousands of wild animals to get the urgent help they need. Every time a kind member of the public helps a wild animal, it frees up our specialist rescuers to reach animals suffering from cruelty and neglect. We really appreciate it.

    If you’re not able to help a sick, injured or trapped wild animal safely yourself and are sure you need our specialist skills, please use the information at the top of this page to get in touch. We will do whatever we can to help.

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