We are a nation of pet lovers. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Pet Owners Survey, more than 39 percent of U.S. households own at least one dog and 33 percent of U.S. households own at least one cat.
Due to the economy, many pets have been abandoned in homes or left on the side of the road. Here are some recommendations from the Humane Society of the United States and National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, if you choose to assist a stray domestic or wildlife animal.
Please note there are two types of animal rescues: domestic and wildlife.
First and foremost, safety is the most important issue. Do not do anything to put yourself or the animal in danger. This includes running in traffic or any quick maneuvers to startle the animal. Animal experts warn to never approach an animal if it is acting strangely. Their strange behavior may be due to rabies.
Domestic Animals
Be Ready. The Humane Society recommends having these items at your immediate disposal if you chose to assist an animal:
• Protective gloves
• The phone numbers of:
o Local animal shelter
o A shelter
o 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic
• Cardboard box or animal carrier
• Strong adjustable collar and leash
• Heavy blanket
• Water bowl
• Strong smelling foods (canned tuna, dried liver, etc.)
• Animal first-aid kit http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html
The key is to take the animal to a safe haven. Once you have secured the animal in an animal carrier, take him to a shelter. Also, contact your local animal control if you need assistance or if you see a stray and are unable to assist.
Wildlife Animals
Among wildlife, rabbits and birds are the most common strays. Here are some tips from the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. Also, they provide more a more detailed chart on how to rescue baby mammals: http://www.nwrawildlife.org/documents/jacobs_mammals.PDF and How to Rescue Baby Birds http://www.nwrawildlife.org/documents/jacobs_birds.pdf.
Tips for baby rabbits:
• If the rabbit nest is damaged, you can repair it
• Look for a shallow depression lined with grass/fur
• Place babies in nest with light layers of grass to hide them
• Leave the area. The mother won’t return if you are in there
• Remember, mothers return only at dawn and dusk
Also, do not touch healthy rabbits if their eyes and ears are open and are over four to five inches long. Their mother is out looking for food and will return at dusk or dawn.
Tips for baby birds:
• If the bird is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator
• If the bird is unclaimed by the mother for more than one hour or if the mother is deceased, contact a wildlife rehabilitator
• Place the bird close to the mother, if the bird is temporarily separated from the mother. The goal is to place the baby close to the mother so she can hear the baby bird. Also, watch closely. If the mother doesn’t claim the baby within one hour, contact a wildlife rehabilitator
The Healers of the Wild: People Who Care for Injured and Orphaned Wildlife stated if you need assistance with injured wildlife, this is the best way to contact a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Contact the following:
• Your state wildlife area agency
• Humane Society
• Audubon Society
• Wild bird stores
• City animal control officer
• Veterinarian (wildlife/exotic)
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Wildlife Rehab Directory http://www.wildliferehabber.org/
Sources:
http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp
http://www.nwrawildlife.org/documents/jacobs_birds.pdf
http://www.nwrawildlife.org/documents/jacobs_mammals.PDF
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42685329/ns/health-pet_health/
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/what_to_do_stray_pet.html