How to help animals in need
If you find a wild animal, domestic animal, or bird in distress or injured, approach with care and avoid sudden movements to prevent causing further stress or harm. Always prioritize your safety and assess the situation before intervening.
For wild animals, avoid handling unless absolutely necessary, as they may bite or scratch when scared. Contact a wildlife rescue organization or veterinarian for guidance. If you must move the animal, use a towel or gloves to minimize stress and protect yourself.
For domestic animals, check for ID tags and contact the owner if possible. Provide water and a safe, quiet space until help arrives.
Birds may require gentle handling; place them in a ventilated box and keep them warm while seeking expert advice. Always consult professionals for proper care.
Please see below for specific animal care/advice, or contact us for further advice or assixtance.
Hedgehogs
Further info
When to help
A juvenile hog brought in at winter only 420g
Here are some signs that a hedgehog needs your help
- Lethargic and lying around sunbathing or out during the day as hedgehogs are nocturnal.
- Flies around the hedgehog or small white patches that look like small pieces of rice or sand. If there are more than 10 ticks visible on the Hedgehog.
- Wobbly as they walk, shaking or pacing in circles as this can indicate pain or dehydration.
- Obviously injured, visible wounds or in distress.
- Trapped in drains or netting, even once free they need to see a experienced rescuer or vet. They may be sick or have infections as a result which may not be visible.
- Hoglets if out during the day without an adult and or making a peeping noise shouting for help.
- A hedgehog who is less smaller than a grapefruit (400g or under during winter)
A hoglett that was found lost, alone and shouting for mum
In spring or summer hedgehogs can be out during the day whilst getting extra food or bedding for nest building and feeding young. The golden rule is if they are moving with intent. If they appear busy or have a mouth full of leaves for example you should not intervene and just observe from a distance as she may have babies in a nest.
If you would like to help, please put out a bowl of fresh water and some poultry flavour cat food or cat biscuits each day.
If you see any of the above, please act straight away. Using garden gloves, a towel or blanket to gently pick up the hedgehog and pop them into a secure box. Hedgehogs are brilliant climbers!
Bring the hedgehog inside to a quiet pet free area. Avoid disturbing the hedgehog as they can become stressed easily.
Unless it is hot outside, or you see signs of fly eggs try and provide a heat source such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket. You can make one with an empty pop bottle as long as the lid is secure, and you don’t use boiling water.
You can offer a drink of water but never force them or feed as sick hedgehogs can aspirate easily and may need to receive food gradually due to starvation.
Contact us on 0191 580 8880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies. If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. Do not wait and see if they improve.
Please use what3words.com to let us know your location if you need further assistance.
Seagulls
Further info
Naturally Gulls are cliff nesting birds however they have had to adapt to nest on roofs inland to take advantage of any available food due to declining habitat, overfishing and pollution. Statistics show now over half of cliff nesting birds now nest in towns and cities. They start to build their nests around May but are not great nest builders as this is not required naturally on formed shelves on cliff faces. Due to the change of habitat and adapting their behaviour to survive it’s not at all uncommon for their babies to fall off a chimney or structure, slide down the sloped roof and end up on the ground. Pawz for thought understands that when this happens their chances of survival is very bleak, and this is catastrophic in an already declining population so every baby counts. From experience the local residents will be distressed by the adult birds who may disrupt day to day life by swooping at any humans passing by, they are fierce protectors of their young. We will always attend calls to assess the situation and try to get the baby back up with their parents or to a safe place their parents can take care of them but if this is not possible, we may decide they should be taken to our wildlife rescue site to be hand reared.
When to help
If the bird has been caught by a cat or dog
Any bird which has been bitten by a cat will need immediate treatment. Cats carry bacteria on their teeth which will pass into the bird’s bloodstream when it is bitten. Without antibiotics within a few hours of the attack the bird may develop fatal septicaemia. Any bird caught by a dog should be properly assessed for injuries as these may be internal and unseen, open wounds and fractures are likely so without treatment they may become very unwell in coming days .
If the bird is obviously injured
If you can see a wound, a dropped or broken wing or a leg is obviously damaged then the bird needs help. Survival in the wild is unlikely with such an injury.
A bird has flown into a window or been hit by a car
This is common when they are fledging and learning to fly. The baby may just be stunned and need rest but make sure it’s safe and contact us for advice.
When to take other action
A fluffy or partially feathered baby on the ground
A nestling gull which should be off the ground
These babies are at risk and should be placed back in the nest or as close to it as possible e.g. on a nearby house or garage roof. Take care to place them as close to their original nest site as possible and not near to neighbouring gulls nests or they may get attacked. Contact us for advice if needed but please make every effort to get this baby help. If the baby is in distress and stuck in the gutter or trapped high up we may attend with the fire brigade but we will organise this so not to put extra stress on multiple callers. Sometimes the parents will swoop if you are near a nest – this is normal behaviour and are protecting their young’s wellbeing. Holding an umbrella over your head whilst passing the location will make you less visible to them and stop the risk of any injuries.
When to leave alone
A fledgling gull who is old enough to be out of the nest
A healthy fledgling on the ground
A fledgling is a baby with all the long flight feathers on their wings. They have very little remaining spotted fluff and are a darker brown flecked colour. At rest, the tips of their wings should be just above their tail or past it. Like most birds, gulls will leave the nest before they’re fully able to fly, this is to ensure the flight feathers don’t become soiled and dirty. It’s common for them to spend time building up strength in their wings, practicing flying from the ground and foraging for food themselves, this may take up to about a week. Unless they are injured or in immediate danger ie: on a road or busy street, they are best left alone. If in danger, try first to just use a towel and move them to a nearby safer location and provide food and water if you would like to help them such as cat or dog food. This will help them gain strength and take flight sooner.
A baby gull is crying, and the parents don’t seem to be feeding it
It is normal for baby gulls to call to their parents. Gulls feed their young much less often than garden bird species at only a handful of times a day. As long as the baby is uninjured and off the ground (or a fledgling) in a safe place and the parents are in the area, this isn’t a cause for concern.
The gulls are a nuisance
Nesting gulls can cause some issues as they become quite protective of their nest areas. However, gulls and their nests are protected by law and removing the eggs or babies or interfering with the nest just because they are unwanted is illegal. The issue should only last a few weeks and using an umbrella to defend yourself from swooping parents can help protect you.
Contact us on 0191 580 8880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies. If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. Do not wait and see if they improve.
Please use what3words.com to let us know your location if you need further assistance.
Bats
Further info
The following information is taken from the Bat Conservation Trust website at bats.org.uk
Finding a grounded or lost bat is a unique experience. For some people, it might be the first time you have seen one of these fascinating adorable creatures.
An adult bat (Brown long eared)
You can help the bat by first ensuring they do it in fact need your help and calling the BCT 0345 130 0228 who can advise you of independent volunteers in your area who can take over from there. If no one is available as this is not always possible, you can bring the bat to us at Pawz for Thought to be kept safe till a bat specialist becomes available. We are here for advice if you’re unsure what to do, call us on 0191 580 8880.
Although bats are protected by law you are allowed to handle a bat in trouble in order to assist it. In the UK, there is a small risk of rabies being transmited from bat bites and scratches, however you can protect yourself by using our special containment procedure and always wearing gloves to protect you and the bat.
Does the bat need help?
You should help, and should not leave or release the bat if :
- It’s on the ground or floor
- It’s exposed during the day (e.g., on an external wall)
- It’s in the living area of a dwelling, or the public area of a building
- It’s been in contact with a cat
- It’s a pup without its mother (see below picture)
- It’s stuck to something (like flypaper, barbed wire or a fishing hook)
- Its roosting place has been disturbed – for example, by removing wood from a woodpile, taking a sign from a wall, or building work. If a bat has been found during building work, there are some additional things you’ll need to do to ensure that the roost is retained and the law is not broken. Please seek advice if you discover a roost and stop work immediately.
If you find a bat in any of these situations, please put some gloves on and contain it using a box. Please don’t release the bat without further advice. A bat that isn’t fit for release, or that is released in unsuitable conditions, is unlikely to survive.
However, a bat seen in a loft, basement or outbuilding, or wedged into a crevice, may simply be roosting there. Please call the National Bat Helpline so they can help you evaluate the situation.
How do I tell the difference between a pup and an adult bat?
Baby Bat Pup
All UK bats are small and you may be surprised at the size of an adult. Baby bats are found in June, July or early August. At all other times of the year, the bats you see will be fully-grown and independent. Baby bats have little or no fur.
An adult bat (common pipistrelle) – out in the day needing help
Once you’ve decided the bat needs your help
- Start by creating a bat care box. You will need:
- A shoe box, with holes punched in the lid (or container of equivalent size)
- A dry cloth or tea-towel
- A plastic bottle cap (milk bottle tops are perfect)
Example bat care box
You may be able to get the bat into the box without touching it, as described below. But if you do need to touch it, please WEAR GLOVES due to the small risk of Rabies transmission. You’re very unlikely to be bitten or scratched if you follow our procedure, but if it does happen, please seek medical advice.
If possible, contain the bat as you would a spider, by placing the box on top of it and sliding a piece of card underneath. If that’s not possible, cover the bat with a soft cloth, such as a tea towel, and carefully scoop it up and place it in your bat care box. (It’s especially important to wear gloves if you use the second method.)
Put a tea towel or soft cloth in the box for the bat to hide under.
Prepare a bat “water dish.” Take a small, shallow container such as a plastic milk bottle top or jam jar lid and add just a few drops of water (not enough for the bat to drown in). Put this in the box so the bat can help itself to a drink. Make sure the water is topped up regularly. Please do not add any food to the box (bats have a specialised diet and do not need fruit).
Keep the bat indoors somewhere quiet and dark while you contact National Bat Helpline or us at Pawz for Thought if they are not available. Please keep pets and children away from the box.
Contact us on 0191 580 8880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies. If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. Do not wait and see if they improve.
Please use what3words.com to let us know your location if you need further assistance.
Garden Birds
Further info
Birds commonly found in your garden such as Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starlings, Tits, Robins etc, including corvids such as Crows, Magpies and Jays, as well as Woodpigeons, Collared Doves and Pigeons.
Feral pigeons do differ slightly, but they are frequently found in your garden. They can nest on any flat surface, in small crevices and commonly under solar panels. Interestingly the natural home for “rock doves” that our feral pigeons descended from is rocky cliff faces. They would build nests in crevices and caves so have adapted to city life very well but are often classed as pests.
What are common problems?
Nesting and baby season each year is our busiest time. Each day we receive over a hundred calls with concern over a baby bird who is on the ground. We will try to cover some common problems further down and also how to establish nestlings vs fledglings with when to intervene. We would always prefer you call us if any doubt on 0191 580 8880.
When to help
Bird has been caught by a cat or dog or predator
Any bird caught by a cat will need to be checked for injuries and given antibiotics immediately. Bacteria on the cat’s teeth can cause fatal septicemia within hours if it gets into the bloodstream. Dog and bird attacks are also a reason for concern as open wounds can attract flies and germs which can lead to serious infections. They also can have shock and broken bones which are not initially evident.
Any bird with an obvious injury
This can be a dropped wing, leg injury or obvious wounds. The bird will need specialist treatment from ourselves to rehabilitate and release once fully healed.
Any bird with poor feather condition
A calcium deficient crow
A common issue seen in many birds such as corvids, Tits and Doves is poor feather condition and calcium deficiency. This presents itself with brittle short stubby feathers due to breakage and poorly developed skeletal feathers. Most modern wild bird seeds in feeders have calcium added to help prevent this as a natural diet of insects and seeds along with lack of sun in winter is insufficient.
In growing chicks this can cause skeletal abnormalities and a type of rickets with deformities to the legs. Nesting mothers also need a huge supply of calcium to produce eggs. If you see a bird with poor feathers it will need to come into our rescue centre as will be grounded and unable to fly until the bird grows new feathers which can take a long time with the correct diet and vitamins it is lacking.
Both parents have been killed
If you know for sure that both parents are dead, the babies will need to be rescued. Some species will survive with one parent – contact a rescue for advice in this situation.
A pigeon with growths on its feet and round its beak or struggling to pick up seed
Pigeons are particularly prone to suffering with a bird virus which causes growths to appear on their face, legs and cause infected eyes which prevents them being able to see to forage for food. They also are prone to canker which is a yeast growth in the throat which blocks entry to the crop when feeding. If you suspect either of these things we recommend bringing them straight down to us where we can properly treat them and rehabilitate for release.
Baby Birds
Hatchlings or Nestlings out of the nest
A nest of hatchlings
A nestling
Baby birds this young will not survive without immediate help from you. Predators will take them, or they will die from hypothermia as rely fully on their parents and siblings for heat. If possible as the nest is easily accessible, they should be returned to the nest. If this is not possible, they will need immediate help from us as a parent feeds them every 15 minutes during the day. Call us immediately on 0191 580 8880 and in the meantime keep the baby warm.
This can be achieved by popping them on a hot water bottle which is body temperature, never fill with hot water as they cannot regulate their body temperature, and this can burn their sensitive skin or overheat them. Do not attempt to feed them or offer water as they can easily choke or aspirate with an underdeveloped esophagus.
Fledglings
A fledgling blue tit
These babies have left the nest but are still unable to fly. They do this to grow their feathers down fully this generally happens over the course of a week, but this is one of the most dangerous times for them. When they first leave the nest like the above picture their feathers are still in pin. The parents should still find them for feeding due to their cheeping noises but if they do not return to the baby within about an hour, contact us for advice.
Hidden dangers
Each spring we get hundreds of calls with concerns for fledglings who have left the nest who are in danger from a cat, cars or any other threat. It isn’t practical, legal or ethical to take in young birds just in case they get harmed. In breeding season keep your cats indoors (and ask your neighbours to do the same) you can place a small box or plant pot with a cut out bird sized opening in the corner of your garden or under a bush to hide in from. To help further you could also put out bird seed and fresh water and ensure you have lots of bushes or trees to support your local wildlife. Leaving the nest before they can fly is completely natural and hopefully, they will be on their way in a week or so.
Contact us on 0191 5808880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies . If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. We are more than happy to offer advise and will assess each case individually.
Contact us on 0191 580 8880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies. If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. Do not wait and see if they improve.
Please use what3words.com to let us know your location if you need further assistance.
Rabbits & Hares
Further info
Spot the difference, Rabbit or a Hare?
Rabbits are much smaller than hares when they’re fully grown and have much shorter legs. It can be hard to tell the difference between rabbits and hares when they are babies or juveniles, but it’s important to know if and when they need your help.
Baby rabbits are called Kittens or kits and have soft beige fur and pink skin around their nose, baby hares are called leverets and have darker coarser fur and black skin around their nose.
Adult Hares have small black tips on their ears which are longer and much longer legs than rabbits. In the Uk the Brown Hare population has declined by over 80% in the last 100 years and is still decreasing. In some parts of the Country such as the South West they are already extinct. Although they are a species of conservation concern they still don’t have any legal protection and are still considered a game species and frequently hunted for sport throughout the year including baby season. The Hares do not hibernate and need food all year round but due to modern farming processes such as silage rather than Hay production over 95% of the meadows they live in have been destroyed since the second world war and related with dairy farms and single sown fields which lack the rich biodiversity of previous farming.
Babies
Baby rabbits are born blind and without fur, they will stay in their nest until they’re about three weeks old by which time they look like small adult bunnies. Rabbit nests can just look like a mound of old grass but underneath this is a cozy nest filled with mums fur which she pulls from herself and lines the bed for her young. Their mother will come back once each day to feed them with rich milk at high speed. This only takes seconds per Kit and then she then tucks them back in covering the nest and any evidence she was there. This behaviour often causes concern that the babies have been abandoned.
Baby hares are very different they are born with eyes open and fully furred, they are quite independent in many ways as are left alone by their mother from very early in life. They live in the open, in a shallow hole in the ground and are often spotted by humans. During the day mum watches from a distance and will return to feed them on an evening.
Both species are extremely challenging to hand rear as the milk given by mum is impossible to replicate. Where possible bringing them into rescue should only be in exceptional circumstances ie: the nest was made in the middle of a building site but now work has commenced and the nest is disturbed.
If you have accidentally disturbed a nest of Rabbits or Hares please call us on 0191 580 8880 and we can advise the best way to get them back with mum. Do not pick them up or touch them as your scent could cause rejection.
When to help
- You can see their mother is dead nearby. A mother rabbit or hare will have bald patches on her chest where the babies feed
- A baby rabbit is lying in the open which has its eyes closed still and is naked or only partially covered in fur. This may be a animal has dug the nest up. Look for more babies and collect them together to keep safe using gloves or a towel so not to put your scent on them.
Found an injured or sick Rabbit or Hare?
If you see a rabbit or hare with injuries gently wrap them in a towel or blanket and place in a box in a quiet pet free area, as they are prey animals they can die from shock if become stressed due to noise or being handled. Myxomatosis is a very infectious man made disease released in 1950 to control the rabbit population it is still widespread in our wild rabbits. It can also affect pet rabbits if they come into contact with wild rabbits and are not immunised. Sadly, there is no cure for this horrific disease and it is fatal.
Symptoms of myxomatosis include
- Swollen growths on the head and face
- Swelling around face ears and their rump
- Runny, red and sore looking eyes which can be completely closed
- Pus or cloudy discharge coming from the nose and eyes
- Another disease that can infect wild and pet rabbits is called Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease. This is a form of viral hepatitis. It acts quickly over 1 – 5 days, so rabbits may not show any signs of infection until it’s too late. Lethargy, a high temperature, convulsions and also bloody nasal discharge or urine can be some of the symptoms but not always the case.
If you find a wild rabbit that you think might have these diseases the best thing to do is call us as soon as possible on 0191 580 8880. We may ask for photos but unfortunately due to risk of infection sometimes we may advise to take them direct to a vet if we believe this is in the best interests of the animal to end suffering from this fatal disease. Please be prepared that we may need to take that difficult decision.
To transport the animal, make sure you’re wearing thick protective gloves when you’re handling the rabbit, and use one hand to support their strong back legs. You can confine the rabbit by carefully placing a towel over it, and putting it in a plastic box or carrier.
When a rabbit or hare needs to be rescued immediately
- They have obvious injuries such as wounds or injured limbs
- They have been hit by a car or trapped in something such as netting or wire for an unknown time
- They have been attacked a dog or cat (cats teeth carry bacteria which always needs antibiotics to treat)
- They are covered with fly strike- eggs (these look like small grains of rice)
Contact us on 0191 580 8880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies. If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. Do not wait and see if they improve.
Please use what3words.com to let us know your location if you need further assistance.
Stray Domestic Animals
Further info
What to do if you find a Dog?
A frightened dog can pose a risk both to you and the dog. When you try and approach look for clear signs on the dogs behaviour as it could try and run from you into oncoming traffic or feel threatened and injure you. A dog will usually give plenty warning of aggression such as:
- Becoming still and rigid
- Low guttural bark that sounds threatening
- Lunging forward without contact
- Mouthing or snapping as a threat
- Growling or snarling to show teeth
- Shaking
If you can safely secure the dog we advise putting them in a garden or if you can secure them in a room away from the family as a strange dog has an unknown temperament and they may be stressed with strangers around in a new environment. Report the dog to your local authority who will be able to come and collect the animal from you or take to a local vet or person with the facilities to check for a microchip. You could also check on social media for any posts for a missing dog and hopefully reunite them with their family.
Council Dog Wardens
- Newcastle Dog Warden – 0191 211 6102
- North Tyneside Dog Warden – 0345 2000 103
- Newcastle and North Tyneside Out of Hours – 0191 421 0157
- Northumberland Dog Warden – 0345 600 6400
- Gateshead Dog Warden – 0191 433 7000
- Durham Dog Warden – 0191 378 0439
- South Tyneside – 0191 427 70 00
- Sunderland – 0191 553 1661/1662
What to do if you suspect a cat is a stray?
Never assume that a cat is a stray just because it is outside and you have seen it multiple times. Cats are territorial so the chances are that it is actually in its own territory. Many people who love animals will feed a cat who visits or show them affection, although this is very tempting it causes most of the issues we see. The cat then doesn’t need to return home as is no longer hungry and will keep returning as they know you previously fed them. This then confirms your perception that the cat is homeless and requires your help but their owner is frantic wondering why their cat has not returned home. Most of the missing cats posted have similar stories. If you believe a cat may be stray there are a few things you can try first.
Scan the cat for a chip, either at the local vet or try online at scannerangels.com to find a local scanner. It is now a legal requirement all cats must be microchipped from 20 weeks of age.
Use a paper collar to write a message with your phone number on and wait three days. Hopefully the cat will go home within this time and the owner will make contact confirming that the cat has a home.
If both of these steps fail you then should provide food and water and assume the cat is lost or homeless. Try looking on social media as there may be someone looking for their pet on lost and found sites.
It’s now time to try and find a space at a rescue. The uk currently has an increase of animal surrenders and over population of unwanted pets. Although heartbreaking rescues are unable to save every animal due to the strain on spaces. Please be understanding as no rescue wants to turn an animal away. Call us on 0191 580 8880 to see if we have capacity to help but if not you can try catchat.org for a list of rescues in the area.
What to do if you find something else ?
You would be surprised at some of the pets who have escaped and ended up with us over the years from hamsters running down the street in a ball, snakes in a building site office to tortoises who have dug their way out of a garden and ended up on a road. There are so many strange and wonderful animals the list would go on for days. Our advice would be if you see a pet somewhere it shouldn’t be please try and help. Contain the animal and call us immediately on 0191 580 8880 for advice on what to do next as some animals will not survive without continual supply of food and water. Even if we can’t help we can advise you of places to try who specialise in that particular animal.
Contact us on 0191 580 8880 for help straight away and press option 1 for wildlife emergencies. If we are unable to answer straight away we could be helping other animals please leave a message and we will call you back. Do not wait and see if they improve.
Please use what3words.com to let us know your location if you need further assistance.
Contact us, we‘re always ready to help
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