What to do if you come across an injured animal. 

At Vets for Compassion, we believe every animal deserves care, respect and dignity.

Thank you for taking the time to find out what to do if you come across an injured animal. Together, we can make sure every animal gets the help they need.

Dr Elaine Ong AM
Founder and CEO (pro bono)
Vets for Compassion

Donate to help Victoria’s animals.

What to do if you come across an
injured animal.

1. Check for danger

Remove stress factors, keep other animals and people away and stay a safe distance yourself if necessary (especially for larger animals).

2. Approach if safe

Smaller animals can be carefully wrapped in a towel, placed in a covered box with air holes, and kept in a calm, quiet place.. Larger animals shouldn’t be approached. Take a photo and record the animal’s location.

3. Call for help

Call Vets for Compassion on 0407 084 594. If the animal is in immediate danger of being hit by a car call 000 as well.

While you wait for help

The first thing to recognise when you come across an injured animal is that animals are conditioned by instinct, training and experience to look at humans as predators.

Most animals will be afraid of you and won’t understand that you mean no harm. Assume the animal is in shock, and remember shock can be fatal. Avoid stressing the animal any more than necessary. If you have placed the animal in a covered box, resist the urge to check on it or subject it to unfamiliar noises (eg. radio or human voices) or smells. Do not offer food or water.

Stay with the animal (from afar if necessary) until help arrives. If the animal is mobile, track it from afar so you can tell rescuers where to find it.

Other ways to help animals

  • Slow down when driving in wildlife areas, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Report injured animals ASAP so they can get the help they need.
  • Report deceased pouched animals as there may be a joey in the pouch that can
    be saved.
  • If you see flashing lights or rescuers on the road, slow down and give them plenty
    of space.
  • Keep dogs on lead in wildlife areas.
  • Vets for Compassion is on call 24/7. Donate to help get emergency veterinary care
    to every animal who needs us