How to Help a Street Animal Safely

A frightened, injured animal will bite, and a bite turns a rescue into two casualties. Approach is a skill worth knowing before you need it.

Assess first

Watch from a distance. Note the injury and whether the animal can move. Call a local rescue or the municipal animal helpline before touching anything — they have equipment and transport.

Safe approach

Move slowly, no direct eye contact, crouch sideways. Offer food at arm's length. Use a thick towel or blanket to cover the head before lifting; covering the eyes calms most animals and protects you.

What is safe to do

Water, shade, and a clean cloth with pressure on bleeding. Do not give human medication, milk, or food to an animal that may need anaesthesia.

Afterwards

If you were scratched or bitten, wash for fifteen minutes with soap and seek post-exposure treatment the same day.