Road danger
Call 999 if an animal is creating an immediate danger on a motorway or road. Do not put yourself or other road users at risk.
Call 999Pet medical emergency
Call your veterinary practice immediately. Its recorded message should explain how to reach the out-of-hours provider.
Find a registered vetCruelty or neglect
Choose your UK nation below. Reporting organisations differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Choose your nationWhat help is needed?
Filter the trusted routes below. This page does not collect personal information or claim to dispatch rescuers.
Find a registered veterinary practice
Use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons directory to find veterinary practices and available facilities across the UK.
Find a vetRSPCA animal welfare report
Report suspected cruelty, neglect, an injured animal or an animal in distress in England or Wales through the RSPCA triage service.
Report a concernScottish SPCA
Contact Scotland's animal welfare charity about an animal in distress or suspected cruelty and neglect.
Report an animal concernAnimal welfare in Northern Ireland
NI Direct explains whether to contact the local council, DAERA or police about cruelty, neglect and different types of animal.
Check who to contactInjured wild animal
RSPCA guidance explains what to do for injured wildlife, when to contact a vet and when specialist help may be needed.
Get wildlife guidanceStranded marine animal
British Divers Marine Life Rescue provides guidance for reporting stranded seals, dolphins, whales and other marine wildlife.
Report a marine animalFound or injured bat
The Bat Conservation Trust offers specialist advice through its National Bat Helpline. Never handle a bat with bare hands.
Get bat adviceFarm animal welfare
Report urgent farm-animal welfare concerns to the Animal and Plant Health Agency, or use the relevant local authority route.
Contact APHAMissing dog and council dog warden
Report a missing dog to the council dog warden and check whether the council may already have found it.
Find the council serviceReport a stray dog
If you find a stray dog and cannot contact the owner, report it to the local council as required.
Report to the councilLost or found cat
Cats Protection explains practical steps, including checking for identification, contacting vets and using the correct local support.
Get lost-cat guidanceDead animal on a road
Report a dead wild or domestic animal on a public road to the appropriate local council using the official postcode finder.
Report to the councilGiving up a pet responsibly
Blue Cross explains its pet rehoming process and other responsible options when an owner can no longer keep an animal.
View rehoming helpRehome a dog
Dogs Trust provides guidance for owners who need to discuss handing over a dog. Space and acceptance are not guaranteed.
Contact Dogs TrustFree or low-cost veterinary care
PDSA may help eligible owners who receive qualifying benefits and live within a participating service area.
Check PDSA eligibilityPet food banks
Blue Cross works with food banks and community organisations to help owners who are struggling to afford pet food.
Find food supportAdopt from Blue Cross
Search pets currently available through Blue Cross and learn about its matching and adoption process.
Find a petFind an RSPCA rescue pet
Search animals being cared for by RSPCA centres and branches in England and Wales.
Search rescue animalsPet Loss Support
Blue Cross provides free, confidential support by phone, email and webchat for people coping with pet loss or facing a difficult goodbye.
Get pet-loss supportBefore approaching an animal
- Keep yourself, traffic and other people safe. Do not enter a road or dangerous location.
- Do not handle wildlife unless a vet or rescue organisation advises you to do so.
- Observe from a safe distance and note the exact location, species, condition and direction of travel.
- For suspected cruelty, record what you personally observed without confronting anyone or putting yourself at risk.