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You found an animal that needs your help. Now what?
If you need assistance for a larger raptor or mammal that can hurt you... Please call a rehab center or fill out an intake form with pictures and watch from a distance.
If you are dealing with a bat or a rabies vector species, please never touch them with your bare hand. It is better to wait for assistance. You can always cover over with a box or a laundry basket if the animal is in a busy area or direct sun.
If the animal is young, weak, easy to handle please follow the directions below.
Keep Warm
Provide supplemental warmth with a soft blanket or towel. Ensure the animal feels warm to the touch but not overheated. Air conditioning temperatures can put an animal into shock.
Keep Dark
Cover the carrier to block out light. Darkness helps calm the animal, reducing stress and further injury.
Keep Dry
Avoid placing water bowls inside the carrier. Wait to offer food or water until consulting a rehabilitation facility.
Keep Quiet
Minimize noise and activity around the animal. Stress from loud sounds or constant handling can worsen its condition.
Do Not Offer Food or Water
Feeding or forcing water to the mouth of a traumatized or dehydrated animal will cause harm. Always consult a professional before providing food or water. Birds choke / aspirate on fluids easily because they don't have the ability to cough. If you feed a dehydrated bird, it completely shuts down their digestion. The best thing you can do is get it to a licensed facility for care.
For animals that are standing and alert a heavy bowl of water that will not tip over if the animal stands on it can be placed into the container so they can drink on their own but if it causes too much stress it is better to just let them rest until you can get them to a medical care facility.
Water should be removed before transport
Rehab Facilities Near You
If you find wildlife in distress, stay calm and get them to a professional as soon as possible. We are all volunteers and rescue transport is the hardest part of helping the animal. There is no charge if a wild animal is taken to a facility but resources are limited because we are all volunteers and rescue centers are few and far between.
How to Help an Injured Animal
Moral & Legal Obligations in Assisting Wildlife
Wildlife is protected, and it is a federal offense for anyone to take, possess, transport, sell, purchase, barter, harass, or offer for sale any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird, except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to federal regulations.
Rehabilitation facilities are run by volunteers. Licensed centers have incubators, medical supplies, veterinarian assistance, large aviaries, and a team of experienced volunteers.
Never try to rehabilitate a wild animal on your own. It is illegal, and the animal may suffer due to improper treatment. Volunteering, however, comes with free training, and you'll meet many fascinating people and animals. You can find additional help and information through Arizona Game and Fish and U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
If you need assistance finding a facility, please fill out the intake form on this page. Thank you.
