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Maybe you're one of those people who simply must save every stray animal you come across, but a few words of advice will help you handle the situation in the most helpful and healthy way. Most importantly, know what you are doing! Always remember that stray animals often have diseases, and some can be deadly even for humans. There is no guarantee when you help a stray animal that you are not putting yourself at risk of rabies.
If you truly want to help stray animals, it is best to be properly armed in advance. This involves careful research and significant knowledge. Do this research at bookstores, libraries, and at your veterinarian's office. Contact the SPCA, talk to your local animal shelter's staff, ask the public health department for information on rabies, and be prepared in any way you can be.
It is not always easy to have this information already under your belt when you run across a dog that has been hit by a car. So use your best judgment, and always stay on the side of caution.
If you want to help but are not sure what to do, call the police department and ask for help. If the animal is blocking the road, make sure you are not at risk of being hit by a car while helping the animal.
Do not try to treat the animal for its medical condition if you are not trained to do so. As with a human, you can sometimes cause more damage than good.
If you can move the animal to the side of the road so it is not hit again, that can be helpful. On the other hand, an animal in pain can act aggressively. That is why it is so crucial to be armed with knowledge ahead of time.
Maybe waiting for the police to come, or calling the local animal warden, is the best place to start. If you have a cell phone, call the nearest vet's office to ask for help. Maybe they can send someone out to help. Maybe they can offer advice over the phone. Perhaps they will ask you to bring the animal to their office. Make sure you are safe in doing this. You are the best judge, provided you have done your research in advance.
It is always tempting to help an animal in need. Some people simply can't turn away. But remember, you will not help the animal if you hurt yourself in the process.
If you are prone to helping stray animals, carry provisions with you in your car. These might include strong gloves, a blanket, towels, a collar, a leash, etc.
Always remember that you are always potentially at risk of being bitten or injured in any other way. Always stay on the side of caution.
There is an expression, "When in doubt, leave it out." If you do not know what you are doing, calling for help can be the best thing for both you and the animal.
If you are a professional in the area of helping stray animals, then you already know what to do. It is still wise to be on the careful side.
If you find a stray dog or cat that has not been hit, remember it is still a potential danger to you. Cats, in particular, can be ferile. You can put yourself at great risk in this instance. Dogs can have rabies. If you are bitten, immediately contact your local emergency room and your local doctor. If you do not know the dog and it has not been tested for rabies, you will very likely have to go through a series of rabies shots to avoid a worst case scenario.
Even a friendly looking animal might be very scared of a human, and this can spark aggression. These are the worst-case scenarios, of course, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Always be gentle with a stray animal. Strays have often been abused, and many are frightened of human contact. Do not be rough with any stray animal, as you drastically increase the risk of being injured yourself.
The best advice to give anyone who is trying to help a stray animal is to know what you are doing. No matter how much your heart draws you to doing a rescue, you need to know what you are doing. Using your gut instinct can be very helfpul, but you also must use your brain and the knowledge you have.
If you believe that you will be interested in the future in helping stray animals, start doing your research now. It will be worth the work.
If you plan to take a stray into your home, bring it to your vet first to have it checked. Ask for advice, and follow the advice!
If you cannot keep a stray in your home but plan to rescue one, where will you bring it? Many shelters these days are full, and what will you do if they turn you away?
If you love to help animals, particularly strays, ask your local shelter how you can help. Animal lovers are always needed. There is an overpopulation of dogs and cats right now because of lack of sufficient spaying and neutering, so your help is always needed. But know what you're doing - for your sake, and for the animal's.
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