Algarve · Practical resource
I Found an Animal — What Do I Do?
Finding an animal that appears to need help can be upsetting — especially when you're not sure whether you should intervene.
You might find a tiny kitten, a group of cats, an injured dog, an animal that seems lost, or wildlife that appears to need help. You don't have to know exactly what you've found before asking for help.
Start with the situation that best matches what you've seen.
If you've found an animal
You don't need to know whether an animal is technically a stray, lost, abandoned or part of a colony before you ask for help.
I found kittens
Before you move kittens, find out whether their mother is nearby and caring for them.
What should I do?I found a cat or cat colony
A group of outdoor cats may be a managed colony rather than a group of lost pets.
Understand what to doI found a dog
A dog alone may be lost, abandoned or simply have escaped. Here's how to safely find out.
What should I do?I found an injured or sick animal
Some animals need immediate veterinary or rescue assistance. Here's how to respond safely.
What should I do?I think an animal has been abandoned
An animal being alone doesn't always mean it has been abandoned. Here's how to look for clues.
How can I tell?I found a lost pet
If an animal appears to belong to someone, there are practical steps you can take to help reunite them.
Help find the ownerI found wildlife
Wild animals need different kinds of help. Sometimes the best thing is to leave them where they are; sometimes they need specialist assistance.
What should I do?An animal is in immediate danger
If an animal is in traffic, trapped, seriously injured or facing immediate danger, safety comes first.
I need help now
Need local help?
FOURFEET can help you find local animal rescue organisations, cat rescue and colony groups, veterinary practices, emergency veterinary services, municipal animal services and wildlife organisations.