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How to help an injured dog or cat

Last reviewed: 28 October 2026

An injured dog or cat is scared and may bite, even if it is usually friendly. Your first job is to keep yourself and the animal safe.

What to do

  1. Stay calm and speak softly. Move slowly and do not stand over the animal.
  2. Keep traffic and crowds away from the animal.
  3. If it is bleeding, press a clean cloth gently on the wound.
  4. Offer a little clean water in a shallow bowl. Do not force it to drink.
  5. Take a clear photo and note the exact place, then report it here or call a helpline.

What not to do

  • Do not give human medicines such as painkillers. Many of them are poisonous to animals.
  • Do not pull out objects stuck in a wound.
  • Do not pick up an animal that may have a broken back or legs unless it is in danger where it is.

Next steps

If you must move the animal, slide it gently onto a flat board or a thick blanket and keep its back straight. Wait with it until a rescuer or vet takes over.

Report an animal that needs help Find an animal helpline

This guide is general safety advice, not veterinary treatment. Always contact a vet or an animal helpline as soon as you can.

For snakes, monkeys and other wild animals, keep a safe distance and call the forest department.

Other guides

How to report an animal that needs help

  1. Step 1: Open the report form

    Choose “Report an animal”. You do not need an account, and it takes about a minute.

  2. Step 2: Add 1 to 3 photos

    A clear photo helps rescuers find the animal. Location data inside the photo is removed.

  3. Step 3: Add the location

    Use your current location, or type an address or landmark such as a bus stand or main road. Do not enter your home address.

  4. Step 4: Describe what you saw

    Choose the animal and how urgent it is, and write one line of up to 140 characters. Your name, mobile and email are optional and are seen only by helpers who accept the case and our team.

  5. Step 5: Save your tracking link

    After sending, you get a reference number and a private tracking link. Anyone with the link can see the case, so share it only with people you trust.

Safety tips

  • Volunteers on this platform are not a government service. In an emergency, also call a local animal helpline.
  • For snakes, monkeys and other wild animals, keep a safe distance and call the forest department.

What happens next

  • Nearby rescuers and volunteers can see your report straight away.
  • When someone accepts the case, it shows on your tracking page. If you add your email and later sign up with it, you can save the report to your account.