Field Rescue of Animals in Need
How to know if a socialized animal may need help:​
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Abandonment, abuse, or neglect is noticed or the animal is found in an unsafe location.
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The animal has a poorly-groomed appearance and/or is outside without proper food, water, or shelter.
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The animal has a microchip, collar with no tag, and is outdoors alone.
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The animal is deaf, blind, or injured, and is alone outside. Also, if the cat is declawed and outside.
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The animal is crying for attention or is a motherless young animal.
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Potential animal behavior to expect from an abandoned or lost socialized stray:
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May approach humans for touch but still display some level of caution.
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Socialized animals generally present with forward whiskers (cats), tail up, and ears forward/up.​
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Vocalizations; most socialized animals will express themselves.
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Health issues: fleas, ear mites, worms, or diarrhea.
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Aggression from pain: animal attack wounds, broken bones from car collision, or illness.
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What to do:
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Do not grab or handle the animal at first; extend a fist for scent sniffing before attempting to touch the animal.
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Take precautions: use bite-deflecting, heavy duty gloves or cut sleeves.
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Provide food, fresh water, a litter box (cat), and comfortable shelter in a safe space.
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Contact local animal control, local vets for referrals, and local rescues.​​
Humane animal live trapping tips:
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First, learn how to set a Havahart (or similar) trap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsPj6xvAfjs
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For cats: trap in the evening, starting at dusk when they are most active.
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Cover the back half with a lightweight tarp (rain) or old bedsheet (sun) for protection from weather elements.
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Bait the live trap with rotisserie chicken in a dish. Use Silvervine powder leading into the trap (for cats.)
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Check the trap at least every hour; every 15 minutes in cold, hot, or inclement weather.
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Use a squeeze bottle to put water into the food dish once the animal is trapped and transported to a safe location.
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Place an old towel or wee pad under the trap to catch scat and urine.
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Do NOT live trap unless these resources are already in place:
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A secured intake appointment with a rescue or shelter.
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A safe, comfortable place for temp holding the animal.
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The ability to monitor the live trap personally or with a camera feed.​
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Just for cats:​
Kittens under 5 weeks old cannot go for long periods of time without nursing. With a trapped female cat, look under the trap for signs of lactation; if observed, return her immediately to the general area. Re-trap in a 6-8 weeks when kittens are weaned.
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First, do no harm. Ask your local humane society or rescue for help.​