UK Wildlife Rescue: Who to Call and What to Expect

Knowing who to contact when encountering injured or distressed wildlife makes the difference between survival and death for many animals in the UK.

Key Facts

The RSPCA has a 24-hour emergency line but prioritises domestic animal calls
Wildlife rehabilitation centres are mostly volunteer-run charities with limited funding
Specific species require specialist care — the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for hedgehogs, Bat Conservation Trust for bats
Most wildlife should be contained, kept quiet, and transported to a specialist within hours
Initial veterinary triage for injured wildlife is often available free of charge

Welfare Considerations

Injured wildlife in the care of untrained handlers deteriorates rapidly. Stress from handling causes myopathy (muscle breakdown) in deer and raptors. Inappropriate feeding including bread and milk causes digestive harm in many species. Delayed professional assessment allows injuries to become irreversible. Conversely, calling the right organisation ensures rapid triage, appropriate care, and the best possible rehabilitation outcome. Knowledge of the right contact for each species saves animal lives.

What You Can Do

Save RSPCA (0300 1234 999), British Hedgehog Preservation Society (01584 890801), and Bat Conservation Trust (0345 1300 228) in your phone
Contact the Wildlife Trusts for species-specific local rehabilitator contacts
Never feed wildlife in your care before speaking to a specialist
Keep injured animals warm, dark, and quiet while seeking expert advice
Support your local wildlife rescue centre financially — they operate on minimal resources