Wild Garden Wildlife Emergency Welfare

Garden wildlife emergencies including injured birds, mammals and reptiles require appropriate first responses to prevent additional harm.

Key Facts

Injured garden wildlife requires containing in a warm quiet box before specialist help is sought
First response should minimise handling and stimulation as stress can cause death in small wildlife
British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council provides a directory of local wildlife rehabilitators
Not all garden wildlife that appears injured needs intervention as juvenile animals may be normal
Domestic cat injuries to birds and mammals require prompt veterinary assessment due to infection risk

Welfare Considerations

Garden wildlife emergency welfare depends on appropriate first response that prioritises minimising stress while seeking specialist help. Well-intentioned but inappropriate handling can cause additional welfare harm. Knowing what to do and who to contact in advance prevents poor outcomes.

What You Can Do

Keep the BWRC wildlife rehabilitator directory saved for quick access in wildlife emergencies
Provide a warm, quiet, dark box for containing injured wildlife before transport to a rehabilitator
Contact a wildlife hospital or vet immediately for any bird or mammal injured by a cat