Guides

What to do, in the order it needs doing. Written for someone standing on a pavement with a phone in one hand.

• Animal emergencies and poison control Where to go right now if an animal is injured, collapsed, bleeding, or has swallowed something toxic.
• Found an injured bird How to catch, contain and transport an injured bird, and why food, water and heat can kill it.
• Found injured or orphaned wildlife Only licensed rehabilitators may legally handle wild animals. Where to take them, and what not to do.
• Exotic pet emergencies Rabbits, birds, reptiles and small mammals need an exotic-capable vet. Call ahead.
• Cats needing specialist help Neonatal kittens, critical medical cases, special needs, seniors and FeLV+/FIV+ cats.
• Community cats, colonies and starting TNR How trap-neuter-return works in New York City, and who will help you do it.
• Boarding, pet sitting and planning ahead Care while you are away, and arranging for a pet to be looked after if you no longer can.
• Breed-specific dog rescue Rescues that focus on a particular breed or group of breeds.
• Dog behaviour, training and legal questions Behaviour help, bite reporting, breed rules and housing law.
• Help keeping your cat Food, vet bills, housing, and temporary care, before surrender becomes the only option.
• Help keeping your dog Support with costs, housing and behaviour, plus how surrender works if you still need it.
• Help paying for veterinary care Grants, funds and low-cost options when you cannot afford treatment.
• Lost or found a cat What to do first, where to post, and who helps with searching.
• Lost or found a dog The first hours matter most. Where to look, who to call, and how microchips help.
• Lost or found a rabbit, bird or reptile Where to report, and how to tell a lost pet from a wild animal.
• Low-cost clinics and trap banks Free and low-cost spay/neuter by borough, and where to borrow a humane trap.
• Low-cost vet care, spay/neuter and dog licensing Affordable veterinary care across the five boroughs, and how to license a dog in NYC.
• Rehoming a rabbit, bird, reptile or small animal Never release a domestic animal outdoors. Where to surrender responsibly.
• What you can legally keep in New York City Which animals are legal as pets in NYC, and which must go to a rehabber or sanctuary.