Found an abandoned animal – what to do?
What to do now
- Look first: is there really nobody nearby? A dog tied up outside a shop has not been abandoned.
- Take photos before you change anything: the animal, the box or carrier, the lead, the surroundings. Note the time and exact place.
- Secure and care for the animal: shade or warmth, water; for small animals keep the container closed.
- Call the police or the Ordnungsamt and report the find. They take the complaint and place the animal in the responsible animal shelter.
- Keep everything that was with it – notes, blanket, food bowl, box. These are clues to the owners.
Please do not
- Do not simply take it and keep it. An abandoned animal must also be reported as found.
- No photo with the exact location on social media before the police know – and no names of suspects.
- Do not crowd a frightened animal. If it will not let you touch it: stay nearby, block escape routes towards the road, call for help.
Who helps
Police (110) and the Ordnungsamt of the municipality where the animal was found; the veterinary office (Veterinäramt) for the complaint. We help with accommodation if there is no room at the shelter – report the find to us with location and photo.
Report an emergency Animal rescue near you
Frequent questions
May I keep the animal?
Only after reporting it and in agreement with the municipality. If nobody comes forward, the animal can be rehomed – often to the person who found it.
I saw who abandoned the animal.
Note the number plate, time, place and a description and report it to the police or the veterinary office. Anyone can file a complaint.
Related
This page gives general advice. It replaces neither a vet nor legal advice.
More guides
- Wild animal foundFound a wild animal – who helps?
- Finding an emergency vetEmergency vet – how to find one at night and at the weekend
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- Bird foundFound a young or injured bird – what to do?
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- Pet run awayDog or cat has run away – what to do?
- Collision with wildlifeCollision with wildlife: deer or wild boar hit – what to do?
- Dog in a hot carDog in a hot car – what to do?
- Report animal crueltyReporting animal cruelty or neglect – how does it work?
- Poison bait foundFound poison bait – and what if the dog has already eaten some?
- Injured pigeonFound an injured pigeon – what to do?
- Fawn foundFound a fawn or young wild animal – what to do?
- Squirrel foundFound a squirrel – what to do?
- Bat foundFound a bat – what to do?
- Young hare foundFound a young hare or wild rabbit – what to do?
- Injured swan or duckFound an injured swan, duck or goose – what to do?
- Cat hit by a carCat hit by a car or found at the roadside – what to do?
Spreading the word helps
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