Domestic animals · Strays & rehoming

Found a stray pet, horse or farm animal?

The first 60 seconds

Leave it if
A cat that looks well fed and healthy is probably someone’s pet out roaming.
Help now if
An injured, very thin or distressed animal.

Do this

  1. Stray dog
  2. Stray or injured cat
  3. Loose horse or livestock

Never: do not keep a found dog without telling the council — it may be someone’s lost pet.

Call a rescue near me

Domestic animals follow different rules from wildlife — there is usually an owner to find, and councils and specialist charities step in. Here is who does what.

Hundreds of UK rescues in the directory

Stray dog
Council dog warden
Loose horse on road
Police 999
Microchip scan
Any vet, free
Cruelty
RSPCA 0300 1234 999
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The one thing to remember

Domestic animals usually have an owner. Your first job is to help them get home.

Step one

Does it need help?

Look before you touch. Intervening when an animal is fine is one of the most common mistakes — and it can cost the animal its life.

Leave it be if…

  • A cat that looks well fed and healthy is probably someone’s pet out roaming.
  • Livestock in a field that looks normal, even if it seems unattended.

Step in if…

  • An injured, very thin or distressed animal.
  • A dog wandering alone, especially near roads.
  • A horse or livestock loose on or near a road.
  • A pet that has clearly been dumped — in a box, cage or tied up.

Step two

First aid, step by step

What to do in the first ten minutes, in order. If anything here feels unsafe, stop, step back and phone a rescue for advice instead.

  1. 01

    Stray dog

    If safe, contain it and ring your local council’s dog warden — they are legally responsible for strays. Any vet can scan for a microchip for free.

  2. 02

    Stray or injured cat

    Check for a collar, ask neighbours, and get it scanned for a microchip. Injured cats should go to a vet. Cats Protection has advice on strays.

  3. 03

    Loose horse or livestock

    If it is on a road, ring 999. Otherwise ring 101. Do not try to catch a frightened horse yourself.

  4. 04

    Neglect or cruelty

    Ring the RSPCA (England & Wales) on 0300 1234 999, Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999, or USPCA on 028 3025 1000.

  5. 05

    Rehoming your own pet

    Contact rehoming centres early — most have waiting lists and take animals by appointment.

Important

What never to do

  • Do not keep a found dog without telling the council — it may be someone’s lost pet.
  • Do not approach a loose horse from behind or try to grab its head.
  • Please never abandon an animal because a centre is full.

Food and water

Should I give it food or water?

For a stray cat or dog, a little water and plain pet food is fine. Do not feed horses or livestock — sudden changes in diet can make them seriously ill.

Seasonal guide

Through the year

When rescues see the most casualties — and what is driving it.

Busiest in December.

  1. January: Busy
  2. February: Some
  3. March: Some
  4. April: Some
  5. May: Some
  6. June: Busy
  7. July: Busy
  8. August: Busy
  9. September: Some
  10. October: Some
  11. November: Some
  12. December: Peak
  • SummerKitten season — rehoming centres fill up.
  • After ChristmasUnwanted gift pets surrendered.
  • Bonfire nightFrightened dogs and horses escape.

Background

Good to know

Microchipping is law

Dogs in the UK must be microchipped, and cats in England since June 2024.

Councils handle strays

Dog wardens hold strays for seven days while owners are traced.

Horses need specialists

Equine rescues are listed in the finder under “pet, horse or farm animal”.

Prevention

Help them where you live

  • Keep your own pet’s microchip details up to date.
  • Report lost and found pets on local social media groups.
  • Consider fostering for a local rescue.

The law. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (and equivalents in Scotland and NI) makes owners responsible for their animals’ welfare. Councils have legal duties around stray dogs.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Can I use the finder for pet rescues?
Yes. On the homepage, choose “It’s a pet, horse or farm animal” under the animal tiles.
The rehoming centre is full.
Ask to go on the waiting list, and ask other centres too. Some breed-specific rescues may have space.

Ready to call?

Find a rescue near you

Ranked by who has confirmed space, then distance. Free, no sign-up.

General first-aid guidance compiled from UK rescue organisations, not veterinary advice. Where this and a vet disagree, the vet is right.

Keep reading

All guides
Essential guide · Start here Wildlife first aid Contain, warm, dark, quiet — and nothing to eat or drink until a rescue says so. Read the guide about wildlife first aid Essential guide · Baby animals Is it really orphaned? Most baby animals found alone are not orphans. Watch from a distance before you touch anything. Read the guide about is it really orphaned? Essential guide · Prevention Help wildlife at home The best rescue is the one that never needs to happen. Read the guide about help wildlife at home