How to Safely Transport a Stray Animal to a Shelter

Assess the Situation

Before you rush to pick up the stray animal, take a moment to assess the situation. Consider these questions:

Is the animal injured or sick? Check for any obvious signs of injury like limping, bleeding, or difficulty moving. If the animal seems severely injured, it might need immediate medical attention before transportation.

Is the animal approachable? Some animals, especially those that are scared or have had negative experiences with humans, might be fearful or aggressive. Always be cautious when approaching a stray.

Where is the animal located? Ensure that you are not putting yourself in any danger by being too close to traffic or other hazards. If the animal is in an unsafe area, like a busy road, try to guide it to a safer spot first.

If the animal seems calm and you feel confident it can be transported, proceed with caution. If the situation seems unsafe, don’t hesitate to call animal control or a local animal rescue organization for assistance.

Prepare a Safe Carrier

One of the most important tools for safely transporting a stray animal is a proper carrier. A carrier provides the animal with a safe and secure space while preventing it from escaping during the journey. Here’s how to prepare:

Choose the Right Carrier: For smaller animals like cats or small dogs, a hard-sided pet carrier works well. For larger dogs, you might need a kennel or a crate that is spacious enough for them to stand and turn around.

Line the Carrier: Use soft towels, blankets, or old clothing to line the bottom of the carrier. This will provide comfort and absorb any accidents that might occur during the transport.

Ensure Ventilation: Make sure the carrier has adequate ventilation to keep the animal comfortable during the trip. Avoid using a carrier that is too small or one with very few air holes.

If you don’t have a pet carrier on hand, you can use alternative options like a cardboard box (with ventilation holes and secure sides), a laundry basket, or even a large crate. Just ensure that it’s sturdy and the animal can’t escape from it.

Use Caution When Approaching the Animal

Approaching a stray animal requires patience and care. Remember that most stray animals are frightened or anxious, and they may react aggressively if they feel cornered. Here are some tips for safely approaching:

Stay Calm: Speak softly and calmly. Avoid making sudden movements that might startle the animal.

Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a threat by many animals. Keep your gaze gentle and avoid staring.

Use a Blanket or Towel: If the animal is highly stressed or fearful, you can try gently throwing a towel or blanket over its body. This will help calm the animal and give you better control.

Don’t Chase: If the animal is running or hiding, don’t try to chase it. Instead, you can try coaxing it with food or treats to bring it closer to you. Always keep a safe distance if the animal is showing signs of aggression.

If the animal seems extremely frightened or aggressive, consider calling animal control or a local rescue group instead of trying to handle the situation yourself.

Handle the Animal with Care

Once you've successfully approached and restrained the animal, it’s time to handle it gently and carefully. Here’s what you should do:

Use Gloves or a Towel: It’s wise to wear gloves to protect yourself from scratches or bites. If the animal is very nervous or aggressive, wrap it gently in a towel or blanket to prevent it from hurting itself or you.

Support the Animal’s Body: When lifting the animal, support its body properly. For small animals like cats, you can pick them up by cupping them under the chest and supporting their back. For larger dogs, be sure to lift with care to avoid causing further injury.

Stay Calm and Gentle: As you carry the animal, try to stay calm and move slowly. The more calm and composed you are, the more likely the animal will relax as well.

Transport the Animal to the Shelter

Now that you’ve safely secured the animal, the next step is the transport. Here’s how to handle it:

Keep the Carrier Secure: Place the carrier in your vehicle in a safe position. If the animal is in a crate or box, make sure it is stable and cannot slide around.

Drive Carefully: Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that might startle or injure the animal. If the animal is not in a fully enclosed carrier, make sure it’s well-secured to prevent it from jumping out.

Keep Noise to a Minimum: Stray animals are often stressed by loud sounds, so keep the car quiet and drive as smoothly as possible.

If the shelter is a long distance away, consider taking regular breaks to check on the animal, especially if it’s a hot or uncomfortable day. If the animal is calm enough, a short break can also allow you to assess whether they need water or food.

Arrive at the Shelter

When you arrive at the shelter, follow their specific instructions for intake. Many shelters have specific protocols for handling new animals, and they will want to assess the animal’s health and behavior upon arrival. Here’s what you can do:

Alert the Shelter Staff: Let the staff know that you have found a stray animal. They will likely need to fill out an intake form with information about where and when you found the animal.

Provide Any Relevant Information: If you noticed anything unusual about the animal's condition, such as injuries, sickness, or behavioral concerns, be sure to inform the shelter staff. This will help them in their care of the animal.

Follow Up

Once you’ve safely handed over the animal to the shelter, it’s always nice to check in from time to time. Shelters often rely on the kindness of people like you to care for animals, and they may update you on the animal’s status. If you’re feeling particularly connected to the animal, consider asking if there’s any way you can continue helping—whether through adoption, fostering, or donating supplies.

Q&A Section

Q: What should I do if I can’t catch the stray animal?

Ans) If the animal is too scared or aggressive to catch, it’s best to call animal control or a local rescue organization. They are trained to handle these situations and will be able to provide the right help.

Q: How do I know if an animal is injured?

Ans) Injuries may not always be obvious, but signs to watch for include limping, bleeding, difficulty breathing, or reluctance to move. If you suspect an animal is injured, contact a veterinarian or animal rescue right away.

Q: What if the shelter is full?

Ans) If the shelter is at full capacity, they may provide resources or direct you to other shelters, rescue groups, or foster programs. Don’t give up—many shelters will work with you to find a solution.

Q: Can I take a stray animal to any shelter?

Ans) Ideally, you should take a stray animal to a local shelter that accepts strays. Some shelters may have policies on accepting certain types of animals, so it's always best to call ahead if you're unsure.

Q: What if the stray animal doesn’t get along with other animals?

Ans) Many shelters have designated areas for animals that need a quiet space or time to adjust. If you’re worried about the animal’s temperament, let the shelter know so they can make appropriate arrangements.