EMERGENCY 24/7

Stray Animals

What to do if you find a stray animal

Veterinary hospitals are not equipped to shelter stray animals, as they may pose serious health risks to sick patients. 

If you have found a stray animal, the best way to help them depends on the type of animal and whether or not it needs medical attention.

Healthy strays
If the animal appears healthy and is well, take it to your local animal shelter, rescue, or pound. These organisations are prepared to care for, reunite, and rehome stray animals. Remember to check lost-and-found pet groups on social media – many pets are reunited with their owners this way.
 

Injured or sick strays

If the animal appears injured or is unwell, bring the animal to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital if safe to do so. The emergency team will be able to provide immediate first aid and pain relief and will coordinate with appropriate rescue organisations when needed.

Stray animal FAQs

What should I do with stray cats?

In NSW, cats are legally allowed to roam. Healthy, uninjured stray cats should not be picked up by members of the public in NSW.

  • Healthy stray cats should be left where they are found

  • If a cat appears injured or unwell, they should be taken to your nearest emergency vet

  • Feral cats pose a safety risk and should be managed by council or authorised services

MediPaws has a limited ability to take in stray dogs. 

  • Healthy, non-aggressive stray dogs should be taken to the local pound or council facility

  • If safe to do so, you can check for identification or have the dog scanned for a microchip

  • Lost-pet social media groups such as Lost Pets Sydney are often very effective for dogs

Do not attempt to transport aggressive dogs unless they require urgent medical attention.

  • If healthy, do not attempt to move native wildlife unless they are in immediate danger

  • Injured wildlife can be brought to your nearest emergency veterinarian for first aid

  • Contact a licensed wildlife rescue organisation such as WIRES or Sydney Wildlife Rescue for advice

My local shelters are closed.

If you’ve found an uninjured stray outside of shelter opening hours:

  • Contact your local council or police station for advice

  • Keep the animal safe only if you can do so without risk, and take them to a shelter when it reopens

Avian and exotic animals include birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, and more. In general, exotic pets do not cope well away from home.

  • If injured, bring them to your nearest veterinarian

  • Healthy exotic animals will not be accepted at MediPaws and you may be asked to return them to where they were found

  • Rescue organisations and emergency hospitals can help guide next steps

Not all baby birds need rescuing – check the Sydney Wildlife Rescue infographic below for more information.

If you are unsure, contact a wildlife rescue group for advice before intervening.

Where to Find Us

Conveniently located in Leichhardt, our hospital is easy to access from the Inner West and just 10 minutes from the Sydney CBD and 20 minutes from the Eastern Suburbs.

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