It is heartbreaking to see animals that become neglected or abused. As an animal lover, all you want to do is reach out and help make the lives of those beautiful creatures better. With the proper steps, help can happen, but each step must happen in ways that are not only safe for you, but the animals as well.
#1 Evaluate the Situation of the Animal
One of the worst things you can do is rush in and try to help the animal you want to give care and support to without fully evaluating the situation. You can do this by examining the animal from a distance and asking these questions:
• Does the animal look as if it has mange?
• Is the animal suffering from starvation?
• Does the animal have wounds on it from being abused?
• Is the animal sheltered properly?
#2 Determine the Best Solution for the Animal
After evaluating, you will need to come up with a solution to rescue or help the animal. If you are unsure of what to do and know the animal is in great danger, you can call a local humane officer and report the situation. The human officer will than look into the case and help the animal.
#3 Adopt the Animal or Bring it to a No Kill Shelter
If the animal is neglected, and in need of a home, consider taking it to the vet for a checkup and adopting the animal. If you cannot adopt the animal that has been neglected, bring it to a no kill shelter so it can get the care it needs and have the possibility of finding a new home that is right for it.
#4 Provide Food and Water
Sometimes the only thing you can do to help a neglected or abused animal that cannot be capture right away is to leave food and water out for them so they at least get nutrients to help keep them alive and well until it can be rescued.
#5 Provide Shelter
Providing shelter to an animal that has been abused or neglected can help greatly. Just make sure a vet checks out the animal and a behavioral specializes before taking it inside your home to make sure it is safe and right for the both of you. If the animal is outside and abused without shelter, place a shelter like structure in their area needed.
