RSPCA Animal Rescue
If you find a sick or injured animal, contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).
Our 24/7 RSPCA Animal Emergency Hotline can offer advice over the phone. Our Rescue Officers may be able to attend via an RSPCA Animal Ambulance to rescue the animal, if equipped and in the area.
ON THE ROAD
When driving, keep in mind animals that may also be nearby. Typically, you may find wildlife more active at dawn and dusk.
- Scan the road ahead as well as the roadside for animals that may have already been hit by a car.
- If you find an injured or sick animal, find a safe place to pull your vehicle off to the side of the road and put on your hazard lights.
- If the animal has a pouch, please check for young. Call 1300 ANIMAL for assistance over the phone if you find young in need of help. If there are no young in the pouch, scan the area for young that may have been separated from a deceased or injured animal. Read more about the importance of pouch checking here.
If you come across an orphaned or injured young animal and can safely contain it, make sure to keep it warm and take it to your nearest vet, the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Brisbane, or contact your local wildlife rescue group for assistance.
If you come across a deceased animal, your local council will remove the body from the roadside.
If you spot a deceased animal on the roadside marked with paint, this means a wildlife rescuer has checked the pouch.
For more tips on how to avoid wildlife while driving, read our article here.
WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR
When you encounter sick or injured animals while driving, it’s a good idea to keep an animal rescue kit in your car for emergencies. Read more here.
