The DC area is abundant with wildlife. Humane Rescue Alliance receives calls everyday about sick, injured, orphaned and trapped animals. Our field services team is always ready to rescue an animal that needs help, regardless of the animal's size or species. We work closely with City Wildlife, the district's only licensed rehabilitator to ensure even the smallest of animals receive the best possible care.
What do I do if I find a sick or injured animal?
Humane Rescue Alliance works closely with City Wildlife to ensure sick or injured birds, opossums, squirrels, turtles, snakes, frogs, or lizards are rehabilitated. If you have a sick or injured wild animal and are able to transport it, contact City Wildlife and arrange to drop the animal off. If you are unable to transport the wild animal or if it is after hours, please call Humane Rescue Alliance.
Signs that an animal requires rescuing include:
- Open wounds or is bleeding
- Unable to use a leg or wing
- Fell from another animals mouth
- Cold, wet or covered with flos or what appears to be rice
If you are unsure if the animal is sick or injured, please call us at 202-723-5730 and we can assist you in determining whether the animal needs help.
What should I do if someone or a pet is scratched or bitten by a wild animal?
If a human or pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal immediately call Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730. Information on rabies exposure can be found on the Department of Health’s website.
There is an animal that appears to be stuck or trapped
Sometimes animals drop into trash cans that are not full, looking for a meal. Only to realize they can not get out. This is a very common scenario in the district but also a very easy fix. You can take a broom or shovel and tip the trash can over, give the animal space and time to leave the area before putting the can upright. You should then look at options to secure the lid to prevent any other animals from getting back into the can.
This also happens in dumpsters or other containers that are not so easily tipped over. In those cases a sturdy branch can be placed in the container in order to give the trapped animal a way to climb out. If the animal is unable to climb out or appears sick or injured please call 202-723-5730.
When to call Humane Rescue Alliance immediately:
- If the animal has been trapped for longer than 24 hours.
- If you find an animal on a glue trap.
- If the animal appears ill or injured.
- If the animal is in a sewer or drainage hole.
On occasion baby raccoons have been found in window wells. It is not uncommon for a mother raccoon to leave the babies in a window well, or maybe a box while she is off looking for food. Observe the babies to make sure they are not abandoned by placing a piece of cardboard over the box or window well. If the cardboard has not been moved or the babies appear to be in distress or injured, please call the Humane Rescue Alliance Field Services team.
Window wells should have a secure cover to keep animals from falling into them. If you find that an animal has fallen in, please call 202-723-5730 to speak to a member of our dispatch team that assists you depending on the species.
An animal has gotten into my home, can you come remove it?
This is a common issue! If the animal is in your common living space such as a bedroom or living room, Humane Rescue Alliance can assist you in removing the animal.
If a wild animal is in need, danger or you believe it is rabid, immediately call us at 202-723-5730. To learn more about the rabies virus please visit the Department of Health’s webpage.