Quick Guide: 5 Steps to Rescue a Pet from the Street

Rescuing an animal is a noble, life-changing act. However, for this story to have a happy ending, it is essential to follow certain safety and health protocols. Worldwide, there are nearly 1 billion dogs, but unfortunately, 70% live on the streets.

As veterinarians, we want your work as a rescuer, especially if it's your first time, to be safe and successful. Here are 5 basic tips to take that big first step.

 

1. The Rescue Moment: Your Safety Comes First

Before approaching, remember that a street animal is often scared or in pain, which can make it unpredictable.

• Prioritize your safety: These animals are often in dangerous or hard-to-reach places (like avenues or rooftops). Never attempt a rescue alone.

• Avoid direct contact: Whenever possible, wear gloves. This is not out of "disgust," but to protect yourself from diseases like scabies or ringworm (fungi).

• Warning signs: If the animal growls, bristles, hisses, shows its teeth, or lunges, be careful! It is very scared and could bite. Do not force it; ask for help if necessary.

• Your rescue kit:

• Disposable or cleaning gloves.

• A towel, sheet, or blanket (helps to wrap them and calm them down).

• Canned food (the strong smell usually attracts them).

• A rigid carrier or a strong leash/rope.

 

2. I have it, what's next?

The first instinct is to take it home, but we must be extremely cautious if we already have other pets.

• Isolation (Quarantine): Golden rule! Do not let it interact with your pets, even if it looks healthy. It could have viral diseases or parasites that are not yet visible. Leave it in a bathroom or room that is easy to clean and free of objects it could break.

• Basic first aid:

• Identification: Check if it has a tag or if neighbors recognize it.

• Temporary home: Offer clean water, food, and a bed with clean towels.

• Hygiene: Prepare an area with newspaper or disposable pads for its needs.

• Do not self-medicate: Giving human or other pet medications can be fatal. Wait for the vet consultation.

The importance of not skipping quarantine

A recent study in Brazil showed that nearly 44% of rescued cats and 34% of rescued dogs suffer from infectious diseases. In cats, Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and the respiratory complex are very common. Most of these diseases are not visible to the naked eye in the first few days, VISIT YOUR LOCAL VET is the best decision you can make for them.

 

3. Visit your Local Vet

Don't let time pass. An early check-up can detect problems before they become serious.

What will we do at the clinic?

1. General check-up: A "nose-to-tail" check to assess its physical condition.

2. Deworming: We will eliminate internal and external "tenants" (fleas, ticks, and worms).

3. Diagnostic tests: Depending on the case, we will perform blood, urine, or stool tests.

4. Vaccination plan: Vaccination is not always done on the first day. Sometimes we need to wait a few days to ensure the animal is strong and its immune system responds well.

Important note: According to studies, more than 50% of rescued dogs show fear at first. Patience is your best tool.

 

4. Care and Recovery at Home

Once we have a diagnosis, the success of its recovery depends on consistency.

• Complete treatment: Do not interrupt its medication even if it looks better. Completing the treatment cycle is vital to prevent relapses.

• Extreme cleaning: Ventilate its area and clean daily to eliminate potential sources of infection.

• Nutritional support: Rescued animals often arrive malnourished. We can supplement their diet with specialized options such as:

• Waggy’s Belly: To improve its digestive health and strengthen its immune system.

• Waggy’s Relax: To help with the stress of change, vet visits, and to adapt easily to its new living situation.

• Waggy’s SSO: To strengthen its skin, coat, joints, and brain.

• Patience with contact: We know it seems "cruel" to keep it separated, but it's the only way to protect everyone. We continue in quarantine until the vet indicates otherwise!

 

5. The Future: Stays or Goes?

During recovery, you will have time to observe its behavior and decide if you are ready to permanently integrate it into your family or if you will look for a responsible home for it.

• Gradual integration: Once the vet gives the "all clear" from quarantine, the introduction to other pets should be slow and supervised.

• Responsible promotion: If you decide to put it up for adoption, be sure to ask for references and follow up to ensure it never returns to the streets.

Remember, Visit your Local Vet for the best medical care and adaptation tips.

Thank you for saving a life! Together we make a better world for them.

 

References

Wells, D. L., & Hepper, P. G. (2000). Prevalence of behaviour problems reported by owners of dogs purchased from an animal rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 69(1), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-1591(00)00118-0

Silva, K. O., Bezerra, J. M., Farias, S. S., & Escodro, P. B. (2025). Prevalence of diseases in rescued dogs and cats in areas affected by subsidence in the city of Maceió, AL. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 38050. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-21965-9

Belsare, A., & Vanak, A. T. (2020). Modelling the challenges of managing free-ranging dog populations. Scientific reports, 10(1), 18874. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75828-6