Getting Help for An Injured or Sick Animal in Greater Toronto Area

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to handle an injured or sick wildlife scene safely.

1. Assess and Observe the Animal Situtation

Before jumping in to help, you should determine if the animal actually needs help.

  • True Emergencies: Visible blood (spots or entire covered areas), cannot walk or limping from broken limb(s), shivering, or an animal that has been in a pet’s mouth.
  • The "Baby" Exception: Fledgling birds on the ground or bunnies alone in a nest are often perfectly fine and just being watched by parents from a distance.
  • The "Rabies" Rule: In Ontario, be extremely cautious with RVS (Rabies Vector Species): raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. If they are acting lethargic or aggressive, do not approach to touch them, stay back at a safe distance.

2. Who to Call about the Injured or Sick Animal

Organization Hours Contact Info When to Call The Organization?
Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) Monday-Sunday 9AM-6PM (416) 631-0662 Sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife (The gold standard).
Toronto Animal Services 6AM-1AM 311 (within Toronto)
416-392-2489 (outside Toronto)
Sick/injured wildlife in public spaces or domestic animal issues.
Ontario SPCA Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM (888) 668-7722 Reporting cases of animal cruelty or neglect.

3. Do Not Dos

If you are around an animal that requires help. We high recommend (!) that you follow the 'Do Not Dos" from our licensed pest professionals to keep yourself safe.

  • Do not try to pick up the animal due to potential attacking or biting from the animal.
  • Do not give the animal food or water. Dehydrated or shocked animals can actually die if fed the wrong thing or forced to drink.

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