1. Prepare a container

Place a soft cloth on the bottom of a carboard box or cat/dog carrier with a lid. If it doesn't have air holes, make some. For smaller animals, you can use paper sack with air holes punched in.

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2. Protect yourself

Wear gloves if possible. Some animals may bite or scratch to protect themselves even if sick. Wild animals commonly have parasites (fleas, ticks) and carry diseases.

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3. Cover the animal with a light sheet or towel

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4. Gently pick up the animal and put it in the prepared container

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5. Warm the animal if it is cold or if the animal is chilled

Put one end of the container on a heating pad set low. Or  fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink container with a screw lid, or a rubber glove with hot water; wrap the warm container with a cloth, and put it next to the animal. Make sure the container doesn't leak, or the animal will get wet an chilled.

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6. Tape the box shut or roll the top of the paper bag closed

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7. Note exactly where you found the animal. This will be very important for release.

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8. Keep the animal in a warm, dark and quiet place

Do not give the animal food or water.

Leave it alone - do not handle or bother it.

Keep children and pets away.

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9. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, the Ministry of Natural Resources, or a veterinarian as soon as possible

Do not keep the animal at your home longer than neccessary.

Keep the animal in a container - do not let it loose in your house or car.

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10. Wash your hands after contact with the animal

Wash anything the animals was in contact with (towel, jacket, blanket, pet carrier) to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to you or your pets.

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11. Get the animals to a wildlife rehabititator as soon as possible!

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