Veterinary Clinic Articles

You've Rescued an Animal—What's Next?

Rescuing a stray animal is commendable, but it's only the first step. It is crucial to undergo a series of veterinary examinations to prevent possible illnesses and protect both yourself and other pets from infections.

Steps to Assess the Animal's Health

Veterinary Examination: Before initiating any procedures, take the animal to a vet for a full check-up. The veterinarian will check for the presence of a microchip or identification tag that could help find the owner if the animal is lost.
Parasite Treatment: Nearly all stray animals are carriers of fleas, worms, and ticks. It's essential to wash the pet with antiparasitic shampoo and apply flea and tick drops on the nape of their neck.
  • To treat existing parasites: Apply the drops on the nape three days after washing and avoid washing for the next three days.
  • Administer an antihelminthic medication: twice, with a 10-day interval between doses.
Vaccination: To prevent viral diseases, a comprehensive vaccine against viral infections and rabies is administered.
Neutering or Spaying: This step is optional but can prevent reproductive system illnesses and help control the stray animal population. For more details on the pros and cons of spaying or neutering, refer to our corresponding blog article.

Tests for Stray Animals:

  • The animal undergoes a general examination and blood tests. The veterinarian may also assign additional tests for viral infections.
  • Dogs are checked for distemper, parvovirus enteritis, and adenovirus.
  • Cats are checked for panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and leukemia.

What if You Cannot Keep the Animal?

There are many organizations and private individuals willing to foster the animal and assist in finding it a new home. You may also contact animal welfare organizations or post pictures of the animal online in hopes of finding its previous owners.

It's important to remember that when you rescue a stray animal, you assume responsibility for its care, treatment, and rehoming. Our clinic does not offer animal boarding services, but we are more than happy to provide all necessary recommendations for care and treatment. You bear full responsibility, both morally and financially, for the animal you've rescued. Please assess your capabilities before taking an animal off the streets.