Stray animals Found a stray animal and not sure what to do? This RSPCA branch works at full capacity at all times, therefore do not have the spacing to accommodate stray animals. Stray animals are the responsibility of your local council. Stray dogs: For stray dogs, please contact your local council. RSPCA centres do not hold a straying license, so cannot take in stray dogs. Here are some contact numbers: Doncaster Council: 01302 736000 or alternatively, fill out a found dog form on their website. Rotherham Council: 01709 382121 or 01709 336003 Bassetlaw Council: 01909 533 533 or emailing [email protected] Should a stray animal be brought to our Centre, our initial task is to attempt to find their owner. We’ll first scan the animal for a microchip, if the scan is successful, we’ll use the details on the chip to contact the owner and keep the animal safe in our facilities until they can be reunited. If we can’t find a microchip or contact the owner of a stray dog, we’ll get in touch with the dog warden. Stray Cats: Here's what to do if you find a stray, feral or lost cat: Check to see if the cat is wearing a collar or tag with the contact details of the owner - only approach if the cat is calm. Ask around locally. Cats roam over a wide area and sometimes they can be mistaken for strays even when they have owners. Contact the local vet to scan for a microchip. Advertise on social media and ask around locally. Register the found cat on Animal Search UK. Should a stray animal be brought to our Centre, our initial task is to attempt to find their owner. We’ll first scan the animal for a microchip, if the scan is successful, we’ll use the details on the chip to contact the owner and keep the animal safe in our facilities until they can be reunited. If we can’t find a microchip or get in touch with the owner of a stray cat, we will likely ask for the cat to be put back to the place it was taken from, as this animal could be owned. We would advise monitoring them, and putting a paper collar on them. If they show signs of injury or illness, then you would need to contact the RSPCA national team on 0300 1234 999, for an inspector to attend. Stray Rabbit: If you find a stray rabbit, prioritize its safety and attempt to contain it if possible. If you can get it into a carrier, then taking it to a vet to be scanned for a microchip would be the next step. If you can't catch it, try to confine it to a safe area. Check with neighbours to see if anyone is missing a rabbit and post on social media. If you are needing assistance with this, then please contact the RSPCA National on 0300 1234 999 - they may be able to send an inspectorate out to attend. Other Small Animals: If you find a stray small animal, prioritize its safety and attempt to contain it if possible. If you encounter a stray bird, especially one that appears injured or distressed, it's best to contact local animal welfare (RSPCA National 0300 1234 999). If you find a stray ferret, prioritize its safety and well-being. Secure the ferret in a safe, warm place, provide food and water, and contact local vets, shelters, and ferret rescues to check for a microchip and find its owner. If you are unable to keep the ferret, contact a ferret rescue for assistance in finding a suitable new home, says www.littlepawsferretrescue.co.uk. If you are unable to assist in housing these strays, then please contact the RSPCA National on 0300 1234 999. Manage Cookie Preferences