Philly’s home to all sorts of animal life. Whether they’re native or nonnative, domesticated or wild, there are plenty of furry creatures roaming around. But not all may be friendly or healthy. If you spot an animal where it shouldn’t be, or if you or the animal is in danger, here’s what to do.
What do I do if I see a loose animal?
The city is home to animals such as coyotes, foxes, and deer who sometimes may wander far from their usual homes in forested areas. And Philly’s has had its fair share of domesticated animals on the run over the years, from horses to pigs to cows.
So if you find a farm or wild animal on the loose, or some other form of an animal emergency, call Philadelphia Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT Philly) at 267-385-3800. Do not contact 911 unless an animal is acting aggressively toward people or a person is injured.
If you find someone’s lost pet, you can file a report at Petco Lost Love and post on local social media before dropping it off at a shelter.
What if I find an injured animal?
Always assess the situation first before intervening to determine if an animal is truly injured, and whether it may require transport.
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education runs a wildlife clinic that nurses animals back to health before returning them to their natural habitats. The clinic cares for the following animals:
- Songbirds
- Waterfowl (ducks)
- Raptors (owls, hawks)
- Small mammals (chipmunks, squirrels)
- Reptiles (non-venomous snakes, turtles)
- Amphibians (frogs)
You can report an injured animal to its 24/7 hotline at 215-482-7300 or text 215-853-6271. Do not move or treat an animal without guidance from a professional.
The Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center serves Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties. You can contact the field hospital at 267-416-9453 before bringing in an animal, and its website has a detailed FAQ with guidance on interacting with creatures such as raccoons, opossums, and rabbits.
If you find injured, dangerous, or diseased animals like deer or raccoons that may be demonstrating aggression, foaming at the mouth, or suffering from visible tumors, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 610-926-3136.
What do I do if I get bit?
If you are bit, scratched, or had some other exposure to a wild animal, you should contact ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800. They will capture and test the animal for rabies. Seek immediate medical attention.
All bites from stray, domesticated, and wild animals should be reported to the Department of Public Health at 215-685-6748. The city has additional guidance on rabies treatment.
What do I do if I see a dead animal?
The Department of Sanitation will remove any roadkill on Philly streets, but property owners are responsible for getting rid of dead animals on their properties, including sidewalks. It is not advised to bury animals in your yard due to risk of spreading disease. Click here to submit a report to the city.
If you’re removing an animal carcass from your property, bag and seal it and dispose of it in the trash or take it to ACCT Philly. If you're homebound, ACCT may remove it for a fee.
