Urgent support
Urgent help for you and your pet
Find the right emergency contact, animal welfare service or specialist support when something cannot wait.
PAWP provides information and signposting, not emergency response, direct rescue or crisis casework. If anyone is in immediate danger, call emergency services now.
Find support for your situation ↓
Choose your situation
What kind of urgent help do you need?
Choose the closest option. If more than one applies, address immediate danger first.
My pet is seriously ill or injured
Contact your vet or their out-of-hours emergency service immediately. Potential emergency signs include:
- Difficulty breathing, collapse or unconsciousness
- Severe bleeding, injury or trauma
- Seizures, suspected poisoning or extreme pain
Do not delay veterinary treatment while seeking advice online.
Someone is in immediate danger
Call 999 for immediate threats to life, serious violence or injury. For urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening, use NHS 111 where available.
If you cannot speak during a 999 call on a mobile, follow the operator’s prompts; pressing 55 when instructed can help police identify a silent emergency call.
A dog is attacking or poses an immediate danger
Move people to safety if you can do so without increasing the risk. Do not place yourself between attacking or fighting dogs.
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger. For a non-emergency police matter, use 101.
I think an animal is being abused or neglected
Report the facts you have safely and lawfully observed to the appropriate animal welfare organisation. Do not confront anyone if that might make the situation more dangerous.
The RSPCA covers England and Wales. Reporting arrangements differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Call 999 if a person is in immediate danger.
I need to leave an unsafe home with my pet
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Specialist domestic abuse services can help you plan for safety and explore refuge and pet-fostering options.
Use a safer device if your phone or browsing may be monitored. A quick-exit link does not erase your history.
Leave this page quickly →My pet is missing, or I have found an animal
For a lost pet, contact local vets and the relevant microchip database. For stray dogs, contact your local council’s dog warden service.
Do not put yourself at risk trying to catch a frightened or injured animal.
I may lose my home or my ability to care for my pet today
Urgent hospital admission, homelessness or another crisis may leave a pet without care. Contact trusted people, your support worker, your local council or specialist animal welfare organisations promptly.
PAWP cannot arrange or guarantee emergency accommodation, pet transport or foster placements.
I may need to rehome my pet
If everyone is safe and the animal’s immediate needs are met, explore practical support before making a permanent decision. Responsible rehoming may still be the right outcome.
HomeWagger is PAWP’s separate dog rehoming app, currently in development. It is not an emergency placement service.
I don’t know which support service I need
Deal with danger to people and urgent veterinary needs first. Otherwise, our guidance and support directory can help you find organisations relevant to your situation.
PAWP does not assess or manage individual emergencies.
PAWP’s role
PAWP is not an emergency response service
We provide general information and links to specialist services. We cannot dispatch emergency responders, vets, animal welfare inspectors or foster carers, or provide case-specific safeguarding advice. Please contact the appropriate emergency or specialist service directly.
Animal welfare reporting and local services vary across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check which organisation covers your area.
Non-emergency enquiries
Still have a general question?
For enquiries about PAWP, our resources or partnerships, use our contact page. Messages are not monitored as an emergency helpline.