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HELP AND ADVICE

At our Preston branch we take care of cats and dogs but we are often asked a multitude of other animal welfare queries so hopefully we can help signpost you to the relevant information.
Check out our FAQs below.
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Injured wildlife

We don’t have a vet or inspectors working on site at our animal centre. You must call the National RSPCA Helpline on

0300 1234 999 if a rescue is needed. If you are able to, please take the injured animal to the nearest vets. They have a duty of care and should be able to help you.

 

For more information and specialist advice please follow the link to the national RSPCA Help & Advice website below.

Donations

We have donation bins by our main gates that are accessible every day between 8:30am - 4:30pm. We can’t accept duvets, pillows, rawhide or open food. If you need assistance with your donation please call our reception team on 01772 792553 during our opening times.

Rehoming your pet

We have to prioritise any rehoming spaces at our animal centre to the RSPCA inspectorate rescuing animals from cruelty, neglect, abandonment and abuse. There are other non-RSPCA animal charities that take in the public’s pets when they can no longer care for them, but spaces are usually limited and they may have a wait list. Please download our list of useful numbers below.

Lost pets

Losing a pet can be a very stressful time. We would advise following the steps below:

 

  1. Contact your pet's microchip company, and report them missing and confirm your contact details are up to date.
     

  2. Check the local area (smaller animals such as cats and rabbits can take shelter or unknowingly be locked in sheds, garages and other small spaces).
     

  3. Contact veterinary surgeries,  local animal rescue centres and other animal charities.
     

  4. Report your pet as missing on Animal Search UK.
     

  5. Check social media for reports of locally found pets.
     

  6. For a lost dog contact your local dog warden.

    Information about your local authority's dog warden service can be found via these links:

    • Dogs - Preston City Council
    • Dogs and problem dogs – South Ribble
    • Dog Warden – Ribble Valley Borough Council
     

  7. Contact the Police if you believe your pet has been stolen.

Animal search UK and the RSPCA

Animal Search UK is the leading search service for missing pets in the UK. 

 

Any pet found by the RSPCA will be registered exclusively with Animal Search UK. 

 

Using their animal matching database will help link animals with their owners who have registered their missing pet.

 

The site is:

 

Stray Dogs

As a charity with limited resources, we are not licensed to accept stray dogs.

 

Follow these steps to help reunite the dog with their owner;

 

  1. Check to see if the dog is wearing a collar or tag with the contact details of the owner. Only approach if calm.
     

  2. Stay clear if the dog’s displaying aggressive behaviour and contact the local dog warden.
     

  3. Report the stray dog to the council. All local authorities provide a dog warden service. Information about your local authority's dog warden service can be found via these links:

    • Dogs - Preston City Council
    • Dogs and problem dogs – South Ribble
    • Dog Warden – Ribble Valley Borough Council
     

  4. Contact the local vet to scan for a microchip as by law all dogs should be microchipped.  Dogs can also be scanned by the dog warden or by contacting a local animal rescue centre.
     

  5. Contact local animal rescue centres and report the found dog.
     

  6. Register the found dog on Animal Search UK, exclusively used by national RSPCA inspectors.
     

  7. Use social media to check local groups and announce that you’ve found a dog. Spread the word locally.

Stray cats

It can be hard to tell if a cat is a stray pet or if it is actually a feral cat or if it is owned and simply roaming. Only follow the steps below if you are concerned for the animals welfare e.g. it appears injured, underweight or in need of a vet.

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Here's what to do if you find a stray, feral or lost cat:

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  1. 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.
     

  2. Ask around locally. Cats roam over a wide area and sometimes they can be mistaken for strays even when they have owners.
     

  3. Contact the local vet to scan for a microchip as by law all cats should be microchipped.  Cats can also be scanned by contacting a local animal rescue centre.
     

  4. Advertise on social media and ask around locally.
     

  5. Register the found cat on Animal Search UK, exclusively used by national RSPCA inspectors.

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