Mission: Plan for an Animal Rescue With a DIY Emergency Kit

An animal emergency always happens when you least expect it. Thankfully, with a DIY emergency kit, you can set yourself up to help an animal in trouble!

What do you do if a stray dog runs out in front of your car or an injured, homeless cat wanders through your front yard? The number one thing is to NOT look the other way. Animals can’t ask for your help—they need you to recognize when they’re in trouble and do something about it. 🐶🐱

Instead of scrambling around for supplies while the animal might get away, prep a DIY-style rescue kit (or buy our premade kit) beforehand.

Here’s what you need to have handy in the trunk of your car to help animals:

• Cat carrier (cardboard or plastic)
• Nylon leash
• Towel or blanket
• Bottle of water
• Thick gloves
• Pop-top can of wet cat food and a box of dog treats
• Gauze bandages to stop bleeding
• Contact info for the local animal shelter, a wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center, trusted veterinarians, and 24-hour emergency veterinary services
• Phone or paper and pen to write down notes and info

Learn more about what to do next on our animal emergency page. If you ever find an animal in need and aren’t sure what to do, please contact your local police department or animal control. If local authorities are unresponsive, call PETA immediately—day or night—at 757-622-7382.

earn peta2 points

Now you’re ready to help an animal in trouble—you have food to use as a lure, a leash or cat carrier to keep the animal secure, and emergency supplies for a badly injured animal. The animal will be grateful, and we are, too. 🤗 That’s why we’re giving you 250 peta2 points from our Rewards Program—follow these steps to claim your points:

1. Assemble your DIY emergency kit and take a pic.

2. Submit the pic for 250 peta2 points. (Heads up: You’ll only get points once for taking this action.)

Note: Submissions are manually reviewed by our team. Please allow up to 48 hours for your mission to be approved and points to be awarded. Thanks for your patience!

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