Stray/Wildlife FAQ

What should I do if I find a stray animal?

The first and most important step when finding a stray animal is to contact the animal control agency in the jurisdiction where the animal was found. Each jurisdiction has its own intake process and taking the animal to the correct location ensures they are entered into the local lost-and-found system:

DC: Brandywine Valley SPCA

• 202-888-PETS 
• 1201 New York Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 

Maryland - Prince Georges County: PG Animal Control

• 301-780-7200
• 3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 

Maryland - Montgomery County: MC Animal Services 

• 240-773-5900 
• 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

What should I do if I find an injured or orphaned wild animal?

If you encounter a wild animal—whether injured, orphaned, etc.—please contact City Wildlife, the District of Columbia’s dedicated wildlife rehabilitation center. They are specially equipped to assess and care for native wildlife. 

• City Wildlife: 202-882-1000 | citywildlife.org
• After hours: Contact the District’s animal control contractor, Brandywine Valley SPCA for guidance. 

Please note: The Humane Rescue Alliance does not accept wildlife and cannot provide advice on handling or caring for wild animals. For your safety and the animal’s well-being, it’s best to leave care to trained wildlife rehabilitators.