100 Police — cruelty complaints, immediate danger 1962 Mobile veterinary helpline (select states)*
*Availability of 1962 differs by state — check whether it works in your area. Numbers can change; always confirm locally.
Pick your situation
What do you need help with?
Urgent Pet Rescue An animal is stuck, trapped or in danger and needs to be rescued.
What to do
Stay safe first — do not put yourself or others at risk (traffic, water, height, aggressive animals). Keep other people and pets away, and stay calm and quiet so the animal is not frightened further. Note the exact location (landmark, area, map pin) and take a short photo or video if it is safe. Call a local rescue group or shelter. If there is danger to people or traffic, call 112. Stay nearby until help arrives, and do not try to lift or move a frightened or injured animal unless you must. Please don’t Do not corner or grab a frightened animal — it may bite or scratch. Do not give food or water until a vet has seen it. Who to contact
Rescue groups are often volunteer-run and stretched — a clear location and photo helps them respond faster.
Urgent Injured Animal You found an animal that is hurt, bleeding or unable to move.
What to do
Approach slowly from the side. An injured animal in pain may bite — even a gentle one. Call the nearest 24/7 vet first and tell them what you see, so they can prepare and advise. If you must move it, slide a towel, blanket or board under it and support the whole body. Keep it warm, quiet and in a box or carrier where possible; press a clean cloth on heavy bleeding. Take it to the vet straight away — do not wait to see if it improves. Please don’t Do not give food, water or human medicines. Do not pour water or antiseptic on deep wounds. Who to contact
If you cannot transport the animal yourself, ask the vet or a local rescue group whether they can send an ambulance or volunteer.
Aggressive / Stray Animal A dog or other animal is behaving aggressively, or a stray is threatening people.
What to do
Stay calm. Stand still, keep your hands by your sides and avoid direct eye contact. Back away slowly — do not run, scream or turn your back suddenly. Put something between you and the animal (a bag, a gate, a vehicle) if you can. Keep children and other pets away, and report the location to the municipal corporation’s animal-control team. If someone is bitten or scratched: wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and go to a doctor or hospital immediately — rabies treatment must start early. Please don’t Do not throw stones or try to chase the animal away. Do not ignore a bite, even a small one. Who to contact
Most street dogs are not aggressive. Fear, hunger, injury or protecting puppies are the usual reasons — long-term answers are sterilisation, vaccination and feeding programmes.
Lost Pet Your pet has gone missing. Act fast — the first hours matter most.
What to do
Search your immediate area calmly and call your pet’s name; check under vehicles, in drains, stairwells and neighbours’ gardens. Put a familiar item (bed, worn clothing, food) outside your home — pets often follow scent back. Call nearby vets, shelters and rescue groups and give them a clear photo and your number. Post a clear photo, description, last-seen place and contact number in local neighbourhood and pet groups, and put up posters. Keep your phone on, keep checking, and tell your building or society guard. If your pet is microchipped, inform the chip company. Please don’t Do not chase a frightened pet — it may run further. Who to contact
Once your pet is found, remember to take the posters down and thank the people who helped.
Found a Pet You found a pet that looks like it has an owner.
What to do
Check for a collar, tag or ID. Approach gently — a lost pet may be scared. Keep it safe and separate from your own pets, with water and a quiet space. Take it to a nearby vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip — this is often free and quick. Take a clear photo and post it in local groups. Keep one identifying detail back so you can confirm the real owner. Tell nearby shelters and rescue groups, and check the “lost pet” posts in your area. Please don’t Do not give the pet away quickly or to the first person who asks — ask them to prove ownership. Who to contact
If you cannot keep the pet for a few days, a local shelter or foster volunteer can help.
Urgent Animal Emergency Breathing trouble, seizures, heavy bleeding, poisoning, heatstroke or collapse.
What to do
Go to the nearest 24/7 vet immediately — and call ahead so they are ready. Poisoning: bring the packaging or plant. Do not make the animal vomit unless a vet tells you to. Heatstroke: move to shade, offer small sips of cool (not ice-cold) water and cool the body with damp cloths while you travel. Seizure: keep the area clear, do not put your hands near the mouth, and time how long it lasts. Heavy bleeding: press a clean cloth firmly on the wound and keep pressing while you go to the vet. Please don’t Do not wait to see if it passes — emergencies get worse quickly. Do not give human painkillers. Who to contact
Save the number of a 24/7 vet in your phone today — you will not have time to search in an emergency.
Adoption Help You want to adopt a pet, or you need to rehome one responsibly.
What to do
Think it through: a pet is a 10–15 year commitment of time, money and space — for everyone in the house. Adopt from verified shelters and rescue groups; meet the animal more than once and ask about its health and temperament. Ask about vaccination, deworming and sterilisation — and plan for a vet visit in the first week. Prepare your home: safe space, food, water, ID tag, and a plan for travel and holidays. Need to rehome a pet? Contact a shelter or rescue group first — do not abandon or leave an animal on the street. Please don’t Do not buy an animal on impulse or as a gift. Who to contact
Indian street dogs and cats are hardy, adaptable and healthy companions — a great option.
Urgent Animal Cruelty / Abuse You have seen an animal being beaten, starved, chained or otherwise harmed.
What to do
Your safety comes first — do not confront the person. Record what you can from a safe distance. Note the date, time, exact location and, if you can, the people or vehicle involved. Take photos or video. Call 112 or go to the nearest police station and ask to file a complaint under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Contact a local animal-welfare organisation — they can help with the complaint, evidence and the animal’s care. If the animal is hurt, get it to a vet, and ask the vet to record the injuries in writing. Follow up on your complaint and keep a copy of everything you submit. Please don’t Do not post the abuser’s personal details online — hand the evidence to the police instead. Who to contact
Keep your complaint factual: what happened, when, where, who saw it. Clear evidence makes action far more likely.
Veterinary Help Finding a good vet, planning routine care or getting advice.
What to do
Choose a vet close to home so you can reach them quickly — and note their opening hours. Save the number of a 24/7 emergency vet in your phone. Keep your pet’s vaccination card and medical history handy and bring it to every visit. Ask for a written treatment plan and cost estimate before any procedure. Book routine visits: vaccination, deworming and yearly check-ups keep most problems small. Please don’t Do not treat your pet with human medicines or home remedies for anything serious. Who to contact
Government veterinary hospitals and dispensaries often provide low-cost care and vaccination — ask at your municipal corporation.
Still not sure what to do? Message our campaign desk — we will guide you and connect you with local volunteers where we can. We are not an emergency service.
This page offers general guidance only. It is not veterinary, medical or legal advice. In an emergency, contact a veterinarian, a doctor or the authorities immediately.
