These centres are licensed by local authorities and/or accredited by the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, ensuring proper training and legal compliance. Always call before arriving with an animal to ensure appropriate help can be offered at that time and any relevant disease control procedures can be followed.

The New Arc Wildlife Rescue 

Ellon, Aberdeenshire (Covering North-East Scotland)

📞 01358 701 723

Highland Wildlife Rescue 

Brora (covering the Highlands & Islands)

📞 07957 584 817

South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital 

Dumfries & Galloway

📞 01387 860 461

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust 

Gateside, Beith (Ayrshire)

📞 01505 502 415

Baby Beaks Garden Bird Rescue Milnathort, Perth & Kinross

📞 07718 149 814

HogsCroft Hedgehog Rescue 

Inchture, Perthshire

📞 07484 649 027

Burntisland Hedgehog Haven 

Burntisland, Fife

📞 07577 000 328

Forth Hedgehog Hospital

Rosyth, Fife

📞 07815 914 912

Ballumbie Hedgehog Rescue

Dundee

📞 07471 053 344 or 07870 661 492

The Scottish Owl Centre

Angus

📞 01307 476 995

Bat Conservation Trust

📞 0345 1300 228

Please contact us directly if you would like to be added or removed from this list.

Scotland is home to a wide variety of bird species — from garden visitors to seabirds and birds of prey. If you find a bird that may be injured or unwell, it’s important to act quickly and appropriately for the bird’s species, size, and the type of injury. Here’s how to help.

If you have found a baby bird that appears uninjured but alone, check here for advice before intervening.

Recognising When a Bird Needs Help

A bird may need help if you observe:

• Obvious wounds, bleeding, or broken limbs
• Inability to fly or fly straight
• Drooping wing(s), laboured breathing, or weakness
• Fluffed-up feathers and unresponsiveness
• Sitting in open or unusual places for extended periods
• Caught by a cat or dog (see below)

If the Bird Has Been Caught by a Cat or Dog

Even if there are no visible injuries, any bird caught by a cat or dog is at serious risk. Cat bites, in particular, almost always lead to fatal infections without antibiotics.

What to do:

• Contain the bird as calmly and quickly as possible (see below).
• Take it to a vet or wildlife rescue — explain it has been in a cat or dog’s mouth.
• Do not assume the bird is fine just because it can still move or fly short distances.

These birds always need veterinary care, even if they appear outwardly unharmed.

Birds Safe to Contain

Small birds, pigeons, doves, gulls, ducks, corvids, and other manageable species

If the bird is small enough to safely contain:

• Gently place a towel or light cloth over it.
• Transfer it into a ventilated cardboard box or pet carrier lined with a towel or kitchen roll.
• Keep the box in a warm, quiet space, away from pets and people.
• Avoid offering food or water unless directed by a professional.

Next steps:

• Take the bird to your nearest vet 
• Alternatively, contact a local wildlife rescue — many offer advice and triage via social media.

Vets in Scotland have a legal obligation to provide emergency veterinary treatment for injured wildlife. Your visit should be free of charge. Many small wildlife casualties are often beyond rehabilitation if they have been easily caught. The vet may suggest euthanasia is the kindest option or, if they feel the animal has a chance at recovery, transfer them to a specialist wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Birds Requiring Specialist Handling

Birds of prey, swans, geese, herons, and others with strong beaks, talons, or large wingspans

Do not try to handle these birds yourself. Even when injured, they can cause serious injury to you or themselves.

If the bird is at risk (e.g. roadside or exposed):

• Cover it loosely with a towel or blanket, or place a box over it without touching it.
• Stay nearby and monitor from a safe distance.

Call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or contact a local wildlife rescue for guidance.

Containment and Transport

Being handled by humans is a very stressful experience for wild birds. Always:

• Use a ventilated box or pet carrier lined with soft cloth.
• Keep the container dark and quiet to reduce stress.
• Avoid handling or checking on the bird unnecessarily.
• Never transport a bird loose in your car or on your lap.

What Not to Do

• Do not feed or give water — this can cause choking or worsening of injuries.
• Do not attempt to treat the injury yourself. This is rarely successful and results in prolonged suffering
• Do not delay. Birds often mask injury or shock until it is too late.

If you come across a small wild mammal that appears injured, unwell, or behaving unusually, your response should depend on the species and situation. This section covers what to do for the most commonly encountered small mammals in Scotland.

If you’ve found a healthy-looking baby mammal alone (e.g. leveret, squirrel kit, or hedgehog hoglet), call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999999 before intervening.

Vets in Scotland have a legal obligation to provide emergency veterinary treatment for injured wildlife. Your visit should be free of charge. Many small wildlife casualties are often beyond rehabilitation if they have been easily caught. The vet may suggest euthanasia is the kindest option or, if they feel the animal has a chance at recovery, transfer them to a specialist wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Rodents

(Squirrels, mice, voles, rats, etc.)

Rodents are fast-moving and easily stressed, but may need help if they are:

• Bleeding, limping, or dragging limbs
• Lying still in the open
• Cold, wet, slow to react, or visibly thin
• Caught by a cat or dog

Containment:

• Use gloves and gently coax the animal into a secure, ventilated box or pet carrier
• Line the container with a towel or soft cloth
• Keep the box in a warm, quiet place away from pets and people

Next steps:

• Take the animal to your nearest vet
• Alternatively, contact a local wildlife rescue

Rabbits and Hares

Wild rabbits and hares are highly prone to stress. They need help if:

• They are unable to flee or appear very still and weak
• They are limping, bleeding, or dragging limbs
• They have been caught by a cat or dog
• They are entangled or visibly underweight

Containment:

• Approach quietly and use a towel or fleece to gently place the animal into a high-sided box
• Line with soft cloth and keep in a warm, dark, quiet space
• Do not attempt to feed or handle beyond basic containment

Next steps:

• Take the animal to your. nearest vet
• Alternatively, contact a local wildlife rescue 

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and usually well-hidden during the day. A hedgehog needs help if:

• It’s out during daylight hours or appears to be sunbathing
• It appears wobbly, weak, cold, or underweight
• It’s injured, entangled, or has fly eggs or maggots
• It’s been caught by a cat or dog

Containment:

• Use gloves or a towel to lift the hedgehog into a high-sided box
• Line with a towel and provide a warm heat source (e.g. hot water bottle wrapped in cloth)
• Keep indoors in a quiet, dark room

Next steps:

1. Call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for advice: 01584 890 801
2. If unavailable, contact a local wildlife rescue
3. Alternatively, take the animal to your nearest vet

Bats

All UK bats are protected by law. A grounded bat may be:

• Cold, exhausted, or dehydrated
• A juvenile that fell during a practice flight
• Injured or caught by a cat

Containment:

• Wear gloves — bats can bite
• Gently place the bat in a ventilated box lined with cloth or paper towel
• Hang a clean tea towel or cloth from one side — bats feel more secure when they can cling
• Offer a shallow cap of water
• Do not attempt to feed, handle, or fly the bat

If the bat seems uninjured and alert, you can try:

• Hanging a tea towel over a washing line or garden chair at dusk
• Gently placing the bat on it to allow it to climb and take off
• Monitor from a distance — if it doesn’t leave within an hour, bring it back inside

Next steps:

1. Call the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline: 0345 1300 228
2. If unavailable, contact a local wildlife rescue
3. Alternatively, take the animal to your nearest vet

Do not release a bat that has been caught by a cat, even if it flies it will need antibiotics.

Injured wild mammals such as deer, foxes, badgers, and seals can be dangerous to approach, both for your safety and theirs. If you find a large or potentially dangerous wild animal in distress or a lone baby large mammal such as a fox cub or seal pup, do not attempt to handle it. Instead, call the Scottish SPCA immediately on 03000 999 999.. In some cases, there may be specialist rescue organisations that can help too depending on the species and location.

Deer

Deer can cause injury with their legs and antlers and approaching them can be extremely harmful for them. Deer are easily stressed by human contact, so it is usually unwise to attempt to catch a mobile deer. If you find one that appears injured or unwell, observe from a distance and call for professional help.

Signs a deer may need assistance include:

• Limping, dragging limbs, or obvious wounds
• Collapsed or unable to stand
• Trapped in fencing, netting, or other obstacles
• Lying in exposed areas for extended periods
• Disoriented, unresponsive, or showing signs of shock
• Hit by a vehicle or near roads

What to do:

• Do not approach or try to free the deer if trapped yourself
• Keep pets and people away
• Observe from a safe distance
• Call the Scottish SPCA: 03000 999 999
• Alternatively, contact Police Scotland on 101 (especially if the deer is causing a road hazard)

Foxes and Badgers

Injured foxes and badgers are defensive and can bite.

Signs foxes or badgers may need help include:

• Visible wounds, bleeding, or broken limbs
• Limping, dragging limbs, or difficulty moving
• Caught or trapped in fencing, snares, or other obstacles
• Unusual daytime activity (especially for badgers)
• Collapsed, weak, or unresponsive
• Showing signs of illness such as coughing, nasal discharge, or excessive salivation

What to do:

• Do not approach or try to catch them yourself
• Keep pets away
• Call the Scottish SPCA: 03000 999 999
• Some areas have wildlife rehabilitation groups specialising in these species — you can find a list on the Help Wildlife website here

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites that can lead to severe itching, hair loss, and skin infections in wild mammals such as foxes and badgers. If you see an animal with patchy fur, thick crusty skin, or persistent scratching, it may need veterinary care. Some local wildlife carers may be able to send supportive treatments; for example, homeopathic options can be requested via the National Fox Welfare Society here 

Otters, Pine Martens, and Other Mustelids

(Includes stoats, weasels, mink)

These animals should never be handled by untrained people.

Signs a mustelid may need help include:

• Visible injuries, bleeding, or broken limbs
• Limping or dragging limbs
• Unusual daytime activity or lethargy
• Found trapped or entangled
• Collapsed, weak, or unresponsive
• Showing neurological signs such as uncoordinated movement or seizures

What to do:

• Do not approach or try to catch them yourself
• Call the Scottish SPCA: 03000 999 999
• Alternatively, contact a local wildlife rescues specialising in mustelids

Seals

Seals are large, powerful, and potentially dangerous. Do not attempt to intervene yourself.

Signs a seal may be injured or in distress include:

• Visible wounds, bleeding, or open sores
• Limping or difficulty moving normally
• Unusual behaviour such as excessive lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Struggling to breathe or coughing
• Hanging or resting in an unusual location (e.g., far inland or on busy beaches)
• Covered in fishing nets, ropes, or other debris
• Covered in oil, tar, or other contaminants
• Separated from other seals, especially pups left alone for extended periods
• Obvious signs of emaciation or weakness

What to do:

• Stay clear and call the Scottish SPCA: 03000 999 999
• Alternatively, you can contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 

Escaped Farm Animals

If you encounter an escaped or injured farm animal:

• Note any identification (tags, brands)
• Keep clear and call Police Scotland on 101

If you find any land animal or bird trapped or entangled in fencing, netting, fishing line, or other debris, do not attempt to free it yourself, as this can cause further injury or stress. Instead, contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 for prompt assistance.

For marine animals such as seals, dolphins, or whales caught in fishing gear or debris, contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546 immediately. Both organisations are trained to safely rescue and rehabilitate trapped wildlife.

If you encounter stranded, injured, or distressed whales, dolphins, porpoises, or other marine animals or find a lone baby, it’s vital to keep your distance and avoid disturbing them. These animals are often stressed and can be dangerous when approached.

Next Steps:

• Do not attempt to touch, move, or return the animal to the water yourself
• Keep pets and people well away
• Contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) immediately on 01825 765546