Help us financially by making a donationAnimal Care

Caring for your pet

Are you thinking of bringing home a new pet - or perhaps you already have a pet?

Whatever your pet, from a mini mouse to a hefty horse, you’ll want to them to be happy and healthy - and you'll want to be sure that your pet is the right one for your lifestyle.

To make sure you understand your animal's needs - click on a picture to find out more about the animal.

For more general pet care advice on topics such as vaccinating, microchipping, neutering, fleas, worms, poisoning, pet obesity, pets & fireworks, or pets & going on holiday, go direct to General Pet Care on the RSPCA national web site.

Other pet care links:

CatsDogsRabbitsMiceHamstersRatsGuinea Pigs or CaviesChinchillasHorsesReptiles and other ExoticsBudgerigarsExotic birds

Caring for wildlife

Wild animals should not be kept as pets but sometimes you may come across injured animals or abandoned youngsters.

If this happens, have a look at What to do with orphaned animals or What to do with injured animals.

As soon as you can, take the animal to the nearest vet. All vets will provide free treatment for a sick or injured wild animal or bird (including pigeons).

If you have the time and transport, you could take the animal to Stapeley Grange RSPCA Wildlife Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire, where it will receive specialist care and rehabilitation (see the Stapeley Grange autumn newsletter to find out more about the work that they do).

If you are not able to transport the creature, or if you require assistance or advice from the RSPCA outside of our own phone-answering hours, please phone the RSPCA National Control Centre on 0300 1234 999 which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

^ Back to top ^