Found a Wild Animal?

If you found an adult wild animal you think may be injured or sick:

• Call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.412.4040. A trained staff member will help you determine if the animal needs help and guide you through what to do next.
• If you reside outside of Washington State, contact a licensed rehabilitator in your state (see below).
• Ask your local animal control if they will transport a wild animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

I found a wild baby mammal (PDF 129kb)

I found a wild baby bird (PDF 127kb)

I found a marine mammal (e.g., Harbor Seal)

To find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator:

• Call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.412.4040.
• Refer to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.
• Refer to the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association website.

How to safely contain a wild animal for transport to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator:

• Find a suitable container (cardboard box, pet carrier). Line it with a towel or cloth. For potentially difficult or hard to handle wildlife, PAWS suggests using a humane trap. If you plan to use a trap, call PAWS Wildlife Center for guidance.
  Otherwise, throw a towel or a sheet over the animal so that he can’t see you, gently pick up the animal (wear gloves), and place in the container. You don’t need to remove the towel, but loosen it. Secure the container to make sure the animal cannot escape.
• Keep the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Do not give him food or water. Leave him alone.
• Take the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.

Animal Control Phone Numbers—Western Washington

If you are experiencing an emergency with people or animals, call 911. Generally, these are the phone numbers to file complaints about animals, report animal cruelty, and report lost or found pets. For situations involving wild animals, call the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regional office at 425.775.1311 or PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.412.4040.

If you do not see your local animal control phone number listed below, call your local city clerk, police department or sheriff’s office.

King County
Bothell—425.486.1254

Regional Animal Services of King County
Main Information Line — 206.296.7387
KCAS Service Area and Contact Numbers
(link includes both a list of areas serviced by KCAS and a list of phone numbers for those cities not in their service area)

Kirkland Animal Control – 425.577.5656

Seattle Animal Control—206.386.PETS (7387)

Kitsap County
Kitsap Humane Society—360.692.6977 x7216 (911 for emergencies)

Pierce County
Buckley Police (Animal Control)—360.829.3157

Metro Animal Services (Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Puyallup and Sumner)—253.841.5595

Pierce County Animal Control (unincorporated)—253.798.7387 (also lists numbers for cities in Pierce County)

Tacoma Animal Care and Control—253.627.PETS (7387)

Skagit County
Skagit County—911 in an emergency, 360.428.3211 (dispatch office) for non-emergencies

Skagit County Sheriff’s Office—360.336.9450

Snohomish County
Brier Police—425.775.5452

Edmonds Animal Control—425.771.0205

Everett Animal Control—425.257.6000

Lynnwood Police (Animal Control)—425.744.6982

Mukilteo Police (Animal Control)—call 911 to dispatch an officer (office # to ask questions about animal control services—425.353.8222)

Snohomish County Animal Services—425.388.3440

Snohomish Police Department—call 911 to dispatch an officer (office # to ask questions about animal control services—360.568.0888)

If you would like more information regarding the animal you find or if you are not sure what to do, call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.412.4040.

Thank you for helping injured and orphaned wildlife!