If you’d like to be prepared to assist any injured wild animals you may encounter, you can put together this travel rescue kit to keep in your vehicle as needed! We recommend the following items:
- A box or crate. Always have a safe transport container for injured animals; this is safer for you while traveling, and also less stressful to the animal. Cardboard pet caddies are great for the car, since they can be folded flat in between use.
- A sturdy piece of cardboard. Always helpful for sliding under injured animals to reduce physical contact.
- Sheets and towels. These are helpful for throwing over an injured animal to aid in capture. They also can be placed over a transport crate when an animal is safely inside.
- Goggles. Always protect your eyes!
- Leather gloves. Animals can bite and scratch, no matter what species!
- A flashlight. These can be helpful for after-hour rescues.
- Duct tape. Always handy.
- Latex gloves. It’s always best to wear protective gloves, even for very young animals. Many wild animals can carry zoonotic diseases [diseases that humans can get too], so keep your hands clean!
- Scissors or wire cutters. Don’t damage anyone’s personal property, but sometimes it’s helpful to be prepared!
- Phone numbers. Get to know the permitted wildlife rehabilitators in your area, as well as your state agency.
Please note: if you see an injured wild animal on the highway, it’s best to contact the police, animal control, or the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries.