My pet was hit by a car

Even without visible injuries there may be internal bleeding. How to move the animal safely and reach a vet fast.

What to do, step by step

1. 1Protect yourself from traffic before approaching (vest, car lights, someone signalling).
2. 2Approach slowly and speak softly: an animal in pain may bite even its owner. If needed, improvise a muzzle with a bandage or leash.
3. 3Do not pull limbs or the head. Slide the animal onto a blanket, board or stiff cardboard and carry it as flat as possible.
4. 4Bleeding: press with a clean cloth, no tourniquet. Give no water, food or human medicines.
5. 5Call the emergency vet on the way so they are ready. Even if it seems fine, it must be checked in the following hours.
6. 6If the animal is not yours, note the place and have the vet scan for a microchip; post it in Lost and found.

Useful contacts

• Veterinário de urgência da sua zona

  Call before leaving home so the clinic can get ready. On patuco: Emergency › 24h veterinarian.
• Câmara Municipal / Centro de Recolha Oficial (CRO)

  Municipal veterinary service of your municipality: stray animals, removal of dead animals from public roads.
• 112 — Número Europeu de Emergência

  Only when there is immediate danger to people (accident, fire).

  112
  Call

• My pet swallowed something toxicChocolate, grapes, xylitol, rat poison, antifreeze, lilies (cats): what to do in the first...
• HeatstrokePanting hard, red gums, thick drool, staggering: it is an emergency. Cool down gradually a...
• My pet is chokingHard coughing, pawing at the mouth, trouble breathing: what to try at home and when to sto...
• Sting or biteBees, wasps, processionary caterpillars, snakes and other animals: what to do in each case...

General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.