Get Help · Emergency
A dog is hurt or in danger
Who to call and how to stay safe when a dog is injured, very sick, poisoned, being hurt, or in traffic.
Stay as calm as you can. The steps below are the fastest way to get the right people involved.
Do these first
Make sure you're safe first
Don't step into traffic or put yourself between fighting animals. A dog in pain may bite, even a friendly one.
If a person is in danger or cruelty is happening now, call 911
For animal cruelty in progress in Miami-Dade, call 911. For other cruelty or neglect, call Animal Services at 311 or 305-468-5900.
For a hurt or loose dog, call Animal Services
Call 311 or 305-468-5900 with the exact location. For a dog on an expressway, call Florida Highway Patrol at *347. Near a school, Miami-Dade Schools Police is 305-995-2677.
If you can safely transport the dog, call an emergency vet first
Find a 24/7 hospital in our vet clinic directory and call before you leave so they're ready. Ask about costs up front if that's a concern.
Possible poisoning? Call a poison line
ASPCA Animal Poison Control, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24/7 and charge a fee. Don't try home remedies unless they tell you to.
When you have a moment
Handling an injured dog safely
Pain, fear and confusion can make any dog unpredictable. Veterinarians advise:
- Don't hug an injured dog, and keep your face away from its mouth.
- Move slowly and speak quietly.
- If the dog tries to bite, a soft muzzle can protect you both, but never muzzle a dog that's vomiting or struggling to breathe. If you can't do it safely, don't. Wait for help.
- For transport, keep the dog confined. A large dog can be moved on a board or a firm blanket used as a stretcher.
What to tell the people you call
- The exact location: cross streets, landmarks, which side of the road.
- What you can see: injuries, behavior, whether the dog is moving.
- Whether the dog is contained or loose.
- Your phone number, and whether you can stay nearby.
Heat and South Florida weather
Heat is dangerous for dogs, especially flat-faced breeds, older dogs and dogs left in cars or without shade. Move the dog to shade, offer water, and call a vet promptly if the dog is panting hard, weak, confused or collapsing.
Paying for emergency care
Emergency care can be expensive. Ask the clinic for an estimate and payment options. Grants like RedRover Relief (opens in a new tab) sometimes help with urgent care. See affordable vet care for more.
After the emergency
If the dog isn't yours, it still needs to be scanned for a microchip and reported. Continue with I found a dog.
Sources
Last reviewed:
- First aid tips for pet owners (opens in a new tab) · AVMA
- Report animal cruelty (opens in a new tab) · Miami-Dade Animal Services
- Report a stray dog (opens in a new tab) · Miami-Dade Animal Services
- Animal Poison Control (opens in a new tab) · ASPCA
- Pet Poison Helpline (opens in a new tab) · Pet Poison Helpline
- How to safely help a stray animal (opens in a new tab) · Humane World for Animals
This is general information to help you act quickly and safely. It isn't veterinary or legal advice. Rules and services change, so check with the agency or clinic directly.