How to react when you hit an animal with your car
You can help if you hit a cat or dog while driving. Stop immediately, call for help and move the animal to a safer location.
Every year, millions of cats and dogs are hit, injured or killed by motorists. While this can be a tragedy for the driver, pet, and owner, knowing what to do when it happens can potentially save a pet's life and protect you if there's any interference with the law.
Method 1 of 1: what to do if you hit a dog or cat while driving
Necessary materials
- First aid kit (you can also find kits made specifically for pets)
- Large jacket, blanket or tarp
- Muzzle (so that the animal does not bite you when you are treated or moved)
Knowing what to do when you hit a dog or cat can mean the difference between life and death for someone's beloved pet. You can also prevent further injury or even death to the animal and yourself by taking some basic precautions.
- A warningA: Be aware that many states have laws detailing what you must do when your vehicle is hit or hit by certain animals. If you do not follow the law in your state, you may be charged with leaving the scene of an accident and cruelty to animals. It is best to learn about these laws in your state and in any state you plan to travel to. You can learn more about your state's animal collision laws by viewing your state's driver guide.
Step 1: Pull over safely. As soon as you realize that you hit a dog or cat, stop immediately.
If you cannot stop immediately, pull off the road as soon as possible. Perhaps the animal is still alive and needs medical attention.
- A warning: When stopped, pull the vehicle as far to the right as possible to leave enough room for yourself when exiting the vehicle.
Also, when getting out of the car to check on an injured animal, make sure no cars are approaching you.
Step 2: Report to the police. Call the police to let them know there has been an accident.
Dogs and cats are considered personal property, so you must notify the police if your car hits them.
The 911 dispatcher should connect you with Animal Control and send a patrol car over to you.
Step 3: Move the animal to a safe place. Relocate the animal if necessary and permitted by state law to keep it out of traffic and prevent it from being hit again or crashing as other motorists try to pass the animal on the road.
For dogs, use a mouth muzzle to keep them from biting you, or wrap your mouth with gauze or a piece of clothing instead.
Carefully wrap the animal in a large blanket, coat, or tarp to make it safer for you to move around. If the animal seems aggressive, do not approach it and wait for the police to arrive.
Step 4. Contact the owner. Let the owner know, if possible, by removing the information from the pet's tag.
If you're in a residential area and the pet doesn't have a tag, you can ask around at homes in the area to see if anyone knows who owns the animal.
Step 5: Wait for help to arrive. Stay with the animal until help arrives in the form of police, animal control, or the owner of the animal.
While waiting, you can try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the injured area.
- A warning: Remember, if an animal appears aggressive, try muzzling it first and wrapping it in a tarp, blanket, or jacket before providing any medical attention.
Step 6: Consider taking the animal to the vet.. Take the animal to the veterinarian only if the animal is seriously injured and you feel that this could save his life.
If you choose to do so, make sure you know where you are going before you leave.
Also tell the police or 911 dispatcher that you are taking the animal to the veterinary clinic for treatment.
- Functions: You should also consider calling the veterinarian in advance if you have his number. Let them know what happened, what condition the animal is in, and how soon they can expect you to arrive.
Step 7: Send a report. Once the pet has been treated, you can file a complaint with the police so that you can repair any damage to your vehicle.
In most states, pet owners are required to keep their pets under control at all times.
Those who fail to do so may be held liable for any damages caused as a result of their pet's free range.
An accident involving a pet such as a dog or cat can be traumatic for everyone involved, including the driver, the pet owner, and especially the pet. By reporting the incident when it occurs, you will hopefully be able to provide the animal with the assistance it needs while protecting your own interests at the same time. To assess any damage to your car after an accident, you can contact an experienced mechanic who will advise you on what you need to repair so you can get back on the road.
