Make your own wildlife rescue box
Learn how to make your own wildlife rescue box, so you’re always prepared to help any sick or injured small, wild animal in need. On this page, we’ll show you how simple it is to create, and how impactful it could be for local wildlife.
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Spotted an injured animal?
More often than not, the quickest and best way to help a small animal is to take it to your nearest vet. This will free up our rescuers to get to the animals at risk of cruelty and neglect who need us most.
Wildlife rescue box
Instructions
1. Cut air holes into your box
Draw small holes the diameter of a pencil on all four sides of your box, or on the lid, and cut them out.
Make sure you’ve cut out enough (lots of small holes are better than a few large ones) so that rescued animals can breathe. Four rows of five holes per side is a good average.
2. Add in the towel
Place your towel or towels on the bottom of the box, to keep the rescued animal warm and comfortable.
You can also include an empty hot water bottle if you have one. That way, if you do rescue an animal, you can fill the hot water bottle and put it beneath the towel for extra warmth (but DON’T put it on top of the towel, or against the animal's skin, as it can burn them).
3. Add in the gloves
Put your old gardening gloves into the box, along with your gardening clippers and long-sleeved top if you have them. This keeps all the items in one place should you need them.
4. Store the box in an accessible place
It’s best to store your wildlife rescue box in your car, shed, porch or garage – somewhere you can grab it quickly and easily, if you happen to find a sick or injured wild animal in your garden, or out and about.
What you’ll need
A strong, medium-sized box
One or two old towels
Strong gardening gloves: to protect from bites, scratches and illness when picking up animals – always wash your hands after
Old garden clippers/secateurs: in case you find a small animal tangled in litter, netting or brambles
Empty hot water bottle
Long-sleeved top: to wear when you rescue an animal, in case they scratch (optional)
More ways to help animals this summer
Create an RSPCA account to save ideas to your own dashboard, upload photos of your efforts and get exclusive certificates to celebrate your contribution.
