Mary Allen
No matter how careful you are in traffic, unfortunately, an accident can always happen. Often animals are amazed if they suddenly cross the street and this happens. Keeping a clear head in such a situation is not easy for many. So all the better if you already have an overview of what needs to be done in advance. If you hit an animal, it should be natural to help him. Often, drivers simply do not know what to do and are completely helpless.
How to Behave Correctly?
Even if it’s difficult, the top priority is to stay calm! Due to the growing panic, on the one hand, you cannot think clearly, and on the other hand, the affected animal also notices how you feel – you do not need panic, of course.
Secure the crash site first to prevent another vehicle from entering the crash site and possibly causing more damage. Put on your lifejacket and position the warning triangle correctly.
Differentiation Between Domestic and Wild Animals
The further procedure depends on whether you are trapped in a pet, such as a dog or a cat, or in a wild animal, such as a deer, fox, or boar. A responsible hunting authority is responsible for wildlife and you should contact them immediately. You cannot take the animal to the veterinarian or veterinary clinic! It is imperative that you remain at the scene of the accident until help arrives. Please stay away from injured wild animals – in panic they can defend themselves and behave unpredictably.
The situation with pets is different: see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are unsure of where to find the nearest veterinary clinic, a phone call to the police can help. The easiest way is to gently place the animal on a blanket and then put it in the car. Please remember that the animal is also very scared and may even be in great pain.
Even if you see an injured animal on the side of the road, for example, you should definitely help in order to possibly save a life!
Who Pays for Veterinary Expenses?
The injured animal is at the veterinarian’s, the shock gradually subsides – of course, the question inevitably arises: who actually pays the veterinarian’s expenses? If the animal has to be operated on, considerable sums of money can be saved up. In any case, the following applies: the person responsible for the accident is not legally obligated to bear the costs, so you should never avoid visiting the veterinarian for fear of high costs! Every veterinarian is required to provide first aid. Until the owner is identified, the municipality concerned is responsible for assuming the costs. This usually entrusts the animal shelter with looking after the animals until the owner is identified.
Let Your Fur Nose Chip!
From this point of view, one thing is definitely very important for pet owners: make sure your pet has a chip. This is usually a must for dogs, but not for cats. For example, if you have neutered a cat, ask your vet to insert the chip.
This way, your fur nose not only quickly returns to you, but in the event of an accident, it also ensures that the animal receives the best possible first aid.