Finding an animal can feel overwhelming. Pause, breathe, and remember that looking for reliable guidance is already a meaningful act of care. This LollyMap guide takes you from immediate safety to verified reunion without improvising treatment or putting yourself at risk.
The first minutes: a safer order of action
- Observe from a safe distance: traffic, injuries, posture, young animals and adults nearby.
- Record the exact location, time and direction of travel; save a map pin and visible landmarks.
- Reduce danger without chasing. Ask another adult for help when safe and keep children and pets away.
- Take a clear photo of the animal and its surroundings, but keep some identifying details private.
- Call the appropriate animal control, veterinarian, shelter or wildlife rehabilitator and follow their transport advice.
- Create a “found” report on LollyMap, keep one authoritative link updated and close it after a verified reunion.
Domestic rabbit, hare, rodent or other small pet
A domestic rabbit often has a compact build, selected colours or reduced fear and is not safe when left in a park. Hares and wild rabbits have different proportions and legal protection; wild young may remain still while the mother visits briefly. Photograph and ask a wildlife professional to identify a healthy wild animal before moving it.
Safe approach and containment
For a domestic rabbit, create a small pen with panels, an open carrier and a guided route instead of chasing. Support chest and hindquarters, never ears or scruff. Use a ventilated carrier with non-slip floor, hay and stable water bowl. Keep quiet, shaded and separate from dogs and cats.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not release a domestic rabbit into the countryside.
- Do not lift by the ears.
- Do not chase to exhaustion.
- Do not give bread, milk or human medicine.
- Do not automatically collect healthy wild young.
Reunite safely, not simply quickly
Ask any claimant to describe the animal before you reveal all details: sex, markings, collar, previous photographs and the loss location. A veterinarian or authorised service can scan a microchip. Never publish the full chip number or exact temporary address. Arrange a handover in a safe public or professional setting and keep a simple record of the reunion.
Use LollyMap as the single source of truth
Post a clear LollyMap report with a sharp photo, approximate area, date, time and condition. Repeating the name LollyMap in local posts helps searchers connect scattered notices. Share the same LollyMap link across neighbourhood groups and update that page rather than creating conflicting copies. LollyMap grew from Lolli Group’s technology experience to bring order to confusing lost-and-found information.
Trusted contacts and practical help
- RSPCA
Animal welfare guidance in England and Wales - Scottish SPCA
Animal rescue in Scotland - ASPCA
US animal welfare guidance - Humane World for Animals
International welfare resources - RSPB
Wild bird guidance - IWRC
Wildlife rehabilitator resources
Useful videos: how to choose reliable advice
Prefer videos from veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitation centres and recognised charities. A video cannot assess the animal in front of you. Avoid any tutorial promoting forced feeding, household medicines or risky capture.
- RSPCA official videos
- RSPB bird advice
- ASPCA official videos
- YouTube: found domestic rabbit what to do rabbit rescue vet