The next time you are driving along and come across a stray who looks in need of assistance, please remember the following tips:

• Think about your safety first. You cannot help an animal if you become injured yourself in the process. If you have emergency flares, be prepared to use them.

• Consider the safety of the animal. A strange, frightened, or possibly sick or injured animal may behave unpredictably. If the animal looks or acts threatening, or if for any reason you feel uneasy about the situation, remain in your car.

• Be ready to rescue. Here are some things to have in your car at all times: phone, phone numbers of local animal control, cat carrier, collars and strong leashes for dogs, heavy blanket, water bowls and water, canned tuna or dried liver, and an animal first-aid kit.

• Use caution when approaching the animal. Should you succeed in getting close enough to capture him, you stand a good chance of being scratched or bitten. If you are bitten by a cat or dog whose vaccination status is unknown, you will be advised to undergo preventive treatment for rabies.

• If possible, restrain the animal. Create a barrier or use a carrier, leash, or length of rope to keep the animal from leaving the area. Signal approaching vehicles to slow down or divert traffic around him if he appears injured and is still on the roadway.
  
                                              -The Humane Society of the United States