What to Do If You Find an Injured Animal After an Earthquake in Colombia

After an earthquake, injured and displaced animals are often the last thing anyone has the time or resources to think about, but they're also often some of the easiest to help if you know a few basics. Here's what to do if you come across an injured animal in the aftermath of the 2026 earthquake in Colombia.

Check that the area is safe before you approach

Aftershocks, unstable structures, and downed power lines make disaster zones genuinely dangerous. Before approaching any animal, make sure the ground and any nearby structures are stable enough to be near. An injured animal is not worth a structural collapse or a live wire.

Approach carefully. Injured or frightened animals bite.

Even a normally gentle animal may bite, scratch, or bolt when it's in pain or in shock. Move slowly, speak quietly, and if you can, use a towel, blanket, or spare clothing to gently wrap or shield the animal before lifting it, both to protect yourself and to keep it from struggling and worsening its own injuries.

Get it to veterinary care as soon as possible

Time matters more than technique here. If a vet clinic in the area is operating, getting the animal there is usually far more helpful than trying to treat it yourself. In Chocó, Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Ibagué, and other departments affected by the earthquake, some veterinary providers are continuing to operate, though hours and capacity can change day to day, so it's worth calling ahead when possible.

If no vet is reachable

If you truly can't reach veterinary care right away, keep the animal warm, still, and as calm as possible, and avoid giving food or water if there's any chance of internal injury or if it may need sedation for treatment later. Contact a local rescue organization working in the area. Many are coordinating exactly this kind of triage and can often arrange transport even when individual vet clinics are overwhelmed.

Don't assume every displaced animal is unowned

Earthquakes separate animals from their families the same way they separate people from their homes. A displaced dog or cat that looks like a stray may simply be lost. Where possible, note the exact location and any identifying details, like a collar, distinct markings, or a microchip if you're able to get it scanned, in case its family is searching.