When DOC can help
DOC only manages native New Zealand wildlife. If the animal is not native, do not call DOC.
Call DOC if you find:
- one or two native animals that are sick, injured or dead.
- whale or dolphin strandings.
0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) is our 24-hour DOC emergency hotline.
How to check if the animal is native
Use our species pages to help identify native animals.
Note: If you are unsure whether the animal is native, you can still call for advice.
When to contact MPI instead of DOC
If you find three or more sick or dead animals, this could indicate a disease, poisoning or pollution.
In these cases, do not call DOC first.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) responds to disease or biosecurity risks, regardless of whether the animals are native or non‑native.
Call the MPI pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Who to call for non-native wildlife
For non-native wildlife such as cats, dogs, livestock, or introduced wildlife, contact your local SPCA or a wildlife rehabilitator. In these cases, do not call DOC.
What to do
When you find an animal:
- take a photo or make a note of the location
- don't touch the animal
- keep yourself, other people, and pets safe
- don't try to feed, or treat the animal.
Visit Marine mammal strandings for information about whale and dolphin strandings.
Keeping wildlife
You cannot keep or care for wildlife without a permit from DOC.