How to help a stray or injured animal on the Island
No one expects to find a sick or injured dog on the street or a litter of sick cats looking for food. But it happens more often than you think, even here in beautiful Madeira. Whether you are a local, an expat or just visiting, you can make a difference.
This blog is your go-to guide for helping injured, abandoned, or mistreated animals on the island, with emergency contacts, shelter info, and simple steps to follow when you don’t know what to do.
🚨 Emergency: Injured or sick animals
If you find a sick or injured animal, call the fire department (bombeiros) they are trained to handle animal emergencies.
🚨 Fire department phone numbers:
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re nearby and it’s safe, it may be faster to bring the animal to a vet yourself.
🐕 If you witness cruelty or neglect
Report it to the Animal Ombudsman of Funchal or GNR:
💡 Take photos or videos if it’s safe to do so and also send the exact location.
✂️ Sterilisation
Sterilising animals is one of the best ways to reduce suffering and control the stray population.
💡 Some vets may offer low-cost sterilisation
🐾 Stray or abandoned animals
If you find a stray animal:
💡 Many shelters are full. Any help you give, even sharing a post, can make a big difference!
🐦 Found an injured bird or seabird?
If you find a bird that can’t fly, has visible injuries, or has been hit by a vehicle or window:
💡 Do not feed the bird or try to give it water unless instructed by a professional.
🐾 Animal shelters and associations in Madeira
Most shelters and associations are volunteer-run and depend on donations. If you’re seeking help with an animal, please consider offering support.
📍 Funchal
📍 Câmara de Lobos
📍 Ribeira Brava
📍 Ponta do Sol
📍 São Vicente
📍 Santa Cruz
📍 Machico
💡 *These organisations rely heavily on volunteers and donations. If you’re asking for help with a stray or injured animal, a *small donation goes a long way.
🐕 Volunteer with us
Madeira Friends organizes visits to local shelters which includes dog-walking and cat petting. They have also organized a toy and food donation drive during Christmas. Whether you’re a resident, remote worker, or just visiting for a week, you’re welcome to join us. Reach out to us at hello@madeirafriends.org
💖 You can make a difference
Whether it’s calling for help, walking a dog for an hour, or simply sharing this guide with someone who might need it, every small action matters.
Madeira is full of kindness. And together, we can make sure that no animal is left without care, love, or a second chance.
If this guide helped you, or if you want to help more, share it. Save it. Pass it on.