FAQs - Wichita Animal Action League

An animal needs help:

I found a stray dog/cat but don’t want to take it to the shelter. Can you take it?

Unfortunately, the state does not allow us to take in stray animals. It is against the rules of our state rescue license.

If you found a stray dog: Stray dogs should go to Animal Control to give their owners a chance to reclaim them. Animal Control is where all owners are directed to look for a missing pet. If an owner does not reclaim them within three days, we can take them into care if we have a foster. You can send us an animal ID number and we can keep an eye on that animal.

If you found a stray cat: Cats are 13x more likely to find their way back home if they aren’t interfered with. Keep in mind, if it is fat and friendly, someone made them that way. On the flip side, 97% of the stray cats taken to animal control will NOT be reclaimed. So it is overwhelmingly more beneficial for them to be left where they are IF they are healthy and capable of doing their cat things.

If this cat is over 6 months, a good weight and appears healthy my suggestion is to leave him/her where he/she is. Cats are adaptable and resourceful creatures who have been surviving outside without us for thousands of years. If you’re still concerned you can Google DIY outdoor cat houses.

Of course, if he/she is still around in a few weeks we’ll be happy to fix and vaccinate them for you. If it is NOT a healthy weight, sick, appears pregnant or otherwise needs assistance, let us know.

My neighbor’s dog is on a chain all the time, and it’s just so sad! What should I do?

There is a chaining ordinance within the city of Wichita. Dogs may only be on a chain for one hour at a time, with a three hour break up to a total of four hours a day. If you think someone s neglecting their pet and you are not comfortable approaching them, we can help. See our welfare page for more information.

I found an injured rabbit, hawk, skunk, etc. Can you take it?

We work hard to prevent that, but if challenges arise, we provide trainers, daycare options, and veterinary support. If it truly isn’t working, we will move the animal as quickly as possible. View our resources page for more information.

There are too many stray cats in my neighborhood. Can you come pick them up and find them new homes?

No, WAAL does not trap or rehome feral cats. Please contact Friends of Felines or Alley Cat Allies for more information on feral cats.

There’s an injured animal in my neighborhood. Will you come pick it up and take it to animal control?

No, we do not come pick up animals. Please call your local animal control and request an officer come pick up the animal.

I need Help:

I can no longer keep my pet. Can you take it and find it a good home?

Please click here for information on rehoming options.

I’m in need of temporary foster care for my pet while I’m between homes. Can you take them?

Unfortunately, we struggle to find enough foster homes and do not have the resources to provide temporary housing. There are several great boarding facilities we could recommend, or if you are a victim of domestic violence and need help with your animal while you find safe housing, please contact Wichita Animal Services at 316-350-3360, and inquire about their free respite care.

My pet needs to be seen by a vet but I can’t afford it. Do you help owners with vet bills?

Please see our info regarding ALPHA clinics. They are low cost mobile vet clinics

I need some temporary help with pet food and/or litter. Do you guys offer assistance with this?

Yes, we do! We are happy to provide food as our resources allow. See our Pet Food Bank page for more info.

How can I help?:

I saw an animal on a website that I’m interest in adopting. Is he/she still available?

Check our real-time listings of available animals here. If you have something particular in mind with breed or gender, fill out a Pet Alert request to be notified immediately if we get that kind of pet into care.

I’d like to get involved and become a volunteer. What do I need to do?

Wonderful! We desperately need people like you. Visit our volunteer page for more information.

I have something I’d like to donate (food, leashes, bowls, etc.). Do you take stuff like this?

Our storage space is very limited and because of this we can only accept new or very gently used items. Please contact us and let us know what it is and we’ll see if we can put it to good use! You can also find more information on donating here.

I want to make a donation. Where do I do that?

If you’d like to make a one-time donation with your credit/debit card, or bank account, you can do that here.
If you would like to help us save even more lives and set up a recurring monthly donation, you can find that here.
You can also mail donations to us at WAAL Rescue, PO Box 21401, Wichita, KS 67208.

I want to make an in-kind donation. What kind of stuff do you need?

Gift cards to pet stores are fantastic! These are easy to store and lets us buy things as we need them without the risk of them expiring before we use them.
We accept donations for use both for our animals in foster care and for our four community pet food banks. We accept donations of all brands of dog and cat food, both dry and canned. Thank you for your support! See more details on donations here.

We do not feed or accept rawhides or bully-stick type items for the safety of our pets. Antlers, Kongs and hooves are great alternatives!