May 22, 2026 | Blog

Loving Pets While Protecting Wildlife

Written by Jillian VanKooten

At WILDNorth, we all understand how deeply people love their pets. Cats and dogs are family members, companions, and loyal friends. But every spring and summer, our Wildlife Hospital sees the unintended impact domestic animals can have on Alberta’s wildlife. While cats and dogs are beloved pets in our homes, they are also introduced predators in our urban environments. Their natural instincts to chase, hunt, and play can have devastating consequences for vulnerable wild animals, especially during baby season.

Why Spring and Summer Are So Dangerous for Wildlife

This time of year is one of the busiest seasons for wildlife rehabilitation. Baby hares hide quietly in grass and shrubs while waiting for their mothers to return. Young birds, known as fledglings, will soon spend time on the ground learning how to fly. Ducklings travel with their parents across neighborhoods, parks, and roadways. Although these young animals may appear abandoned or vulnerable, many are exactly where they are supposed to be. Unfortunately, they are also especially vulnerable to domestic pets. At WILDNorth, we receive calls almost every day regarding wildlife injured by cats or dogs. The species affected can range from songbirds and ducklings to hares, squirrels, and porcupines.

The Impact of Cats and Dogs

Domestic cats are highly skilled hunters. Even well-fed cats retain strong hunting instincts and will often stalk and capture wildlife simply because it is natural behavior for them. Globally, outdoor cats are contributing to significant declines in bird populations and biodiversity. Many of the birds admitted to our Wildlife Hospital suffer from puncture wounds or infections caused by cat attacks. Even minor injuries can become life-threatening due to bacteria commonly found in a cat’s mouth. Fledgling birds are particularly at risk because they spend time on the ground before they are fully capable of flight. During this stage of development, they rely heavily on camouflage and nearby parents for protection, strategies that are not effective against domestic cats.

Dogs can also unintentionally injure wildlife while exploring yards, parks, and trails. Curious dogs may pick up baby hares, disturb nesting birds, or chase deer fawns hidden in tall grass. Most commonly, dogs are known to attack and bite North American Porcupines, leading to painful outcomes for both the dog and the porcupine. Even playful interactions can result in severe injuries or abandonment. Parent animals may be frightened away, leaving babies vulnerable to exposure, starvation, or predators.

What We Ask Pet Owners To Do

Protecting wildlife does not mean loving your pets any less. In fact, responsible pet ownership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help wildlife thrive in our communities.

Here are a few simple ways you can help:

• Keep cats indoors or provide safe outdoor spaces like catios.
• Check your yard before letting dogs outside.
• Keep dogs leashed during walks, especially in natural areas and parks.
• Give fledgling birds and baby hares space when encountered outdoors.
• Supervise pets closely during wildlife baby season.

We are often asked to remove baby birds, hares, or ducklings from yards so pets can use the space. However, relocating wildlife is not a humane or effective solution, and is actually often illegal due to protective legislation. Moving babies away from their parents can leave them orphaned and drastically reduce their chances of survival. In most cases, the best option is temporary management of pets while wildlife families naturally move through the area.

If Your Pet Catches Wildlife

If your cat or dog injures a wild animal, please contact our Wildlife Helpline as soon as possible. Quick medical intervention can make all the difference. More information about helping injured wildlife can also be found on our website.

WILDNorth Wildlife Helpline: 780-914-4118
Wildlife Hospital: 12515 128 Street NW, Edmonton

At WILDNorth, we know people care deeply about animals, both domestic and wild. By taking a few extra precautions during the spring and summer months, we can help ensure that fledgling birds learn to fly, baby hares grow safely, and wildlife families continue to thrive alongside our own. We love our furry family members, and we simply ask that some of that love be extended to the wild animals living just outside our doors.