Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. Expert toxicologists specializing in animal poisoning.
Pet Poison Control — Complete Directory
Should I Call Poison Control or Go to the Vet?
The best answer: do both simultaneously. While you or someone else drives to an emergency vet, call Poison Control from the car. The two actions are not mutually exclusive.
If your pet is showing severe symptoms — seizures, difficulty breathing, collapse — go directly to an emergency vet without waiting. Call Poison Control from the waiting room.
What to Tell Poison Control When You Call
Frequently Asked Questions
No — a consultation fee of approximately $95–$100 applies. However, this may be covered by pet insurance. The IAPCC (1-888-426-4435) is a different paid service from free local emergency numbers.
Both are staffed by toxicologists 24/7 and charge similar fees. ASPCA is slightly more widely known; Pet Poison Helpline's number is (855) 764-7661. Either is excellent for immediate guidance.
Do both if possible. Call while driving to the vet. If your pet is seizing, having trouble breathing, or collapsed — drive first, call from the car.
Some shelters and humane societies have relationships with Poison Control. Your local emergency vet can also provide guidance. The ASPCA website has a basic toxin database as a free resource.
Yes — both ASPCA Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline advise on dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other companion animals.