ASPCA Poison Control Center FAQs

Animal Poison Control FAQ

We’ve compiled the answers to your most frequently asked questions here. Feel free to bookmark this page for easy reference.

Quick Response

I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the APCC or rush her to my local emergency veterinarian?

If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm!  Contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435 first.  Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic.

What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?

If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Otherwise, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435.

What information will I need when I call you?

When you call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435, it’s most helpful to be ready with the following information:
- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
- the animal’s symptoms
- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.

Have the product container/packaging available for reference. Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.

How do I get in touch with ASPCA animal poison control experts?

The APCC experts are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. The call is toll-free. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

What kind of services does the APCC provide?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides 24-hour-a-day, year-round advice on animal poison-related emergencies to pet parents, veterinarians and animal clinic professionals. With experience in more than one million cases involving pesticides, drugs, plants, metals and other potentially hazardous items, our specially trained staff of veterinary toxicologists has access to an extensive database, which they can quickly access to help diagnose problems and give treatment advice.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also provides corporate services such as consulting on legal cases, product formula issues, product liability and reporting on alleged cases of animal illness due to product exposure.

How many cases does the APCC handle daily?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center manages an average of 375 cases each day.

Where is the APCC located?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is located in Urbana, IL.

Where does the APCC get its information about toxins and their effects on animals?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed by 30 veterinarians, including 13 who are board-certified in general and veterinary toxicology. In addition, our experts use Antox, our unique veterinary medical database system of more than one million animal exposure case histories. With the combined knowledge of our experts and our medical database, we are able to provide the most timely and accurate information on the potential effects of poisons and how to manage exposures to them.

I live in Illinois—can I bring my pet to the APCC to be seen by a vet?

While the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed with veterinary experts, our facility is a call center. We work with you and your local vet via phone to provide your pet with the best poison emergency care possible.

I just spoke with a staff member on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline, but I have more questions. Can I call back?

Absolutely. Our consultation fee covers as many additional calls pertaining to your pet’s current case as are needed to provide the best care and answer any questions that you or your local vet may have. During your initial call, you or your vet will be provided with a special follow-up telephone number to use should you need any further assistance with your pet’s case.

General Information

Are there certain potentially harmful substances that pets get into more than others?

In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed more than 130,000 cases. The top calls of 2007 involved the following common household goods and products:

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, both of the human and pet variety, including painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants. The ASPCA cautions pet owners to never give their four-legged family members any type of medication without first talking with a veterinarian. All drugs should be kept out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets above countertops.

Insecticides and insect control products such as flea and tick preparations and insect baits. Some species of animals can be particularly sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you follow label instructions exactly and never use any product not specifically formulated for your pet.

Common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe. Rhododendron, sago palm and schefflera can also be harmful to pets.

Chemical bait products designed for mice, rats and other rodents. When using any rodenticide, place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals.

Common household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract may be possible if a curious animal has an inappropriate encounter with such products.