It is important to raise your pets in a safe, risk-free environment, but emergencies can happen and will. Part of being a responsible pet owner is being prepared for those unexpected moments and responding to the needs of your pet during an emergency, quickly and calmly.  A little planning may prevent suffering, reduce the extent of injuries or maybe even save your pet’s life.

It is 6:30 in the evening, and you call the family to the dinner table.  Happy to join the kids, the new family puppy leaps off the sofa and tumbles. Suddenly the little guy is limping and yipping in pain. It could be a broken leg or paw, so what you do next can make all the difference.  What if your cat swallows a pill that was left on the kitchen counter or your dog gets stung by a bee?  Do you know who to call or where to look for the information you’ll need?  Your pet could also be injured or become ill when you aren’t at home.  Can your pet sitter make those important calls if you aren’t available?

The phone numbers and websites below can help you be prepared for a pet emergency. These organizations offer networking services if you have found or lost a pet, advice on care and training, poison information, and many more resource tools.  Keep this list along with your pet’s vaccination and medical history in a location that is immediately accessible during an emergency.   Don’t forget to post your veterinarian’s contact information in a visible location in your house (refrigerator or a cork message board) along with your pet’s 24 hour animal hospital, too.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1 888 426 4435
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, you can call this poison control center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cost for a poison-related emergency consultation with a veterinarian or toxicologist is $65, which can be billed to a major credit card.

Pet Poison Helpline: 1 800 213 6680
This 24-hour animal poison control service for the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean charges a $35 per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.

Spay/USA Helpline:  1 800 248 7729
This national spay/neuter referral service can help you find a low cost clinic in your area. Their mission is to reduce pet overpopulation by making spay/neuter services affordable to everyone who has a cat or a dog. Phone counselors are available M-F from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.

Emergency Disaster Hotline: 1 800 227 4645
The American Humane Association offers this number in the event  of earthquake preparedness for your pets is needed.  Also, they suggest what to do and where to go in case of emergency.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund: 707 795 2533
The nonprofit ALDF was founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law. Contact them if you have questions about animal neglect or abuse, pet related landlord-tenant issues, pet custody concerns during a divorce, or if you need information on how to include animals in your will.

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: 877 474 3310
This program was created to help pet owners who are dealing with the loss of a pet. You can also call them for assistance with the decision to euthanize, advice on how to help children, disabled individuals and other family pets who are grieving the loss of their companion, and help establishing a relationship with a new pet.

Pet Travel Information: 877 241 0184
If you’re planning to travel with your pet by plane, train or cruise ship, call Pettravel.com for information on regulations and restrictions, pet container requirements, vet certificates, and clearing security.

Pet Airways: 1 888 738 2479
The world’s first pet-only airline currently transports four-legged passengers between nine major U.S. cities, with several more in the works.

Animal Behavior Hotline: 312 644 8338, ext. 343
Behavior specialists are available to answer questions and provide solutions on everything from separation anxiety to aggression.

Lyme Disease Association: 888-366-6611
The LDF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for tick-borne disorders. Call them if you need information on tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever.

Tattoo-A-Pet: 1 800 828-8667
For a $35.00 lifetime membership (for the life of the pet) fee, which includes an identification tattoo, this 24-hour service will monitor all lost pets found that have tattoos, where found, etc.

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