Animal PoisonLine is run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) and is the only 24-hour specialised emergency telephone service in the UK dedicated to helping pet owners who are worried their pet may have been exposed to something harmful or poisonous.

Based on the information you provide our vets and scientists will be able to tell you if you need to go to the vets for immediate treatment or whether we can save you the trip.

We have experience of thousands of toxic substances in all animals and cover everything from human drugs, household and garden products, plants, agricultural chemicals to venomous bites and stings.

We are veterinary poisons specialists and therefore, regrettably, cannot help with any other veterinary enquiries unrelated to poisoning.

When you call us, please have your credit card ready as payment will be taken via an automated service (Amex not accepted).

You will then be put directly through to one of our specialists, who will carry out a thorough case assessment and advise whether or not your pet needs a visit to the vet.

If your pet displaying signs which definitely require treatment? e.g. collapse, coma, convulsions, breathing difficulties. If yes, please go straight to the vet. 

Does the case involve: An adder bite? Blue green algae? True lilies in a cat? A bronchodilator inhaler? If yes, please go straight to the vet. 

Please have as many of the following details as possible ready when you call:

1. Your pet’s details: Name, age, breed and weight.

2. What your pet has eaten or been exposed to? e.g. the drug or product/brand name.

3. How has your pet absorbed the potential toxin? e.g. Have they eaten, inhaled or has it been on their skin.

4. How long ago was your pet exposed to the potential toxin? e.g. estimated minutes, hours.

5. How much of the potential toxin have they been exposed to? e.g. unit of measure and estimated amount.

5. Is this the first time your pet has been exposed to this toxin? e.g. If this has happened in the past, when.

Tell your vet that you rang us and were advised to see the vet. If they require detailed treatment advice about the particular substance your pet has been exposed to they can call our professional service, the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). Approximately 80% vets are members of the VPIS and use it regularly for specialist advice on the management of poisoning in animals. Please be aware that if your pet does require veterinary attention, your vet may charge a fee for calling VPIS. If this is the case, we will in turn refund you for your call made to the Animal PoisonLine.

All of our refunds are processed automatically but if you are concerned that you have not received your refund or if you have any questions please complete our contact us form