Dog poison control: who to call, what it costs
Emergency signs: go now
If your dog is having seizures, collapse, trouble breathing or is unresponsive, go to the nearest emergency vet now.
(888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661 Call your own vet or nearest 24h ER
Georgia owners: contact your vet first and ask them to call the hotline on your behalf. Georgia Poison Center guidance.
Poison-control numbers, fees & coverage
| Service | Consultation fee | Hours & coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA APCC (888) 426-4435 | Consultation fee may apply; amount not stated on the linked current page. Confirm by phone. | 24/7, US |
| Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 | $99 per incident; follow-up consultations included. | 24/7, US / Canada / Caribbean. Phone and chat service; chat availability can vary. Regional contact details. |
There is no free government-funded US animal poison-control equivalent to the human service: Pet Poison Helpline says veterinary poison control receives no tax dollars. Your regular vet may answer a quick question; ask about charges. Some pet insurance policies reimburse the hotline fee; ASPCA Pet Health Insurance describes coverage up to 90%. Check your policy.
Since 1 July 2025, Georgia's veterinary teletriage restrictions (SB 105) limit direct hotline advice to Georgia owners. The hotlines can still help through your vet: Georgia Poison Center asks owners to have their veterinarian call.
What to have ready before you call
- Your dog's weight.
- What was eaten, plus the packaging, label or a photograph.
- The amount eaten or the largest possible amount missing.
- When it was eaten.
- Symptoms you can see now.
- Existing health conditions and medicines.
Call even if you are unsure whether the substance is poisonous; do not delay while gathering every detail.
Don't do this
- Don't induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Don't give milk, oil, salt or food as home remedies.
ASPCA warns that at-home vomiting remedies can cause additional harm.
When is it worth calling vs checking first?
Call your vet or animal poison control after any exposure to a known toxin, any symptoms, or uncertainty about the amount. Do not wait for symptoms or a calculator result before seeking advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is pet poison control free?
The major US animal poison-control hotlines charge consultation fees. Pet Poison Helpline says veterinary poison control receives no taxpayer funding. Your regular vet may answer a quick question; ask about any charge, but do not delay emergency care.
How much does ASPCA poison control cost?
ASPCA Poison Control says a consultation fee may apply but does not publish a dollar amount on its current main page. Confirm the current fee when calling (888) 426-4435.
How much does Pet Poison Helpline cost?
Pet Poison Helpline publishes a $99 USD fee per incident, including follow-up consultations with you and/or your veterinarian for the duration of the case. Fees can change; confirm when calling.
Can I call human poison control for my dog?
Some human poison centers may offer limited help, but they are not a substitute for animal-specific advice and may not handle pet cases. Use an animal poison-control line or your veterinarian. Georgia Poison Center explicitly says it no longer offers pet poison services.
Does pet insurance cover poison control?
Some pet insurance policies reimburse poison-control consultations. For example, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance says it covers up to 90% of the consultation charge for enrolled pets. Coverage, deductibles and exclusions vary; check your own policy and keep the receipt.
Sources
- ASPCA Poison Control
- Pet Poison Helpline — fees and follow-up consultations
- Pet Poison Helpline — regional contacts
- Georgia Poison Center — pets and poisons
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance — consultation coverage
Published sources checked 15 Oct 2026. Service details can change; confirm directly with the provider.