ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reaches 4 million pet toxicity cases

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has announced the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has handled more than 4 million cases of potential pet toxicity since its founding in 1978. The 24/7 hotline provides pet parents nationwide a resource to help keep their pets healthy and safe.

"For decades, veterinarians and pet owners have relied on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for critical information to make sure pets receive immediate and effective care when they are exposed to potentially toxic substances," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO, in an organizational release.¹

"This four million case milestone reflects not only the deep expertise of the APCC staff, but also a level of compassion and commitment by pet owners that we're proud to acknowledge and support," he continued.

According to the release,¹ the APCC consists of 70 veterinarians, 11 board-certified toxicologists, 100 certified technicians, and 13 veterinary assistants. Over the years, the APCC has developed a database system called AnTox that helps identify and characterize toxic effects of substances and compile patient data. Veterinary toxicologists can then analyze the data annually to determine a list of top 10 pet toxins for pet owners to reference.

Human over-the-counter (OTC) medication was first on the list of top toxins in 2021. However, the APPC experts urged pet owners to remain vigilant on additional toxins on the list including:

• Food products (eg, protein bars and shakes, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, and xylitol)
• Indoor and outdoor plants
• Household items (eg, cleaning products and paint)
• Veterinary products (eg, calming chews and joint medications)
• Insecticides and rodenticides
• Gardening products like fertilizers

In 2021, the APCC saw a 22% increase in call volume and assisted 401,550 animals ranging in different species and sizes nationwide.¹

Reference

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Reaches 4 Million Cases of Pet Toxicity, a Significant Milestone in Keeping Animals Safe in Emergency Situations. News release. he American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. March 9, 2022. Accessed March 10, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspca-animal-poison-control-center-reaches-4-million-cases-of-pet-toxicity-a-significant-milestone-in-keeping-animals-safe-in-emergency-situations-301499278.html