What’s Poisoning Our Pets: The Top Pet Toxins of 2012

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - 12:45pm
White puppy with spots being held

In 2012, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, Illinois, handled more than 180,000 cases about pets possibly exposed to poisonous substances—and some breeds seemed to make up a lot more of those calls than others.

Nearly 14,000 of APCC’s 2012 calls were from worried pet parents of Labradors. Domestic shorthair cats were involved in approximately 10,000 cases (the second-most popular breed involved in APCC calls). Mixed-breed dogs (8,000 cases), Chihuahuas (4,833 cases), Golden Retrievers (4,819 cases) and Yorkshire Terriers (3,800 cases) rounded out the top six.

No matter what kind of pets they had, thousands of pet parents called us about the same products last year. Here were the top five poisons that caused pet parents to call APCC for help in 2012:

1. Prescription Human Medications

APCC handled 25,000 cases regarding human prescription medications in 2012. The top three types of medications that animals were exposed to were: heart medications (blood pressure pills), antidepressants and pain medications (opioids and prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

2. Insecticides

While just 11% of all calls to the APCC are about insecticides, more than 50% of the calls to APCC involving cats pertain to felines exposed to insecticides.

3. Over-the-Counter Human Medications

This group contains acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen as well as herbal and nutraceutical products (fish oil, joint supplements).

4. Veterinary Products and Medications

Veterinary products made up nearly 6% of APCC’s case volume for 2012. Both OTC and prescription veterinary products are included in this group. Watch out for flavored tablets!

5. Household Products

APCC fielded more than 10,000 calls about household products in 2012. Household toxins can range from fire logs to cleaning products.

For numbers six through 10, check out the full list of the top poisons of 2012.

Think you know your poisons? Take the ASPCA’s I Can’t Believe It’s Poisonous Quiz on Facebook!

And remember: If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Tags: 
Pet Care
Poison Control

Comments

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 16:59 — paula shene (Visitor)
am animal advocate

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 17:01 — Amanda LeBlanc (Visitor)
Go Vegan, Go Natural.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 08:37 — a rescuer (Visitor)
Uh, hello, dogs and cats are CARNIVORES! They are SUPPOSED to eat meat, you dolt. Take your vegan crap and peddle it on a human website.

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 12:05 — Pegasus (Visitor)
Dogs are omnivores and can thrive on a vegan diet. The point of the post is that if people bought vegan products, there would be NOTHING harmful in the toiletries and household products, because those would most likely not be chemically derived. As for medications, why people have that stuff lying around and unopened, is a matter for the individual to be more aware of.

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 18:43 — Caryn (Visitor)
Dogs can and do survive on a vegan diet BUT cats are obligate carnivores and MUST have meat to survive. ANyone who tells you otherwise is dangerous and not to be believed at all.

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 17:14 — madison (Visitor)
you are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO mean I am vegan AND vegetarian.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 21:46 — Victoria (Visitor)
Dogs and Cats are carnivores. All you vegans out there believe it, its true. The vegan diet does not provide the proper nutrients to keep carnivores healthy. Most dog and cat foods are man's attempt to provide the full scope of balanced foods that a dog (wolf) and cat would find if they are feral. I've seen pets, especially cats when their ignorant owners put them on vegan diets ....they fail to thrive and eventually die, emaciated! Even some of you vegans out their eat a little protein once in awhile...cause most of you don't look healthy! Some of you look like you've been in a concentration camp, and your color is terrible. Who knew!

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 13:44 — Jessica (Visitor)
Of all the websites I've read about pet well-being, they HIGHLY recommend that pets (especially cats and dogs) get raw meat and/or meat meal. They never never recommend vegan stuff.

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 16:43 — Diane Mendez (Visitor)
Please the world does not have to be a vegan or naturalist to live healthy!

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 17:25 — Manda (Visitor)
Only they charge you $65 dollars to give you information about what your pet has eaten!!! And in this economy it really sucks! Some people can't afford a $65 phone call. There should be a way to make a smaller donation it just seems wrong to with hold life saving information

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 10:36 — Jim McDonough (Visitor)
If you can't afford $65 to find out life-saving information about your pet, then you definitely can't afford a veterinarian's office visit, which means you're simply too poor to own a pet responsibly.Sorry, but no matter what you've been indoctrinated to believe, everything in life isn't free. Sometimes sacrifice is necessary, no matter how "bad the economy is".

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 10:51 — Gerry (Visitor)
Tell a Senior Citizen they are too poor to own a pet (companion) responsibly! This is like telling a parent that they'll give them life saving info to save their Toddler if they pay a fee! Ludicrous! Besides, I've always found that the people who give of their hearts are usually those that can't afford it!!

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 11:32 — Sally Morgan (Visitor)
We have a 7 year old rescue minature poodle. He started having seizures. I had to argue with my self as to whether to take him to the vet or buy my husbands medications (he has Multiple Sclerosis). The credit card won and all I walked out with was a $100.00 of meds that might help him. Came home and saw an article on FB about some famous brands of food that are causing all type of problems for our pets. Took him off the dog food and guess what the seizures quit. Because we are seniors and are limited on money doesn't mean we don't love our pets, it means that those retirement funds that we thought would be adequate when we were in our 40's, 50's, 60's are now only enough to keep on living ourselves. Don't look down your nose because you have an extra $65.00. There are heart wrenching decisions to make.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 20:10 — JaspurrandDude (Visitor)
Thank you for your reasonable comments. My husband and I are in our sixties, lost our very good income when the economy tanked and we can't even begin to afford veterinary fees if they were needed. We have two cats that we rescued and they are members of our family forever. I would go into debt (even more) to give them the care they might eventually need because their lives are valuable to us. In our area many people are dumping their pets or having to take them to shelters because they just can't afford to keep them any more. It's heartbreaking.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 03:16 — Victoria Belveduto (Visitor)
I agree with the last few replies. Vet fees are getting so high people cannot afford their pets anymore and are dumping them on the street or in shelters. My son's dog needs ear surgery that's going to cost 3,200! He loves his dog more than anything but is freaking out about the cost of surgery. I would love to have another dog or cat but seriously cannot afford the damn sky high vet bills! A friend of mine just took in two homeless kittens. A trip to vet for check up and shots came to 600.00! She was floored!

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 07:02 — Jamie (Visitor)
No way..lol..the lady must of asked for extra test or for every darn shot . Visit and rabies shot and flee treatment for a month would of cost me less than 150.00 for 2 pets!

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 14:33 — Darla (Visitor)
I do not know where you take your pets to the vet at, but I would like to know. I cannot get one pet seen at my vets for $150.00. Pets are a luxury in this day and age. I can barely afford to take mine to the vet. As a single mother I have to save all year for the yearly check-ups. I don't know what I would do if I had an emergency. Take out a loan I guess.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 14:45 — Jeanette (Visitor)
Lucy has addisons and needs a shot every month, the bottle costs about $180 and it lasts 3 to 4 months. Of course every time she sees the vet, they want this test, that test, plus heartmworm meds liver tabs, etc. the last time we were in it cost me $700. I am 72 and if it were not for my part-time job, I would be in hock up to me ears. I love Lucy and just hope I can continue to work part-time to afford her care.

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 16:02 — B. Sudnick (Visitor)
I too am finding as the past five or so years have come and gone, that my vet fees have taken off through the roof. I and my family are heart broken every day to see the abandoned ones on the streets and the rescue and shelters are jammed, many ending up being put down due to over crowding - all because many of us older folks are finding it ever harder to make our financial ends meet. We are taking good care of our beloved cats and one dropped one and used to donate to a local cat rescue charity that does really good work. Also donating to one local feral cat colony support group, and one hospital in NYC/long island, now we can not donate to ANY charity. Feel depressed and valuless because we can not help any more. We are jointly supporting two other households, all of us are up in age and have less income than we thought would see us through till end days due to illness, sudden unemployment after Iraq, and shortened work hours due company I work for being in dire straights and I see it getting worse with this in-fighting going on in Washington. The more people do not go to their vets, (same as with other small businesses) the more apt they are to raise their prices to cover their overhead expenses. Thus those who do use their services will end up paying more. Vicious cycle.

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 16:13 — B. Sudnick (Visitor)
While this may sound like we have lots of money to spend helping two other households, let me be clear, we have been going through what retirement funds we did have, one person is 92 years old with many health issues, the other is 87 and both are stubborn, so we can not just pick them up and move everyone into one house, or even into two homes to consolidate expenses, travel, medical and the whole nine yards involved. So we try our best to keep our cats happy and healthy and these two elderly folks. Our health is down hill, two of us have cancer we are keeping track of, husband is very ill and docs have been doing series of tests since Christmas. Now the 92 year old was told today chemo may start 5 days a week soon. Sister needs cancer surgery. I have two tumors that can not be removed even after a long recovery from one surgery 4 years ago. Will need kidney and liver transplant. So we do the best we can and spend down our retirements, I still am allowed by company to work 20 hours a week. NO ONE hires seniors, they look for the young, dumb, short skirted ones first who have no skills, but do know how to sell themselves.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 20:43 — julie braden (Visitor)
I am so very happy your little ones are OK thank u for the heads up about their animal foods,..............lots of loves............ jules

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 22:43 — Von (Visitor)
If you get meds and you discover that they aren't working. You can take them back to your vet & get some of your money back. They don't want anyone to know these things, however, you really have to insist sometimes. Part of my money back is better than nothing.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 07:45 — Amy Lee (Visitor)
I noticed when I was feeding my dogs commercial dog food, they had so many health issues until a friend showed me that real food is so much better. So for 5 years, i fed my dogs real food - either just boiling them or sauteeing them in very little coconut oil with no salt or pepper. And thanks be to God, I never had to bring them to the vet. And no, no rabies shots, no deworming. No nothing.

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 19:51 — Susie (Visitor)
IFAW (International Foundation for Animal Welfare) does have vet clinics that are free for those who cannot afford to pay for vet care. They also do life saving operations. If you are having financial difficulties you might want to see if they have a vet near you. For those who have the extra $65 it is a worthy cause to contribute to.

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 19:53 — Susie (Visitor)
IFAW is International Fund for Animal Welfare. Sorry.

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 10:06 — Dorie (Visitor)
I can't believe I am hearing such a cold hearted response from a supposed animal lover. She was judgemental and not at all aware of the world we now live in. I am also a senior who owns 2 senior dogs that I loe dearly. I can't imagine life without a dog to love. Praise the Lord for always providing for my babies. 24 years ago He led us to a vet who extends credit. He can no longer do this because so many people don't pay but he still gives his old patients credit. If you have had the same vet for a number of years I suggest you talk to him or her BEFORE your pet gets sick, explain your situation and see if he would be willing to accept monthly payments of an amount you are CERTAIN you could pay faithfully. He may say yes.If not go online and look for a vet that caters to seniors. Look to see if you have a vet school near you. For non emergency hours at least you can't beat their prices and the students are under the supervision of experienced vets up on the latest medical advances. They may even be able to recommend a vet that might work with you. If you don't own a computer most public libraries have some that the public can use. Ifr you aren't computer savvy I'm sure someone will be glad to help you or recommend a time when they can help you. Hope I've given you some encouragement. :-)

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 10:09 — Dorie (Visitor)
I can't believe I am hearing such a cold hearted response from a supposed animal lover. She was judgemental and not at all aware of the world we now live in. I am also a senior who owns 2 senior dogs that I loe dearly. I can't imagine life without a dog to love. Praise the Lord for always providing for my babies. 24 years ago He led us to a vet who extends credit. He can no longer do this because so many people don't pay but he still gives his old patients credit. If you have had the same vet for a number of years I suggest you talk to him or her BEFORE your pet gets sick, explain your situation and see if he would be willing to accept monthly payments of an amount you are CERTAIN you could pay faithfully. He may say yes.If not go online and look for a vet that caters to seniors. Look to see if you have a vet school near you. For non emergency hours at least you can't beat their prices and the students are under the supervision of experienced vets up on the latest medical advances. They may even be able to recommend a vet that might work with you. If you don't own a computer most public libraries have some that the public can use. Ifr you aren't computer savvy I'm sure someone will be glad to help you or recommend a time when they can help you. Hope I've given you some encouragement. :-)

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 12:19 — Cathy Ferguson (Visitor)
Seniors more than any other age group need a pet.They usually make all kinds of sacrifices to keep their pet. There should be special fund to help them when an emergency occurs with their pet.A $65 call could mean the difference between having proper food for the people or the pet. Yes, most live on a tight budget but are the best pet owners.

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 16:49 — Diane Mendez (Visitor)
Absolutely there should be a very low cost for seniors 65 and up. The elderly have worked all their lives and we should be able to assist them in the need if they have pets. Pets are helpful to them and they are helpful to pets too.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 14:24 — Susan (Visitor)
I would like to suggest to compare being able to afford a pet and senior citizens looking for companionship is apples to apples. (Or I could say Pet to Pet ;>) Pets are great and yes you are correct that people give of themselves to help their pets. Pet owners must expect the unexpected with their pets. Unfortunately, people get animals without having one thought of what it takes in time, energy and money to raise them. Yes, I did say raise them. Pets are not arm candy to be ignored when they become "inconveniet". I think a responsible person wheter it be a person living on a tight budget or a senior citizen looking for companionship, we all must learn and educate ourselves on what it takes to have a pet and unfortunately if your pet does get into the posion it means a $65.00 call to save their life. We, as pet owners can be proactive and use non-toxic cleaning materials in the home to begin with. It's better for us, our pets and the envioronment.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 16:07 — cj (Visitor)
If you paid attention to the senior persons comment their dog was sick from tainted dog food not home chemicals. In case you haven't noticed there is one or two dog foods or treats being recalled almost everyday. I am a senior and I can afford an unexpected expense most of the time but not all seniors or poor people can and their should be some help for them.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 19:55 — Barbara (Visitor)
I AM A SENIOR DISABLED IN BED, MY SON IS MY FULL TIME CAREGIVER AND GRADUATED AS A VET TECH WITH HONORS! HE DOES NOT WORK, MY HEALTH/ LITERALLY MY LIFE DEPENDS ON HIM TAKING CARE OF ME! OUR TOTAL INCOME A YEAR IS FROM MY INCOME OF AROUND JUST OVER $7000.00 a year! WE HAVE OUR GAISHA DOG, WE RESCUED SOME YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS ABLE TO GET AROUND AND OUR CAT MAGGIE GIVEN TO US ALSO MANY YEARS AGO, 8 OR 9 SO YEARS AGO! EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE AT TIMES ATE VERY LITTLE, OUR PETS ATE WELL. OUR VET HAS BEEN A GOD SEND! WE EVEN TOOK STRAY, INJURED DOGS TO HIM AND HE GAVE THEM SHOTS , TREATED ANY CONDITIONS THEY HAD AN WE FOUND THEM HOMES! OUR VET FOR OVER 10 YEARS LET US PAY HIM $20 DOLLARS A MONTH ON OUR BILL! WHENEVER WE HAD MORE MONEY, WE PAID HIM MORE! ALSO HE AND HIS WIFE ( SHE"S A VET TOO) ALWAYS ASKED US TO LET THEM KNOW, IF WE NEEDED ANYTHING FOR OURSELVES! WE ALWAYS DECLINED! THEY DID SO MUCH ALWAYS! WE HAVE SINCE PAID ALL THE BILL IN FULL! :) YES WE STILL MUST PAY ANY FUTURE PET BILLS, A LITTLE AT A TIME! IF THESE VETS WE HAVE HAD NOT HELPED US! I KNOW I WOULD BE DECEASED BY NOW! LITERALLY! SENIORS ARE WORSE OFF THAN I AM! MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THEM EACH NIGHT AND ALL OTHERS OUT THERE THAT STRUGGLE TO LIVE! SO, $ 60.00 FOR MANY LOW INCOME CAN BE THEIR LITERAL DEATH SENTENCE, THEIR PET KEEPS THEM WANTING TO LIVE, THEIR PETS NEEDS, MEAN MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS! $ 60.00 CAN SEEM LIKE A MILLION TO A PERSON WITH LOW INCOME! IT IS SAD THAT SOME PEOPLE DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THE LESS FORTUNATE AND THE NEEDS OF THEIR LOVED ONES, THE BELOVED FAMILY MEMBERS CALLED PETS!

Sun, 03/17/2013 - 22:59 — Jo Ann Perkins ... (Visitor)
I whole heartly agree with Barbara speaking up for the Seniors and their low income with pets. No matter how you slice it, this is reality and life on lifes terms. Maybe their should be a fund for low income people who simply cannot afford to help pay theVet $65.00 or phone info cost like we do people with low income families. My pets are my family.Thank God for the Vet that was so understanding and let her pay it out in installments. We ask people to adopt that will make good parents and give the pets a good home so why not help them when they respond and there is a need they can't afford.The ad's call them A Man's Best Friend with unconditional love. I call them my beloved family, my Boo's. God Bless America and God bless my Pets.I love the stories our Troops tell about their love for them too.

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 19:55 — Susie (Visitor)
Again, if you have low income and your pet needs vet attention, contact IFAW and see if they have a free vet near you.

Sun, 03/17/2013 - 03:58 — Pam (Visitor)
I called Poison Control one weekend when our dog was foaming at the month after having a toad in his mouth and they didn't charge us anything. If turned out not to be poisonous and they asked questions that determined that, however, when this dog was a puppy he ate pine cones treated with copper sulfate and the vet did charge to help him and his brother. Sorry, but animals, like children do cost money and you really shouldn't have them if you can't afford to give them the care that they need. I struggle to take care of my rescue cats. The vet will give seniors a discount, or people who have trouble paying. I don't even have medical insurance for myself! I hope to get a job soon, as I've been caring for my elderly parents, but I am getting older. My Mom worked until she was 82 to help out with expenses. For many of us we can't depend on retirement to pay for our needs.

Sun, 03/17/2013 - 23:34 — rae (Visitor)
I am appalled at your so-called judgmental comments re: do seniors or anybody think about what it takes to raise a cat or dog. of course we do, however these companies like Friskies/Purina etc. charge almost .60-75 cents one one can of pet food! Cat litter keeps going up so yes I thought it out but I could not stank to see 3 kiitens get killed. FYI they are all fixed. I keep my stuff put up but accident happen! This is why we love our animals and still believe the price of the call is too expensive as well as the vet. Come on pet family, we need a network of vet's who charge based one's income, something o.k. Think about what those folks make an hour. I could go on but i won't, I've got to pray about this. P.S. Perhaps there can be a fund from those that have the $. to help those that need immediate help and I don't mean the Humane society. thank you.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 21:34 — Nice Thought But (Visitor)
It's a nie thought to have a network of vets who will treat based on income, or is the posison control line could be less expensice. But the fact of the matter is vet's have staff to pay, equipment to pay for, building rent, insurance, etc... and they have studnet loans in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. So unless someone is going to pay for all the veterinarians expenses, there is no way they can give away services (though some do at great expense to themselves). No one expects a human doctor to pay for their patients, but veterinarians for some reason are considered greedy/uncaring if they don't work for free.

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 00:39 — Becca (Visitor)
If you do look hard enough, there are vets based on income. We have a group here in TN that is called PPAW(People Premoting Animal Welfare) that will send another group called Kindness Counts to pick up your animals in a group and go and fix and accinate them for a low cost. I had Six cats done for 220 dollars. Not done all at once mind you, two and then four. And we have a local vet that will work with us. Ask too if you go into your vet and can't afford the meds that month or what not if they have samples of it. Also, liquid fle meds, when bought in bulk, is now more expensive then the pill version for animals. Look into different ways to save money but still provide top care for your animals. Call all vets and compare prices and just talk to them and ask others about how they are. Its like looking at human doctors. And i don't expect them to work for free. But there are some who will donate there time to help. Just see what your city has to offer.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 19:34 — Jamie Reis (Visitor)
I love my baby, he is the joy of my life and $65 is a lot of money to me. There are weeks that go by that I cant even afford food for myself, but I get him his doggie food. I just cant afford vet bills or to be charged to make a phone call to see if what he swallowed will kill him. Its the same principal if your toddler swallowed one of your cholesterol meds and you call the poison hotline and the other line states to continue this call please provide your credit card info to be charged $65. How many parents would be in the emergency room for something that could have been handled at home and then they cant pay the er bill so everyone else has to pay because the hospital raises their prices to help with the loss. Its ludacris to ask pet parents to choose between saving the life of there best friend or not being able to pay there rent that month. What would people do if they changed everything where what they do for pets they do for children as well? How would "you" like it if, because you make very little amount of money, they took your children away?

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 21:28 — Earl Hatleberg (Visitor)
Caring for a pet isn't a right. It's a responsibility.

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 18:29 — Marya Fitzgerald (Visitor)
I agree with the above comment. It's the poor who need to have pets; they have very few opportunities (or money) to do other things, so pets are really a necessity. It has been shown repeatedly in studies that older people--including and especially the poor--are healthier, and thus, cost "society" less in emergency medical care--if they have a pet! So give us a break, Ms. Privileged! When you're living on social security, the $65 fee is enormous. It might keep you from being able to pay your rent next month.

Sat, 04/06/2013 - 04:46 — Frances (Visitor)
Thank You so much for your post. I can't believe what has been posted here about some people not being able to afford 65.00 dollars for the vet. I have owned sweet amazing loving pekingese for many years now and would do anything for my baby but at times it's hard on a fixed income in today's world. But all means to the one who posted that the one who could'nt pay the 65.00 for vet bill shouldn't have a pet, you have so much money instead of down greading somebody pay the vet bill for them or don't say anything at all. And leave the Seniors out of it unless your trying to learn something from them because they've been through and seen more then you ever will.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 10:58 — Liz (Visitor)
That comment is just plain mean. So because some people can't afford a $65 phone call that doesn't help the animal with the poisoning, they are not responsible pet owners? If that's the case half of America can't afford their pets and would be best off to turn their beloved pets over to a shelter because the animal would have it there so much better. Not everybody makes 250 Grand a year.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 11:56 — Jovanny (Visitor)
I don't make 250k a year. I get paid 8 dollars an hour and work part time and my 2 dogs get veterinary care whenever they need it. Im a very underpaid vet tech, and if I can afford proper care for 2 animals with a minimum paying job... then any one should; and if you can't then I agree you shouldn't have an animal.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 12:43 — Anna (Visitor)
You just have nerve! You might be underpaid, but you're a vet tech, and I'm sure you either get your pet services for free or for very low cost.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 15:23 — Justin Martin (Visitor)
I have to agree with the vet tech ... if you own pets, you need to be able to afford their medical care. Pet insurance is an option ... or simply having an emergency fund. Being poor (wether it's your fault or not) is not an adequate excuse when another living creature, be it a child or a pet, is dependent on you to survive. That's not a judgement on how much love you provide, or how much emotional care you provide... but pets cost money.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 17:05 — Amy Wilson (Visitor)
Sorry, but I don't agree. If you have to pay $65 for just the phone call and then end up taking them to the vet also you have to pay for the exam and whatever treatments they need. Saying you should be able to pay for your pets vet care is totally different than saying $65 is a reasonable price for a phone call. Many people like me have rescued there pets to give them a better life and while we may be stretched pretty thin as a result will still do whatever it takes to save them in an emergency. So as a vet tech you are suggesting we should have just left them homeless to become one of the millions put down every year just because they want to charge a ridiculous amount for a phone call.

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 19:12 — SLV (Visitor)
While I agree with what others have said here about the need for more support for seniors and others on fixed incomes (there are some programs already, like CareCredit), I doubt that $65 price was determined at random. It costs money to have many phones lines, and a building (that needs to be heated/cooled/lit and have running water) to house those phones in, and knowledgeable staff there to operate those phones around the clock, so that your question can be answered correctly and in a timely fashion. People who provide emergency services - whether for pets or for people - have bills to pay too. For those people to be able to do the work they do, someone needs to pay them, and the ASPCA has determined that the best way to fund this service is by charging the people who use it. If there are no funds, there can be no service - and while $65 may be a lot of money to a lot of people, IMO it's better than having no one to call.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 21:41 — Well thought out (Visitor)
A well thoughtout and reasonable explanation of fees. To which the only logical reply can be...if you really loved animals you would work for free. People in the veterinary inudstry get jaded very fast because everyone expects them to work for free because they love animals. It doesn't matter that they also love their family and would like to provide their kids with clothing and food, and maybe a vacation every 4 or 5 years. But then you get the sob story about how someone can't afford pet care - then they leave in their new car, or go and smoke a pack of cigarrettes (there's a cheap habit), or complain that they have no money because thet just went on vacation...

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 04:58 — Mayla Smith (Visitor)
Do you have a family? Or are your pets your family? If you don't have any dependents except your pets, no wonder you can afford their vet care whenever they need it. Taking care of people costs a whole lot more, even one more person makes a big difference. Pets don't have to be clothed, they don't eat near as much as people and their food is a lot cheaper. Most of the time, they don't need the medical care a child or an adult does. And again, it doesn't cost as much. Pets also can usually be left alone when the pet parents are at work or whatever. Not children and not adults that need care. Childcare and adult daycare are very expensive. So, why can you afford the pet care whenever they need it? Think about being alone when your 60 or 65 and living on a very limited income, no wife, no children, no pets. Are you saying you wouldn't get a dog or cat? Because if you are, then you are either entirely unrealistic or just too limited in imagination to be able to suppose that could happen to you. That being said,, I have to have a dog or cat, preferably both. I have lost both of my sons, at different times, but I have 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren. However, I have PTSD, if I'm not living with my children and grandchildren, I HAVE to have my "babies", or I can't function. I'm living on a very limited income, so I know/use a lot of home remedies with common sense. As far as charging $65 for info on whatever your pet ate and what it will do to them, that's bull****!!! HEY FOLKS, if you don't have the internet at home, go to the local library, I'm sure you could find everything you need for free. Mr. vet tech, you are young and inexperienced, I hope you're not too narrow-minded to learn as you get older. Remember, you learn something new everyday- as long as you keep an open mind!

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