Animal PoisonLine

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.

It is a triage service, which will let owners know if a trip to their vet is required. Based on the information the owner provides our vets and scientists will be able to tell the owner if they need to attend the vet.

The lines are open 24 hours a day. Calls cost £35 between Monday- Friday 8am to 8pm. Calls cost £45 at all other times including bank holidays.

Owners will not be advised on specific treatment.

If the owner is advised to take their animal to a vet, the practice should call the VPIS for further advice, if required.

Vets should continue to use the normal number 0207 3055 055 for their poisoning cases and admin enquiries.

Owners will be directed to the Animal PoisonLine number 01202 509 000. You may want to include this number in your Out of Hours answerphone message.

Please note that if the practice calls VPIS  following an Animal PoisonLine inqury –  the veterinary practice will still be charged for the case.

As we charge the veterinary practice for calling VPIS, we will in turn refund the owner for their call made to the Animal PoisonLine.

We can provide free leaflets telling owners about Animal PoisonLine and common toxins.