Mont Clare Animal Hospital
6854 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60707
773-237-0716

National Animal Poison Control Center

1-900-680-0000 (charged to your phone bill)

1-800-548-2423 (credit cards)

Located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPPC) is a non-profit service of the University of Illinois. It is the first animal-oriented poison center in the United States. Since 1978, it has provided advice to animal owners and conferred with veterinarians about poisoning exposures. The NAPCC's phones are answered by licensed veterinarians and board-certified veterinary toxicologists.

What makes NAPCC different from other poison control centers?

The NAPCC is staffed with veterinary health professionals who are familiar with how different species respond to poisons and treatment protocols. At their fingertips, they have a wide range of information specific to animal poisoning. They also have an extensive collection of individual cases -- over 250,000 -- involving pesticide, drug, plant, metal, and other exposures in food producing and companion animals. This specialized information lets the experienced NAPCC staff make specific recommendations for your animals, rather than generalized poison information provided by a human poison control center.

What is the cost of this service?

Depending on which option is chosen, the charge is $20.00 for the first five minutes, then $2.95/minute thereafter when using the 900 number. If you use the 800 number, the charge is $30.00 per case (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express only). With the 800 access, only the NAPCC will do as many follow-up calls as necessary in critical cases and, if you wish, will consult with your veterinarian. Some clients of the NAPCC Animal Product Safety Service will absorb the cost of your call.

What is NAPCC's Animal Product Safety Service?

The NAPCC offers to manufacturers of animal and agricultural products an extensive animal product safety program. The program provides a toll-free animal product safety number which can be printed on product labels and literature. The around-the-clock service assists owners and veterinarians with questions or suspected poisonings. The program also manages case records, compiles quarterly case reports and consults with the manufacturer's professional staff to improve product safety. Additional services are available to tailor an animal product safety program to meet each manufacturer's needs.

What should be done if an animal has been poisoned?

Immediately call the NAPCC. Be ready to provide:

Your name, address, and phone number

Information concerning the exposure (the amount of agent, the time since exposure, etc.), and if the agent is part of the Animal Product Safety Service, the consultation is at no cost to the caller. It is very important to provide accurate information on the agent.

The species, breed, age, sex, weight, and number of animals involved.

The agent your animals have been exposed to, if known; and

The problems your animals are experiencing.

If you are unable to access the 900 number, call your telephone company for operator assistance, or use the 800 number. When the 800 number is used, your credit card number will be required in addition to the above information.

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

To obtain a complete list of plants, both toxic and non-toxic, including their scientific names and associated problems/hazards, write the NAPCC, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801. Enclose a check for $10 payable to the NAPCC.

Mont Clare Animal Hospital 6854 W. Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60707 773-237-0716