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Why We Ask You to Call Pet Poison Helpline First

A guide for pet parents from The PARC

At The PARC, we’re here for your pet 24/7—whether it’s an emergency in the middle of the night or a scheduled visit during the day. One of the most common (and stressful) reasons pet parents come to us is because their pet may have eaten something potentially toxic.

If you’ve ever called or visited us in this situation, you may have heard us recommend that you contact Pet Poison Helpline first. We understand that this can sometimes feel confusing or even frustrating:

"Why do I need to call another service if I’m already at the vet?"
"Why is there a fee?"

These are completely valid questions—and we want to explain why this step is actually one of the best things you can do for your pet.

What Is Pet Poison Helpline?

Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) is a 24/7 animal poison control service available to both pet owners and veterinary professionals. When you call or chat with them, you’re connected directly with highly trained veterinary toxicology specialists who will:

  • Assess the risk level of what your pet may have ingested
  • Determine whether your pet needs immediate treatment, monitoring, or no intervention at all
  • Provide specific, up-to-date treatment recommendations
  • Help guide both you and your veterinarian through next steps

They also create a case report and provide you with a reference number, which becomes extremely important once you arrive at The PARC.

Why We Rely on Their Expertise

Even though our veterinarians are highly trained and experienced, toxicology is an incredibly complex and rapidly evolving field. Here’s why partnering with specialists matters:

1. There Are Thousands of Potential Toxins

From foods and plants to medications and household products, the list of possible toxins is enormous—and constantly growing.

2. Treatments Change Frequently

The recommended treatment for a specific toxin today may not be the same as it was a year ago. Toxicology specialists stay on the cutting edge of research and treatment protocols.

3. Every Pet Is Different

Your pet’s:

  • Current medications
  • Underlying health conditions
  • Species, breed, size, and age

…can all affect how a toxin behaves in their body and how it should be treated. Toxicology specialists take all of this into account when building a treatment plan.

Why We Ask You to Call First

This is one of the most important parts to understand.When you call directly:

  • You can provide firsthand, detailed information about what happened
  • The specialist can gather a complete and accurate medical history
  • They create a case file immediately
  • You receive a reference number

When you arrive at The PARC, we can use that reference number to:

  • Access the specialist’s report instantly
  • Download it into your pet’s medical record
  • Begin treatment faster and more accurately

What About the Fee?

Pet Poison Helpline charges a per-incident fee of $89, which includes:

  • The initial consultation
  • Ongoing case support for you and your veterinarian

Here’s something many pet parents don’t realize: If we call on your behalf, the cost is actually higher due to the extended consultation time required on the veterinary side.

By calling yourself:

  • You save money
  • You speed up care
  • You help us deliver more precise treatment immediately

How This Helps Your Pet

This process isn’t about passing you off—it’s about giving your pet the best possible care, as quickly as possible. With Pet Poison Helpline involved:

  • We’re not guessing—we’re following specialist-guided treatment
  • We avoid unnecessary treatments when they aren’t needed
  • We act quickly when something is dangerous
  • We tailor care specifically to your pet

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Concerning

  1. Stay calm
  2. Gather any information you can (what was eaten, how much, when)
  3. Contact Pet Poison Helpline right away (855-764-7661)
  4. Bring your reference number with you to The PARC

Our Commitment to You

At The PARC, your pet’s safety is always our top priority. If we ask you to make that call, it’s because we’re working to ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care—right from the start.

If you ever have questions about this process, our team is always here to help guide you.

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