When it comes to dog parenting, sometimes we need a little help! Whether you’re faced with an emergency situation and need expert advice or you’re in search of a trusted dog walker, there are resources for you. My advice: Save these phone numbers and web addresses now, so they’re just a click away when you need them!
Pet Poison Helpline – Website & Phone Number
If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous, The Pet Poison Helpline can provide immediate professional advice via telephone. They’re open 24/7. Here’s how it works: You call into the poison control center and are connected to a veterinary professional, who will gather information about the incident. They run calculations and will determine if the pet can be monitored from home or should be seen by your veterinarian. If veterinary care is warranted, they will work together with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan specific to your pet. $89 incident fee applies.
To Do Today: Grab your phone and save this contact information. You’ll want it on hand in case of a future emergency.
Pet Poison Helpline
1-855-764-7661
The sooner poisoning is addressed, the higher the success rate. So, if you’re in doubt about a potentially toxic substance your dog may have eaten, then call.
Pet Poison Helpline also has a wonderful website that features a Poison List. Simply search foods or items to see if they’re considered toxic to pets.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – Phone Number
Similar to the resource listed above, The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is another place you can turn to if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance. Their hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To Do Today: Grab your phone and save this contact information.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-426-4435
Your Local Emergency Vet – Phone Number & Address
Plan for the best, but prepare for the worst. You never know when an emergency will strike … and sometimes things happen when your regular veterinary office is closed. So what do you do? Well, that’s when you’ll need to turn to your local emergency veterinary hospital.
To Do Today: Rather than searching for a local emergency animal hospital when faced with an issue, do yourself a favor and do the research now. Save their phone number and address in your phone – so they’re ready to contact in an instant.
Vetster – Website
Are there ever times you wish you had a licensed veterinarian in your pocket? I’m talking about an expert you could quickly turn to without the hassle of leaving your home and stressing out your canine companion. Enter: Veterinary telemedicine. It’s where pet parents can connect with licensed veterinary professionals through video chat and other virtual means. Sure, telemedicine is not appropriate for every concern, and it doesn’t replace the need for a local in-person vet. But, there are many instances where virtual pet healthcare can come in handy. Vetster works with thousands of licensed veterinary professionals (both licensed doctors and technicians) across the U.S. and Canada. Here’s how it works:
- You visit the Vetster website and hit “Book an Appointment”.
- From there, you choose whether you wish to connect with a doctor (many doctors can diagnose and prescribe medications) or a technician (while they can’t prescribe medication, they can offer quick advice on a variety of topics).
- Next, you enter your location and the Vetster website will show you a list of licensed professionals available to connect with. You’ll get to see their photo, name, credentials, fee, and available appointment times.
- Select the expert you wish to connect with and finish booking.
- Last step: Use your smartphone or computer to join your virtual appointment. No downloads required! Plus, if your plans change, booking adjustments and cancellations are free.
To Do Today: Visit their website and create an account for your dogs. Then, save the link in case you ever need them!
Bring Fido – Website
If you’re anything like my family, when you’re ready to hit the road, Fido’s bag is packed and ready to go too. That’s where Bring Fido comes in. This website offers the information you’ll need to plan ahead so there won’t be any surprises when you arrive at your destination. Bring Fido lists over 200,000 pet-friendly places to bring your pooch to eat, sleep, and recreate with your dog. Users can compare rates to find the cheapest deals available. Plus, Bring Fido shares nearby veterinarians, pet stores, sitters, and other pet services.
*Tip: Always call ahead for reservations and make sure nothing has changed with the pet-friendly accommodations. You never know if a new owner or management took over and possibly changed the rules.
To Do Today: Save the website!
Rover – Website
Rover is a website that connects you to area dog walkers and pet sitters. Their services:
- Boarding – Your dog stays at a sitter’s house.
- House sitting – A sitter comes to your house.
- Walking – Someone comes to walk your dog around your neighborhood when you’re too busy.
- Doggy daycare – Your dog spends the day at your sitter’s home. Drop them off in the morning and pick up a happy pup in the evening.
- Drop-in visits – Your sitter drops by your home to play with your pets, offer food, and give potty breaks or clean the litter box.
I was very skeptical of Rover because the idea of leaving my fur kids with a total stranger is a nerve-wracking one. However, I have used the house sitting services before and had a wonderful experience. I shared a full review and success tips, which you can read HERE.
To Do Today: Save the website!
