Six Essential Numbers For
Every Pet Owner
 

By Dr. Olakunle Ayeni, DMV
originally written for www.animalevent.com (no longer available)

Many times in life, help is so near that we often forget where to find it. It is so near and sometimes
free, but we just don't remember where we left such vital information. That is the case of many of
us who are pet owners. We know our vet and his/her emergency number, and that is it. The internet is not helping, either, with every website hoping to lure you with "an online Veterinarian on staff," but still you can't talk to a real person who will understand your problem and help your need. What should you do if there is a disaster, loss of Fido to an accident, rare poison that your local vet and you do not know about, or your pet is lost or stolen? "Well, I really don't know," someone once told me.

Help to me is still with a simple phone call, an old box invented by Mr. Bell. I have pulled together pet resources and helpful phone numbers. These are six important toll free numbers every pet owner should have on their fridge at home. A blue print of vital information when you need one; free help to solving landlord-tenant issues, vet problems, neglect and any form of abuse; where to call for emotional support for those who have lost an animal friend, or are anticipating the loss of their pet; even where to spay your pet for little to nothing. Your vet is great, but it doesn't hurt to save some money.

These toll free numbers are not only important. They can help to save lives.

1. National Pet Recovery Hotline: 1-800-984-8638
Whenever your pet is lost, this is one of your first places to report your missing friend. This 24-hour
service will help you to locate your pet. Lost pets usually end up in an animal shelter before the county or city steps in. Members pay $25.00 for the lifetime of the pet, and non-members pay $50 and more.

2. Animal Legal Defense Fund Hotline: 1-800-555-6517
"I think my neighbors are abusing their pet. Can I do any thing to stop them?" Here is the number to call. The Animal Legal Defense Fund helps with landlord-tenant issues, vet problems, neglect and any form of abuse. To know your rights and how to go about expressing your displeasures, this number is for you. But try not to call because you don't that like someone's method of training his or her dog.

3. National Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435
In a life and death situation when every minute counts for your cat, dog or other pet, this 24-hour
manned emergency number is your pet lifesaver. Sponsored in part by 36 different companies, there
is a $45.00 charge for consultation.

4. Emergency Disaster Hotline: 1-800 227-4645
Provided by the American Humane Association, They provide support and relief information, what to do and where to go, how to prepare for any disaster. This number is your first point of call in an
earthquake or any disaster.

5. Pet Loss Support Hotline: 1-888 478-7574

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides a source for emotional support for those who are grieving over a lost animal friend, or are anticipating the loss of their pet. Veterinary
students at the college staff this free service, a 24-hour touch-tone phone line where you can leave a message and someone will return your phone call. Seven days a week 6:00pm - 9:00pm CST, May to August. Wednesdays and Fridays 6:00 pm - 9:00pm September to April. This free service is funded by the Iams Company and dedicated in memory of Krista Rankin who organized the initial hotline.

6. Spay Help Line: 1-800-248-SPAY

One way to prevent lovely but unwanted pets from ending up in shelters or being destroyed is to spay or neuter them. Thousands of abandoned and unwanted pets are euthanized yearly due to
irresponsible breeding and other factors. So before you consider going to the vet for spaying or
neutering, this organization can help you. SPAY USA provides free or low cost services to all. Call
them for an appointment and locations of over 950 programs and clinic nationwide. Your local
shelters also help in providing similar services.

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