Most Dog Owners Are Missing These Critical Emergency Numbers and Don't Realize It Until It's Too Late

Your dog is choking. Poisoned. Bleeding. Collapsing. You grab your phone and realize you have no idea who to call, and it’s after hours for your vet.

Most dog parents assume having their regular vet saved is enough. It’s not. Emergencies happen outside office hours. The phone numbers that actually save dogs in critical moments are the ones almost nobody thinks to save until the emergency is already happening, and every second of confusion costs time you don’t have.

In this article, you’ll discover the specific emergency contacts every dog owner needs saved right now. I even discovered several I had to add to my phone for my dog, Henry. These are the numbers that matter most when minutes count, and you may be panicked.

Budget tip:

Most of these phone numbers don't charge or charge minimally to call. The thought of knowing you don't haven't to grapple for the right number in a time of need is priceless. Having your phone prepared is a major win-win for you and your dog!

1. Veterinarian

This seems like an easy one to have in your phone. Although, it’s sometimes so easy it’s overlooked and put in your spouse’s, or you hit reply on voicemail. It’s good to have an easy-access phone number. You can do it any way you want in your phone.

For instance, in my phone, I have my dog, Henry’s vet listed as “Henry’s Vet” rather than the vet’s name or company name. This is simply because if there’s a traumatic situation, it’s easier to remember Henry’s Vet than the actual clinic’s name. Although, I do have all that information listed under “notes” in my contacts.

Still searching for a great vet? Learn how to find one in this article.

2. Emergency veterinarian

I have to admit, I didn’t have an emergency veterinarian in my phone until after Henry was attacked by dogs on a weekend. However, I now have three emergency veterinarians listed. My mom used to always say if something was going to require stitches, it would be after hours. She certainly hit the nail on the head with that one.

Want to learn how to reduce your emergency vet visits? This article reveals all the details.

3. Veterinarian Telehealth

VIP PetCare is a great place to call if you’re unsure whether your dog needs to go to the vet. Or if you are not close to your vet’s office. However, their hours are limited.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a low-cost vaccination clinic, PetVets offers them across the US. It’s easy to find one near you with the times each clinic is open for a walk-in appointment. You can find the closest one to you by going here and typing in your location.

For a list of online vets, check out this article.

Cost: Free

Questions covered: Both behavior and general veterinary questions can be asked and will be answered by qualified veterinarian professionals.

Animals covered: They provide care for only dogs and cats

Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. E.S.T.

Hotline number: 1-800-775-4519.

4. Animal control

You may think this is an odd one to put in your phone. But you’ll be surprised that it’s a very handy number to have when a loose dog is running around. It doesn’t matter if that dog is a stray dog or an aggressive dog. Plus, you can get information about leash and noise ordnances in your city from animal control. Additionally, if you should have any incidents with aggressive dogs, you’ll definitely want to report the dog owner and the event to animal control or even the animal services department in your town.

Additionally, you can report any suspected cases of animal cruelty to your animal services division for them to investigate. Most incidents will be investigated by an animal control officer. This is especially true if the event involves dog bites or a certain breed of dog.

5. Pet poison control

Scared your dog might have ingested something toxic, but your vet is not available or too far away? You can call an animal poison control hotline for a consultation. Someone is available to take your call 24/7, 365 days a year. However, these helplines charge. But keep in mind this is immediate help for your dog and the cost is still less than an emergency vet visit.

Here are the most reputable animal poison control hotlines:

Pet Poison Helpline

Consultation fee: $75 and follow-up consultations are included
Locations covered: Provides help for pet owners in USA, Canada, and the Caribbean
Hotline Hours: veterinarians are available for consultations 24/7, 365 days
Animals they can help: All pets (this includes dogs, cats, large, and small animals)
Poison hotline number: 855-764-7661

ASPCA – Animal Poison Control

Consultation fee: $75
Location covered: It’s not exactly clear how wide this helpline covers. But since it’s the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, I’ll guess it covers mostly America. Although, I’ve been wrong on numerous occasions.
Hotline hours: veterinarians are available for consultations 24/7, 365 days
Animals they can help: All pets and animals (this includes dogs, cats, birds, small pets, large animals, and exotic animals)
Poison hotline number: 888-426-4435

Pet insurance

If you have pet insurance, it may provide a FREE poison consultation. This is something you’ll want to consult your pet policy regarding.

NOTE: The fees could change at any time without much if any notice. But having access to a qualified veterinarian when you desperately need one can be priceless.

5 questions to expect as a pet owner when you call a pet poison helpline:

Your pet’s approximate weight
What you suspect your dog ingested
How much of the suspected toxic item you believe your dog ingested
Approximate time when your dog ingested the item
Symptoms your pet is exhibiting such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy

NOTE: As a pet parent, you should be aware that poisons can be super dangerous. If you suspect your dog could’ve ingested anything toxic, don’t waste time before acting. Either race to your veterinarian, call a pet poison helpline, or both.

6. Pet insurance

Speaking of pet insurance, if you have insurance for your dog, definitely plug that number into your phone. You’d be surprised what questions may pop up, like poison consolations, or what exactly is covered or not.

Additionally, when I put a number into my phone I will generally add the website or any other personal information I think I may forget at a critical time. This is a good one to add to the website in the contact info. Or any additional notes like your policy number. Although, make sure you have your phone as secure as possible.

7. Sheriff’s department

This is a great number to have on your phone. Often if I see a dog in a hot car, I will immediately call 911. They are equipped to rescue a dog or person from such a situation. You can also call animal control for a hot dog car recuse. Although, my experience is that dialing 911 will provide quicker action.

For instance, I recently called my local animal control for a hot car dog rescue. They drug their feet for about 10 minutes before deciding to send an agent. The animal control representative on the phone said they would prefer I find the car owner and resolve it that way, which took several minutes.

Conversely, when I’ve called 911 for the exact same sort of hot dog rescue, dispatch sent an officer immediately. And the dog was rescued within a couple of minutes.

Of course, this could be the politics or policies within my town and your town or city may work a bit more smoothly. My focus is always trying to save the animal as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the sheriff’s department is a great backup for when you can’t get answers through your local animal control. Whether you add the non-emergency number along with 911 or not. Personally, I have both plugged into my phone.

8. Microchip service

This may shock you to learn, but you really should update or at least check on your dog’s microchip information periodically. Think of it as a yearly checkup. Sometimes companies can merge. Or more likely your information will change, such as a phone number, address, contact, backup, veterinarian, or your dog’s medical conditions will change.

While most of this can be done online, there are times when it’s nice to talk to a live person. This is especially true if you have a lost pet. You’ll want to talk to a person to get help with notifications in finding your dog.

Want to learn more about microchipping? This article has everything you need to know and more.

9. Dog walker

There could be a time when you can’t get to your dog in a timely manner due to work obligations, traffic, or some other unforeseen obstacle. Having someone in your phone you can trust, like a dog walker to exercise and feed your dog is a great idea.

Discover how to find a great dog walker in this article.

10. Pet sitter

Again, there could be a time when you need someone to check on your dog when you are unable to do it. Thus, a trusted pet sitter might be perfect to call on during these types of situations.

11. Trusted neighbor, friend, or family member

This again goes back to building a network of people you can trust to check on your dog if for some reason you cannot. All these people may be great ones to add to your dog check-in list.

12. Doggie daycare

I like having a good doggie daycare on my phone. You never know when the day will go sideways and you need a good and safe place for your dog to be for the day. A great doggie daycare can give you peace of mind when the rest of the day seems to be falling apart.

Discover everything you need to know to find a great doggie daycare in this article.

13. Dog boarding facility

Who would guess you’d need a boarding facility or dog kennel in your phone? This is what I call, life happens and you respond. You may need to call on a dog boarding facility if there is an evacuation of your home, you have a family emergency out of town, or your work sends you unexpectedly out of town with little time to prepare. A great dog boarding facility can bring a sense of calm in the middle of chaos.

Additionally, the other great part is that a lot of doggie daycares have boarding facilities attached to them. Henry’s favorite doggie daycare has a boarding facility. He always thinks it’s Disneyland. I’m just grateful he’s willing to come home with me.

14. Dog parents

This one never occurred to me until about a year after I adopted Henry. But when you have a dog or any animal for that matter, you become part of a community. You’ll find your community when you’re out at the dog park, vet’s office, hiking, or on some other adventure. The good thing about the community of your local dog parents is you can bounce ideas and recommendations off each other.

Like when you need a new dog groomer, vet, or place to explore. These are the people that are walking in your shoes. They know what you’re going through in your local area. Even if it’s about the noisy next-door dog, they’ll have an idea or two you may not have thought of yet. These dog parents will have your back as you will them. It’s definitely a good idea to put them in your phone and they will do the same.

15. Dog groomer

Yep, I just mentioned it and you probably were expecting it, but putting your dog groomer in your phone is a great idea. Not only so you can book your appointments you want, but also so you can schedule a simple bath if you’re not up to it. Or even ask a question, such as what’s the best way to clean the goo off my dog’s face. A great dog groomer will have a great answer.

16. Dog trainer

You may have a terrific dog, who generally minds you at every turn. But suddenly, he or she might develop a new and not-so-great behavior. This is when you consult your dog trainer. Sometimes a simple consult over the phone will get the job done. Other times, the trainer will need to see your dog.

For example, if your dog has decided he or she needs to jump on everyone but wasn’t up until recently, that may be a phone consult. As for Henry, I consulted his trainer about him being excited about every one. She gave me suggestions, which definitely helped his behavior. But to be honest, people encourage his behavior which confuses Henry. So, we’ve tried to reach a happy middle ground.

17. Dog-friendly hotel

This is probably a surprising one to have on your dog phone list. I would recommend having a list of local or nearby dog-friendly hotels. You are probably asking why you’d want to add these numbers to your phone. Basically, you’re adding them for emergency purposes. For example, I live in wildfire and earthquake zone areas. When a disaster hits, you need a quick way to get your dog to a safe place and a dog-friendly hotel may be a great option.

Not sure how to find a great dog-friendly hotel? This article walks you through the process.

18. Pet store or online pet store

Again, this is if you or your dog should get displaced due to an emergency. It’s good to have your pet store or online store’s number on your phone. This will allow you to order your pup’s prescriptions, dog food, treats, or whatever you may need. This is especially true if you are displaced longer than your “dog bug out bag” is supplied for your pup. Most pet stores and all online pet stores will deliver.

Additionally, an online pet store, can generally find the products you’ve ordered in the past simply by your email address. That can make life easy if you can’t remember a specific username or password.

The most important dog parent numbers

I’m sure you never thought that it would be important to have your dog’s microchip service or pet insurance numbers plugged into your phone. But when you need something, your brain can do weird things.

Perhaps that’s part of the reason, my grandparents stressed the importance of preparation. Either way, when you are prepared, it allows you to react more quickly and put into action what you already know.

Rather than having to stop, research what you need, and then move forward. Maybe your parents or grandparents said something similar to you and your reaction at the time was more like my four-year-old brain thought, “Why can’t I just play? Why is everything a chore?” Although, I now look back and appreciate those lessons that were pounded into my head, including preparation.

Most Dog Owners Are Missing These Critical Emergency Numbers and Don’t Realize It Until It’s Too Late