ASPCA Sees Increase in Number of Calls to Poison Control Center in 2024, Including Rise in Cases Related to Hallucinogenic Mushroom Consumption

NEW YORK – In recognition of Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22, 2025), the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is releasing its annual list of top pet toxins encountered by veterinary professionals at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). In 2024, APCC staff responded to more than 451,000 calls related to toxic substance, plant and poison exposures in animals, representing a nearly 4% increase in calls compared to the year prior.

Each year, APCC’s staff of veterinary toxicologists examine data from the previous year to identify trends and raise awareness about the top toxins that pets are exposed to. By providing toxicology resources, consulting services, and diagnostic and clinical treatment, the APCC’s team of highly trained veterinary professionals – including 25 veterinarians boarded in toxicology – assisted over 322,000 animals nationwide in 2024.

In 2024, over-the-counter (OTC) medications remained the top animal toxin on APCC’s list, accounting for 16.5% of all exposures. Vitamins and dietary supplements were the top OTC medications called about in 2024. Accidental exposures can occur when people drop their pills or leave bottles of pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen where pets can access them.

Food and drink followed closely in the number two spot, accounting for 16.1% of all exposures in 2024. The primary items in this category that pet owners called about were protein drinks and bars, xylitol-laden chewing gum, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic. Chocolate exposures also slightly increased compared to 2023, coming in at 13.6% of exposures last year. Accidental chocolate ingestion was particularly prevalent among dogs, who are more prone to eating an entire chocolate bar or tray of brownies as opposed to cats who might nibble on a chocolatey treat and then lose interest.

Recreational drugs including marijuana-based drugs and hallucinogenic mushrooms (psilocybin and muscarine), which first made the APCC top ten list in 2022, remained in the tenth spot for the third year in a row. While exposures to THC-based drugs are decreasing, likely due to increased knowledge among pet owners about the dangers of marijuana products, hallucinogenic mushroom exposures increased as these drugs became more widely legalized and accessible.

“Every year, we notice an increase in the number of calls from concerned pet owners regarding potential toxin exposure. This trend shows a growing awareness of the potential risks faced by our beloved pets," says Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “For over 45 years, the APCC has been a trusted resource for both pet owners and veterinarians during emergencies involving toxic ingestions and exposures. We truly understand the anxiety that comes with these situations, and we are committed to supporting pet families in need, positioning ourselves as a leading resource in veterinary toxicology to protect and save more precious animal lives.”

The APCC’s list of top toxins encountered in 2024 can be downloaded at the link HERE. This information is presented in partnership with long-time ASPCA supporter BuzzRx^®, which offers free prescription discount cards benefiting not-for-profit organizations like the ASPCA. Each time you save on prescriptions for yourself or your pets using the card, BuzzRx donates $1 to the ASPCA.  

Since its inception over 45 years ago, the APCC 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year hotline has served as a critical and trusted resource for pet owners and veterinarians nationwide in keeping animals safe and healthy. The APCC has developed a sophisticated veterinary database system called AnTox™ that helps identify and characterize toxic effects of substances in animals and helps APCC veterinary professionals in their lifesaving work. In addition to assisting pet owners facing medical emergencies at home, the APCC works closely with veterinary clinics to provide their deep expertise to save more animal lives. 

For more information about the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, visit aspca.org/poison. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.