National Animal Poison Prevention Week – Mar. 21, 2027

National Animal Poison Prevention Week
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AwarenessPet HealthSafety
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United States
Date change rule:
Week starting with the 3rd Sunday of March
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National Animal Poison Prevention Week takes place every year during the third full week of March. This week educates pet owners on common toxins, signs of poisoning, and emergency response. Learn how to create a safer home environment, recognize symptoms, and act quickly to protect your beloved companions.

Want to sponsor National Animal Poison Prevention Week? Learn how

Expected National Animal Poison Prevention Week Deals

National Animal Poison Prevention Week focuses on education and awareness rather than commercial deals, but many organizations offer resources and support. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center encourages donations to support its 24/7 hotline and research. Pet supply retailers like Petco and Chewy often highlight pet-safe products and share educational content from veterinary partners. Local veterinary clinics may offer discounted consultations or free informational sessions on poison prevention. Pharmaceutical companies like Zoetis and Elanco might sponsor awareness campaigns through vet offices. Pet insurance providers such as Trupanion and Nationwide Pet Insurance often promote the week by sharing prevention tips and reminding owners of the importance of emergency coverage. We will update this page with confirmed live events and resources as March approaches.

Platform Guide for National Animal Poison Prevention Week

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PetPoisonPrevention. Share infographics on common household toxins or short videos demonstrating pet-safe storage solutions.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AnimalSafety. Host a live Q&A with a local vet on pet poisoning myths and facts, encouraging community engagement.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PoisonProofPets. Share quick tips and links to reputable resources from organizations like the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline.

Social Media Tips for National Animal Poison Prevention Week

Individuals

Audit your home for potential pet toxins, from cleaning supplies to certain plants and human foods. Create a checklist and share it with friends and family to spread awareness.

Creators

Produce a 'day in the life' video showcasing how you keep your home pet-safe, highlighting secure storage for medications, chemicals, and toxic foods. Include a call to action for viewers to check their own homes.

Brands

Pet food or supply brands can launch a 'Poison-Proof Your Home' campaign, offering discounts on pet-safe products or partnering with veterinary experts for educational content and giveaways.

Organizations & Brands for National Animal Poison Prevention Week

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

    Established in 1978, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is a 24/7 hotline and a leading resource for pet owners and veterinary professionals dealing with animal poisoning. They handle over 400,000 cases annually.

  2. Pet Poison Helpline

    Founded by veterinary toxicologists, the Pet Poison Helpline is another 24/7 animal poison control service available to pet owners and veterinary professionals. They offer expert advice and treatment recommendations for poisoned pets.

  3. Petco

    A leading pet specialty retailer founded in 1965, Petco offers a wide range of pet products, services, and educational resources. They frequently promote pet health and safety initiatives, including poison prevention.

  4. Chewy

    An online retailer of pet food and products, Chewy was founded in 2011 and has grown rapidly. They provide extensive resources on pet care, often partnering with veterinary experts to share safety information.

  5. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

    The AVMA, established in 1863, represents over 99,000 veterinarians and is a primary advocate for animal health and welfare. They provide comprehensive guidelines and resources on preventing pet poisoning.

  6. Solid Gold Pet

    Founded in 1974, Solid Gold Pet is a holistic pet food company known for its natural ingredients. They often educate pet owners on the importance of proper nutrition and avoiding harmful substances in pet diets.

  7. Greenies

    Known for its dental chews for dogs and cats, Greenies is a popular pet product brand. They contribute to pet health awareness by promoting safe treats and educating owners on proper pet care.

National Animal Poison Prevention Week Hero

Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant

Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant is a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and a prominent figure in animal poison control. She has served as the Medical Director for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and has authored numerous publications on veterinary toxicology. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of poisoning in companion animals, saving countless lives through her expertise and dedication to education.

History of National Animal Poison Prevention Week

Humans started domesticating animals long ago, probably since the cavemen walked around. Their purpose in our lives gradually underwent a shift, however. Cats no longer were simple ‘rat traps,’ and dogs went from hunting partners to humans’ best friends.

As the bond grew, so too did the knowledge that animals need as much, if not more, care as humans did. Animal care might have been rudimentary by today’s standards, but it still existed. Even the Ancient Romans would spay, castrate, and even operate on their pets as a form of care. Their invasion of various lands spread this knowledge of pet care, but the world still had a long way to go.

Then, in 1863, an American diplomat on assignment to Russia, Henry Bergh, prevented a carriage driver from beating his fallen horse. Upon returning to his hometown, New York, after his resignation, Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.). It became the first and only humane society in the Western Hemisphere.

Owners could not get information about pet care over the internet, so A.S.P.C.A. and other organizations’ pamphlets and articles came to the rescue.
By the 1990s, concern over animals had taken an upswing. People placed more value on the lives of animals. The next few decades saw organizations, even the Food and Drug Administration, taking more care to ensure every aspect of pet care — pet stores, pet food, and even pet toys — were safe.

The A.S.P.C.A., among other organizations, influenced legislation and legal proceedings, bringing to light animal suffering and highlighting our responsibilities in this regard. All these years later, we now view animal care very differently. National Animal Poison Prevention Week reflects our changing view of pet care and is a special event to protect our pet buddies from accidental harm.

National Animal Poison Prevention Week timeline

1866
The A.S.P.C.A. is Born

Ex-diplomat Henry Bergh asks for a nationwide anti-cruelty organization to be set up for animals — this organization can create and enforce animal protection laws.

1983
Pet Care Before the Internet

An article is written in the spring issue of “Animal Protection” magazine, outlining rabbit care.

2007
Largest Pet Food Recall in U.S. History

The Food and Drug Administration recalls pet food that contains harmful ingredients — this is the largest pet-food recall in American history.

2019
A.S.P.C.A.'s Top 10 Ten Toxins

To kick off National Animal Poison Prevention Week, the A.S.P.C.A. releases a list of Top 10 Toxins for pets — over-the-counter medications are at the top of the list.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Animal Poison Prevention Week

Local veterinary clinics can offer free or discounted poison prevention consultations for pet owners during this week, distributing educational brochures and creating engaging social media content. Pet supply stores can highlight pet-safe products, such as non-toxic cleaning supplies and secure storage containers, perhaps with a special discount. Groomers might share tips on safe grooming products and identify common toxic plants clients might have at home. Even restaurants with pet-friendly patios can participate by sharing lists of human foods toxic to pets, ensuring patrons are aware of the risks.

National Animal Poison Prevention Week FAQs

When is National Animal Poison Prevention Week?

National Animal Poison Prevention Week in 2027 is observed from Sunday, March 21, to Saturday, March 27. This annual observance serves as a vital reminder for pet owners to safeguard their furry companions from common household toxins.

How many pets are poisoned each year?

The Pet Poison Helpline reports tens of thousands of calls each year concerning animal poisonings, with common culprits including human medications, household products, and certain plants. These figures underscore the ongoing challenge of keeping pets safe.

What are the most common pet poisons?

For 2027, veterinary toxicologists emphasize that human medications, particularly NSAIDs and antidepressants, remain a leading cause of pet poisonings. Additionally, insecticides, rodenticides, and toxic plants like lilies pose significant threats, requiring vigilant pet owner awareness.

Is National Animal Poison Prevention Week part of National Poison Prevention Week?

In 2027, National Animal Poison Prevention Week aligns with the broader National Poison Prevention Week, often running concurrently or as a closely related initiative. This strategic timing ensures that the public receives comprehensive information on preventing accidental poisonings across all members of the household.

How to Observe National Animal Poison Prevention Week

  1. Learn how to protect your pets

    Brush up on your knowledge of common items that can harm your pets. Check online for various resources, or even talk to your veterinarian.

  2. Pet-proof your home

    Armed with the knowledge of what can harm your pet, go ahead and pet-proof your home and immediate surroundings. You can even check local pet-friendly places for plants and other things harmful to your pets, stay away, and warn others to do the same.

  3. Share your pet care knowledge

    Spread the knowledge about pet poisons to all the pet owners you know to ensure their pet is safe from possible danger.

5 Facts About Household Items That Can Poison Your Pets

  1. Sweet food items

    Many common sugarless gums, candies, mints, flavored multivitamins, desserts, and even baked goods might contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

  2. Human drugs

    Drugs like NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and antidepressants can cause serious health issues when ingested by pets.

  3. Flowers

    Some flowers like lilies are lethal to cats.

  4. Chocolate

    Certain types of chocolate, such as baker's chocolate and dark chocolate, are more harmful to pets than other chocolate products.

  5. Fertilizers and pest control

    Fertilizers and pest control products are often combined with dangerous chemicals that are harmful to pets if ingested.

Why National Animal Poison Prevention Week is Important

  1. We’re more aware of pet care

    Specifically, what constitutes 'poison' for pets, and how to protect them.

  2. We save pets' lives

    According to the A.S.P.C.A. website, countless poisoning complaints come in every year, and most are accidental poisonings. Spreading the word about National Animal Poison Prevention Week can help save our vulnerable pets from harm.

  3. We learn to avoid toxic products

    We're reducing our consumption of pet-toxic products, or at the very least, storing them where our pets cannot get to them.

National Animal Poison Prevention Week dates

Year Date Day
2026 March 15–21 Sunday–Saturday
2027 March 21–27 Sunday–Saturday
2028 March 19–25 Sunday–Saturday
2029 March 18–24 Sunday–Saturday
2030 March 17–23 Sunday–Saturday