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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYou should not call 911 for a pet, as there\u2019s very little that a 911 operator as well as responding firefighters or police officers can do for a pet in an emergency. Instead, contact an emergency animal hospital or your veterinarian.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ll talk further about who you should and shouldn\u2019t call when a pet emergency arises. This is valuable information, especially if you have pets in the house, so make sure you keep reading! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dog is choking on a big chicken bone. Your cat has ingested chocolate and has fallen very ill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you see your beloved four-legged friend in such a condition, you\u2019re going to feel extremely panicked. Unfortunately, panic can rob you of rational decision-making, so you might dial 911. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 911\u2013or your country\u2019s equivalent\u2013is an emergency phone line. However, it\u2019s only designed for human emergencies, not those affecting animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s why you shouldn\u2019t call 911 when your pet is severely injured or ill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re Wasting the 911 Operator\u2019s Time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Walden University, every day in the United States, citizens in need will make over 600,000 911 calls.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yours is one of the hundreds of thousands that a 911 operator will deal with. Although you do need help and this is a real emergency, in the eyes of the 911 operator, you\u2019re wasting their time since yours is an animal emergency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The operator needs to be available to answer other calls for human emergencies, which a 911 operator can help with by deploying the local police<\/a> department or fire department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your call is unfortunately preventing the operator from doing their job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You Could Get in Trouble <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve written about on the blog, you can\u2019t be denied future services for calling 911 more than needed, but it\u2019s not something you want to make a habit of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some states will fine you and others count the offense as a criminal penalty that could result in jail time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, calling 911 once for an animal emergency without knowing that you shouldn\u2019t do that is not going to get you in any serious trouble. The 911 operator will likely quickly tell you who to call and then disconnect so they can address other emergencies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nCan You Call 911 for Your Pet? Why You Should NOT Do This<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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