A record number of pets in the UK are ingesting recreational drugs and requiring veterinary care, according to figures shared with the Guardian. The UK’s only emergency poison centre for animals recorded its highest ever number of calls in 2025 concerning animals poisoned by cannabis, cocaine, magic mushrooms, and nicotine, and is projected to see similar numbers this year.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) and Animal PoisonLine (APL) reported a 42% increase in calls related to recreational drugs and nicotine in 2025, rising from 445 calls in 2024 to 633. This increase surpassed the 26% rise in total calls to the services over the same period. Dr Nicola Robinson, head of service at VPIS, noted that the centre is currently very busy and anticipates another record year.
Dogs are frequently affected, with owners reporting that pets have consumed drugs from user vomit, faeces, abandoned food, or discarded nicotine products. Dr Robinson highlighted that cannabis is a growing issue, often found by pets in public areas such as alleyways, parks, and even rural woods. Highly food-motivated breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles are considered most at risk, according to Aimee Warner, a vet at dog insurer Waggel.
Owners are advised to take any animal suspected of ingesting recreational drugs to a vet immediately. Dr Robinson stated that owners should not delay by calling the Animal PoisonLine, but rather seek direct veterinary care.