The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is a specialist UK-based 24-hour emergency telephone service for veterinary professionals and those working for animal welfare organisations. It offers service to callers throughout the world. It provides information and case specific advice on the diagnosis and optimum management of actual and suspected acute poisoning in animals.

Advice for every consultation is tailored to the specific case in question and can include a risk assessment, prognostic advice, information on anticipated clinical effects, suggestions for laboratory or other diagnostic confirmation of the suspected intoxication and appropriate treatment protocols compliant with current veterinary medicines legislation.

Since the service was officially launched in 1992 over 180,000 telephone enquiries have been taken; the VPIS is now the information source of choice for most UK veterinarians confronted with poisoning cases.

The enquiry service is delivered by a team of specialists in poisons information, all of whom are life science graduates with additional multi-disciplinary postgraduate qualifications. This highly experienced team has access to a comprehensive range of regularly updated information resources including:

Enquiries requiring specialist clinical expertise may also be referred to our Veterinary Consultants for further advice and guidance.

VPIS undertakes research by following up many of the cases referred to it and collecting and collating these and other published data to constantly refine and improve its recommendations and advice. Much of the data collected is published in articles and reports submitted to and presented at national and international conferences.

In addition, the VPIS regularly input to undergraduate and postgraduate courses at many of the UK veterinary colleges and provide CPD training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses already in practice. It collaborates with veterinary regulatory bodies, veterinary associations and animal welfare groups, producing leaflets, website articles and other publications to help promote awareness of potentially poisoning substances amongst pet owners and veterinarians. Our dynamic website provides a comprehensive range of practical and educational resource material.

VPIS is a subscription based service and operates a pay per case payment system. Membership is included with your first purchase and there are a range of flexible subscription packages to meet the requirements of small, large, individual and group practices. Managing an account is simple through the online credit purchase and top-up facility.

Veterinary Poisons Information Service

Mary Sheridan House

13 St Thomas Street

London SE1 9RY

Tel: +44(0) 20 7188 0200 (24 hour emergency number)

Tel: +44(o) 20 7188 0600 (Administration)

Fax: +44(0) 20 7188 0700

email: vpis@gstt.nhs.uk

website: www.vpisuk.co.uk