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1. NATIONAL PET RECOVERY HOT LINE: 1-800-984-8638. Whenever your pet is lost, this is one of your first places of help to report your missing friend. This 24-hour service will help you to locate your pet. Lost pets usually end up in an animal shelter before the county or city steps in. Members pay $25.00 for the lifetime of the pet or $55.00 to find the pet for free and non-members pay $50 and above.

2. LEGAL HOT LINE: 1-800-555-6517. I think my neighbors are abusing their pet. Can I do any thing to stop them? Here is the number to call. To know your rights and how to go about expressing your displeasures, this number is for you. But try not to call because you don't like someone's method of training his or her dog. Animal Legal Defense Fund help with landlord-tenant issues, vet problems, neglect and any form of abuse.

3. NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER: 1-888-426-4435. In a life and death situation when every minute counts for your cat, dog or other pet, this 24-hour manned emergency number is your pet lifesaver. Sponsored in part by 36 different companies along with a $45.00 charge for consultation.

4. EMERGENCY DISASTER HOTLINE: 1-800-227-4645. Provided by the American Humane Association, this number is your first point of call in earthquake preparedness for your pets or any disaster, what to do and where to go. They provide support and relief information.

5. PET LOSS SUPPORT HOT LINE: 1-888-478-7574. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides a source for emotional support for those who have lost an animal friend or are anticipating the loss of their pet. Veterinary students at the college man this free service. A 24-hour touch phone line where you can leave a message and someone will return your phone call. Seven days a week 6:00pm-9:00pm CST, May to August, Wednesdays and Fridays 6:00pm-9:00pm. This free service is funded by the Iams Company and dedicated in memory of Krista Rankin who organized the initial

6. SPAY HELP LINE: 1-800-248-SPAY. One way to prevent several unwanted lovely pets from ending up in shelters or destroyed is to spay or neuter them. Thousands of pets are euthanized yearly due to over irresponsible breeding and other factors. So before you consider giving off your pet to the shelter, this organization can help you. SPAY USA provides free or low cost services to all. Call them for an appointment and locations of over 950 programs and clinic nationwide. Your local Shelters also help in providing similar services.

Dr. Olakunle Ayeni DVM

Dr. Ayeni is a Veterinarian, educator and founder of http://www.animalevent.com He has written many articles and e-books, one of which is "16 Most Important Telephone Numbers Every Pet Owner Should Know." To download a full copy of this free e-book go to http://www.animalevent.com/ebook