Important Phone Numbers

An article in a past issue of Bird Talk supplied several phone numbers that could be very helpful in emergencies and in trying to find a good vet:

Call: American Animal Hospital Association: 1-800-252-2242

You will be asked you zip code (so know it!) and the distance you are willing to travel, and the AAHA will provide vets in your area.  (I think it would be good to call these guys long before an emergency comes up, and make the drive at least once so you'll be familiar with the route. Also, have a carry cage handy, with a clean towel in it, to transport the bird.)

Call: National Animal Poison Control Center at: 1-888-426-4435.

The person answering will provide the closest poison control center in your area, and give advice on emergency care.
Note: Try to know what your bird got into. (Or just keep all poisons AWAY from your birds and save yourself the trouble.)

Check out the Assoc. of Avian Vets, at their website: www.aav.org

Contact your state's Consumer Affairs Bureau. This # is generally listed under "state government" section of the yellow pages.   You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, online at www.bbb.org

Send a letter to your state veterinary medical board. If you don't know the address, contact the Am. Assoc. of Veterinary State Boards at (816) 931-1504 or visit the website at www.aavsb.org

The Assoc. for Pet Loss and Bereavement can give you a referral for counselors and support groups in your area. Visit their website at www.apbl.org.  The Delta Society makes referrals as well: www.deltasociety.org and Pet Friends offers referrals and free information: 800-404-PETS (7387)