More and more pets are getting into their owners’ cannabis plants, leading to an alarming increase in emergency vet visits. Data from Veritas Veterinary Partners indicates that cases of pet cannabis poisoning have doubled over the past four years, jumping from 51 incidents in 2021 to 102 in 2025. In total, 460 cases were documented across seven veterinary facilities, and early figures for 2026 suggest this trend is likely to keep growing.
Interestingly, dogs accounted for 97% of these incidents, with cats only making up 3%. While most cases were treated without the need for hospitalization, about 10% required more intensive care. The good news is that, thankfully, cannabis intoxication is rarely fatal, and no deaths have been recorded.
A significant portion of these accidents — 44% — involved edible cannabis gummies, while 36% were related to the plant material itself.
A common issue appears to be the way cannabis is stored. Only 22% of users reported keeping their cannabis in locked containers. Many simply placed it in drawers or nightstands, leaving it accessible to curious pets. Additionally, outdoor exposure accounts for 22% of cases, often stemming from pets sniffing discarded cannabis products found in public places.
Dr. Allison Lord Nugent, medical director at Greater Staten Island Veterinary Services, highlighted that the form of cannabis products can be just as concerning as THC exposure. “Edibles often include packaging or ingredients that can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues and sometimes necessitate surgery,” she explained.
The reactions of pet owners during these incidents varied widely. Some were immediately worried and rushed their pets to emergency care, while others opted to search online or just monitor the situation at home. Almost half relied on AI tools for guidance.
Among those who sought treatment, 38% felt embarrassed about admitting their pets’ cannabis exposure, with some even withholding information from veterinarians, complicating care. Frustratingly, 36% didn’t contact a vet at all.
A surprising finding was the low awareness regarding the symptoms of cannabis intoxication in pets. Around half of pet owners could not identify any symptoms, and a mere 9% recognized the signs when they saw them.
Moreover, many owners believe that safety information on product packaging needs improvement. A striking 51% claimed they had never noticed any pet safety warnings, and 93% felt current labels did not sufficiently convey the risks.
Dr. Lord Nugent emphasized that as cannabis legalization continues to expand, ensuring safe storage and proper disposal is just as crucial as understanding the potential toxicity of these products.
