Pets are getting into their owners’ weed — and it’s sending them to the emergency vet in record numbers.
Cannabis toxicity cases among pets doubled in four years, from 51 in 2021 to 102 in 2025, according to new data from Veritas Veterinary Partners, a national network of specialty and emergency animal hospitals that recorded 460 cases across seven facilities.
Early 2026 numbers suggest the budding trend will continue to rise, said Veritas.
Dogs accounted for 97% of incidents, while cats were more mellow at only 3%. Although most cases were treated without hospitalization, a shocking 10% required more intensive care.
Luckily, cannabis intoxication is rarely fatal, and no deaths were reported.
Edible cannabis gummy products were responsible for 44% of incidents, followed by 36% of plant material.
Badly concealed cannabis caches are a major problem. Only 22% of users reported using locked containers, while many pot users stored their products in drawers, nightstands, or on shelves — locations pets can easily smoke out.
Outdoor exposure also contributed to 22% of cases, often due to pets noshing on discarded pot dropped on sidewalks and public places.
“From a surgical perspective, the biggest concern isn’t just the THC, it’s the form it comes in,” Dr. Allison Rhode Newgent, Medical Director and board-certified surgeon at Greater Staten Island Veterinary Services, told The Post. “Edibles often include packaging or additional ingredients that don’t break down easily and can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction requiring surgery.”
The new survey revealed some startling facts about pets and cannabis in the home. Jack Forbes / NY Post Design Pet owner behavior during these incidents ranges from wildly concerned, to shame, with 21% seeking emergency veterinary care immediately; 21% searching online, and 21% simply monitoring their pet at home. Nearly half of the owners used AI tools to seek guidance.
Among those who did seek care, 38% admitted feeling embarrassed to disclose cannabis exposure, and some hid details from vets, which risked complicating a treatment plan.
However, 36% never contacted a veterinarian at all.
The survey also pointed out that awareness of cannabis toxicity symptoms in pets is low.
Half of pet owners could not identify a single symptom, and only 9% felt familiar with them.
According to the data, pet owners think info on the packaging needs to be more prominent — 51% of owners have never noticed pet-safety warnings, and 93% believe current labeling is inadequate.
“As legalization expands, safe storage and proper disposal are just as important as understanding the toxicity itself, added Dr. Rhode Newgent.
