Campaign warns motorists that leaving pets in hot car a fatal mistake
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“I was only gone for a few minutes!” This common excuse for leaving a pet alone in a hot car can have dire consequences in the scorching heat.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society branches are reminding pet owners there’s no “safe” amount of time to leave a pet alone inside a hot vehicle, especially during a heat wave like the one in the GTA this week.
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To help spread the word, the animal welfare agencies have launched the “No Hot Pets” campaign, which allows pet owners to take a pledge to keep their furry friends safe.
Blair Budgell, events coordinator for the Humane Society of Durham Region, explained the rationale for the campaign: “We’re seeing record high numbers this summer with lots of heat warnings, and sometimes people aren’t remembering to keep their pets out of the cars.
“This is an issue that we have spoken about over many years but this year we’re really pushing for our community to help the Ontario SPCA spread this message.”
In addition to spreading the word among pet owners, the SPCA’s campaign also encourages businesses to make their locations pet-friendly destinations, so humans can bring their animals inside during a stop.
“So, Canadian Tire, for example,” Budgell said. “You’re allowed to bring your pets into Canadian Tire — on a leash, of course. So we’re trying to foster that throughout more stores in Ontario … and trying to help them promote themselves as being a pet safe place.” Pet-friendly businesses can find printable signage on the nohotpets.ca website to promote their locations.
The best way to keep animals safe, Budgell added, is to keep them at home unless necessary. “Leaving them at home is really your best call. Hopefully, all of our animal parents have set up a nice safe sanctuary in their home, so then leaving them there would be the best.
Of course, we understand that there are some circumstances where animals can’t be left at home. So, we’re just hoping that people will make arrangements for those animals to be safe.”
If you’re heading on vacation with your pet, Budgell recommended being prepared before setting out to minimize stops. “We like to say that there is no safe amount of time (to leave a pet in the car.) Even if you have the windows open or if you’ve parked under a nice shady tree, those cars heat up very, very quickly, especially depending on what colour of car you have.”
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Keeping fresh water on hand for your pet is always a good idea, and drivers can use services like grocery pick-up where a store employee delivers items to your vehicle. Some other tips Budgell suggested include: “If you know you’re going into the car, maybe go outside and turn on your car for a few minutes, like you would in the winter to heat up, to cool it down.”
Speaking with a vet can also be helpful, as each individual pet’s needs will differ. “You can contact your vet and say, ‘Hey, here’s the problem. Here’s what I’m going to be doing. What’s the best way for me to support my animal?’”
Found a hot pet?
If a pet is located alone inside a vehicle, Budgell recommended calling the proper authorities. “If it’s not an emergency situation, if the animal’s not in immediate danger, then we suggest you call the provincial animal welfare services, which is 1-833-9-ANIMAL. They’re going to give you the guidance that you’re going to need just because every single situation is slightly different.
“If they are in immediate danger, then reaching out to 911 is going to be your best bet.”
Keep cool
Pet owners who take the “No Hot Pets” pledge on nohotpets.ca are also eligible to win a prize pack to help their pets beat the heat this summer.
“There’s some cool stuff in that prize bag,” Budgell said. “There’s some enrichment toys, a bowl, a water bottle, one of those towels that cool down your dogs, as well, and then a Yeti cooler.” More details can be found on the site.
lnelles@postmedia.com
Twitter: @shantoranelles
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