Temperatures are set to soar in Metro Vancouver this weekend and the BC SPCA, together with Coquitlam RCMP, are reminding the public to refrain from leaving pets or children in their vehicles.

On a sweltering day, the hot air and upholstery in a vehicle can make it impossible for pets or humans to cool themselves. Both animals and humans can withstand high temperatures for only a short time – usually just 15 to 20 minutes. Anything longer could cause suffering irreparable internal organ, brain damage or death.

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“In the spring and summer months when the weather gets warmer, the best way you can show how much you love your pet is to leave them at home,” says Eileen Drever, the BC SPCA’s senior officer protection and stakeholders’ relations.

“If you are running errands with your pets or children, take them out of the vehicle with you,” said Corporal Alexa Hodgins from Coquitlam RCMP. “We are hoping through education we can prevent hot-vehicle related fatalities this spring / summer season.”

The BC SPCA has outlined some steps pet owners can take to keep their beloved pets and children safe when the weather is warm:

Leave your pet at home where they can be more comfortable with water and shade
Keep emergency supplies – such as bottled water, small bowl, towel – in your vehicle
These items can be used to help hydrate an animal (if a window has been left open) while you wait for assistance
Be an advocate by spreading the word that pets and children should not be left in hot vehicles

If you are out and you see a dog in distress in a hot car, here’s what you can do:

Note the licence plate and vehicle information
If the vehicle is parked near a business, as the manage to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately
Call to report if no owner is found or the animal is suffering from the heat
Contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 or in an emergency, contact 9-1-1

For more tips, visit the BC SPCA website here.

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