It is, unfortunately, that time of the year again when news feeds are filled with stories about people leaving their pets in hot cars.
Last week's heat wave broke several records in several communities. Smithers hit 33 degrees on July 8, beating out the previous daily high for that day which was set last year at 31.9. The mercury also hit 33 in Terrace that day, beating the record set in 2010 of 32.6 degrees.
In 2023, the BC SPCA Animal Helpline received 837 calls about animals in hot cars. So far in 2024, the Animal Helpline has already received 257 calls – but the SPCA said that number is expected to rise with the temperatures.
After just 20 minutes on a 26-degree day, the inside of a car can hit 42 degrees. According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. The heat is extra tough for dogs to beat because they can only cool themselves by panting.
“We hear it all the time, ‘I was just running into the store, I was only gone a few minutes!’ but what many people don’t understand is that even a few minutes can have fatal effects for an animal," said Eileen Drever, senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA in a press release.
"Not to mention, even the shortest trips can easily turn into a half an hour or more in the store while your pet suffers in the heat.”
The BC SPCA also wants to remind the public that breaking a car window to remove an animal is both illegal and dangerous for the human and the animal. According to Drever, only RCMP, local police, and BC SPCA animal protection officers have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress.
If people see an animal locked in a car, the SPCA said to take note of the license plate, vehicle colour, make and model and connect with nearby businesses to have the animal owner paged to return to their vehicle immediately. If the animal is showing signs of distress (exaggerated panting or no panting at all, salivating, an anxious or staring expression, muscle tremors or lack of coordination, convulsions, vomiting, collapse), call your local animal control agency or RCMP.
Remember to relay location information of the car including city and landmarks, especially if the vehicle is located in a busy parking lot, and listen to the instructions of the call takers.
My dog loves to run errands with me, but right now, it isn’t safe. She is better off at home in the cool house. I wish more stores around here were pet-friendly. I love the idea of putting my dog on the leash and walking through aisles for a quick few things.
While I understand there are a few places pets shouldn’t be in, I think a good majority of stores would be safe. Most people’s pets are like family. And if it could save a life, bringing them in, instead of leaving them in a car, it would be worth it.
Bottom line, though, don't leave your pets in the car.
