The Ontario SPCA has responded to about 280 to 300 reports of pets in hot vehicles so far this summer.
OXFORD COUNTY - With the current heat wave we're experiencing, the Ontario SPCA is once again asking pet owners to leave their furry friends at home.
Inspector Brandon James says they have already responded to quite few reports of pets in hot vehicles this summer.
"To date I believe there is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 280 to 300 calls for services for our officers throughout the province. That number is slightly lower than it really is actually because there is a reporting difference between certain communities and that doesn't take into account any reports local police services receive as well."
James says some people think it's okay to travel with a pet if it's cloudy; but that is not the case.
"Unfortunately when people leave their dogs in hot vehicles, they will succumb to the heat whether the sun is out or behind clouds. The best thing for people to do is leave your pet at home, these pets cannot sweat and expel that heat like you and I can and unfortunately they will succumb to it much more quickly than some people realize."
Leaving a dog in a hot car can not only lead to dehydration, but also brain damage, organ damage or even death.
If spot an animal in a car on a hot day, make sure you contact the OSPCA by calling 310-7722. It's also a good idea to contact local police, so someone can get to the scene as soon as possible.
Try to have someone run into the nearby store to page the pet owner. Make sure you remain on the line with the OSPCA dispatcher throughout this process, to keep them up to date with what's going on.
The Ontario SPCA will be wrapping up their No Hot Pets campaign this weekend.
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