Never leave pets in hot vehicles, GHS warns owners

GUELPH – With summer temperatures now here, the Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is reminding the public that leaving pets unattended in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, can quickly become fatal.

“Heat creates dangerous conditions for pets left inside vehicles,” said Katherine Leonard, senior manager of community services in a news release. 

“Even with the windows cracked or the vehicle parked in the shade, temperatures inside a car can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes. If your pet cannot accompany you inside, the safest place for them is at home.”

Leaving animals unattended in your vehicle can be distressing and leaving them when the temperatures continue to rise exacerbates this distress and can lead to deadly consequences.

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently. 

Dogs control their body temperature by panting; if they are breathing in hot air, they are at risk of overheating. Heatstroke can rapidly lead to organ failure, collapse and death.

Cats are also at risk of developing fatal heatstroke in a hot car just as dogs can. 

Cats may be especially vulnerable because they often hide signs of distress, making overheating harder to recognize before it becomes an emergency.

“Already this year, our team has responded to multiple calls from concerned community members for pets who have been left in parked cars, typically outside grocery stores, local businesses, or restaurants,” said Leonard. 

Additionally, pet owners may face charges under the Provincial Animal Welfare Act.

Signs of heat distress in pets include:

– excessive barking, panting or drooling;

– vomiting or diarrhea;

– lethargy or uncoordinated movement; and

– collapse or unconsciousness.

GHS is urging the public to:

– leave pets at home during errands or outings where they cannot accompany you indoors;

– never leave pets unattended in parked vehicles, even briefly;

– plan ahead when travelling with pets to ensure they can remain cool and safe; and

– call 911 immediately if an animal appears to be in immediate distress inside a vehicle.

Anyone with concerns for a pet left unattended in a vehicle is encouraged to call their local humane society and police for assistance.