Local residents are being encouraged to take the No Hot Pets pledge, vowing to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.
The initiative from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and participating SPCAs and humane societies across the province aims to help keep all animals safe this summer.
Visit nohotpets.ca to take the pledge and receive a free window decal for your car, while supplies last. You can also save a life when you report animals left unattended in vehicles by calling Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL, or your local police. If you see an animal in immediate danger, call 911.
"Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows open," says the Ontario SPCA in a press release. "If you can’t take your animal with you, the Ontario SPCA urges you to leave them at home where they are safe."
The campaign also encourages everyone to:
• Share the No Hot Pets message on social media using the hashtag #nohotpets
• Support businesses that allow animals in their store and encourage local businesses to take part. Digital signs are available for download at nohotpets.ca for businesses to place in their window, letting people know they are pet friendly.
• Ask your municipality to enact a bylaw to prevent animals from being left unattended in vehicles. Visit the website to access a form letter with a sample bylaw.
Visit nohotpets.ca to learn how you can get involved.
