Find a cool place in the shade for them to stretch their legs, eat and drink and relieve themselves — asphalt can burn your pet’s pads
Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and open windows, so if you can’t take your animal with you, the Ontario SPCA urges you to leave them at home where they are safe.
But, if you’re planning on hitting the road for a long weekend adventure to wrap up the summer, the Ontario SPCA wants you to plan ahead and take the No Hot Pets pledge to keep your furry friends safe and comfortable.
Here are five tips to make it a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone:
- Run errands and pick up supplies before you load up and leave home.
- Plan your route with pet-friendly stops along the way.
- Travel with someone who can stay in the car with your animal if you need to stop.
- Use the drive-thru or pack your meals to ensure your animal isn’t left unattended at mealtimes.
- If you’re taking breaks along the way, remember that hot asphalt can burn your pet’s pads. Find a cool place in the shade for them to stretch their legs, eat and drink and relieve themselves.
See related: Car safety in hot weather: what every parent and pet owner should know
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and participating SPCAs and humane societies across the province are asking you to help keep animals safe this summer by taking the No Hot Pets pledge vowing to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.
See also: No Hot Pets pledge: Never leave animals unattended in a vehicle
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. The Ontario SPCA is not the appropriate authority to call if you see an animal in a car. If you see an animal in immediate danger, call 911.
