June 21, 2024

You Won’t Believe How Often We Repeat This Message

And for good reason!

I don’t know about you, but I’m happy for a day of relief after four days of a heatwave. Every year, the OHS reminds the community of the dangers parked cars pose to pets and every year, dogs are still left in hot cars and are exposed to conditions that cause extreme suffering, brain damage and death. 

This summer, it seems the message is needed more than ever across the province as some municipalities have already responded to an alarming number of reports of dogs left in vehicles.

In Ottawa, we’re working to do our part. We had the chance to talk with our friends at Move 100, we’ve released a video reminding the community that the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car can affect anyone, and we’ll be blasting the message out on our channels throughout the summer. 

Dogs die in hot cars. Even if left alone for just a few minutes. Even if the window is cracked. Even if it doesn’t seem to be that hot outside. The only way to protect your dog is to never leave them alone in a parked vehicle and to leave them safe at home whenever possible.

If you find a dog trapped in a hot car, call 911. The dog is in danger and needs immediate help.

And it’s worth remembering that it doesn’t even need to be an unbearably hot day for a pet to be in danger when left alone in a car. The best way to protect our community’s pets this summer is to share this important message and to know exactly who to call when a pet is danger.

Together, we can protect our community’s pets and make sure everyone and every paw can enjoy the summer safely.

Sharon Miko
President & CEO