Guelph, ON (June 25, 2019) – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is once again reminding the community of the extreme danger of leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle this summer, and especially as we head into hotter weather this long weekend. Cars and other vehicles can reach a VERY high temperature quickly, leaving your pet at severe risk and in some cases causing fatality.
GHS encourages pet owners to leave pets at home if there is even a small chance a pet will have to wait in the car. Just a minimal amount of time in a hot environment can be life-threatening to pets. Most pets have a limited ability to sweat. Dogs cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws, which becomes impossible to do in a space as limiting as a hot car.
“Keeping pets safe in our community is a top priority for the Guelph Humane Society,” says Lisa Veit, Associate Director. “With all the information available to the public about the risks to pets in hot vehicles, there really is NO EXCUSE for a pet to be left unattended in a life-threatening situation.”
Anyone who is found to have left a pet unattended in a hot vehicle will be charged under the City of Guelph Animal Control By-law Number (2016)-20122 or the Ontario SPCA Act for causing a situation where an animal is likely to be in distress. The Guelph Humane Society will have a zero tolerance for hot pets this summer.
If you see an animal left in a vehicle, report it to the GHS immediately by calling 519-824-3091, and please also call your local police.
Here are the life-threatening signs a pet may be suffering with severe heat stroke in a vehicle:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Anxious or staring expression
- Weakness and muscle tremors
- Lack of coordination or consciousness
- Lethargy, convulsions, vomiting and collapsing
These symptoms can turn fatal in a matter of seconds, so do not wait to make the call to GHS.
The Guelph Humane Society is campaigning again this hot summer for #WarmHeartsCoolPets. GHS understands that you love your pet and want to spend time with them, but leaving them at home in a cooler, comfy place is the safest place for them in the heat. There are certain businesses that allow you to bring your pet inside with you, so please ask the owner first to see if you can bring your pet inside – and if you can’t, please make sure your pet gets home safe and cool!
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About the Guelph Humane Society:
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.
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Facebook: @guelphhumanesociety
Twitter: @guelphhumane
Instagram: @the_ghs
Media Contact
Lisa Veit
Associate Director
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091