With many heat waves now in effect across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet owners to not leave their pets in their vehicles this summer.  

Leaving an animal in a hot vehicle can have life-threatening consequences for the pet, they said.  

鈥淯nless you know for sure you can bring [your pets] with you into the stores, ... we encourage you to leave pets at home where the temperature is more controlled, there鈥檚 more space and they have easy access to fresh water,鈥� Eileen Drever, senior officer for protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA, said in a statement. 

In 2023, the BC SPCA Animal Helpline received 837 calls regarding animals seen in hot vehicles. So far this year, the helpline has already received 257 calls, which is expected to rise as the summer progresses.  

鈥淲hat many people don鈥檛 understand is even a few minutes [in a vehicle] can have fatal effects for an animal. Not to mention, even the shortest trips can easily turn into half an hour or more in the store while your pet suffers in the heat,鈥� she said.  

If people see an animal trapped in a hot vehicle, they are encouraged not to break into the car or remove the animal as this is illegal and dangerous.  

鈥淥nly RCMP, local police, and BC SPCA animal protection officers have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress,鈥� Drever said.  

Instead, onlookers should write down the license plate and model of the car, and connect with businesses nearby to alert the pet owner.  

If the pet is showing signs of distress, such as exaggerated panting or not panting at all, salivating, vomiting, lack of coordination, collapsing, and an anxious expression, immediately call a local animal control agency, police department, RCMP or the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.  

To keep pets safe this summer, sign up to receive a free 鈥淣o Pets in Hot Cars鈥� decal in the mail.