How the No Hot Pets campaign inspired real change  

Every summer, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s No Hot Pets campaign asks Ontarians to do one simple thing: never leave an animal alone in a hot vehicle. The message is clear. But for one London resident, the campaign sparked a bigger question she couldn’t let go of. If this is such a serious issue, what is her city actually doing about it? 

That question led Elinor Schwob to city hall. And this summer, London has a new bylaw because of it. 

Seeing the campaign and asking a harder question 

Elinor had always been an animal lover. Pets had been part of her life for as long as she could remember, and she felt strongly that animals are part of our families and communities. When she came across the Ontario SPCA’s No Hot Pets campaign on social media, it resonated and prompted her to dig a little deeper. 

“After seeing the No Hot Pets campaign on social media, I decided to look into the City of London’s existing policies,” she says. “I was shocked to learn that London did not have a specific bylaw addressing this issue. I was equally surprised by the confusing and inconsistent messaging around who residents should contact when they encounter an animal in distress inside a vehicle.” 

That gap between awareness and action was enough to move her from concerned community member to advocate. 

Building a case 

Elinor didn’t stop at sharing the campaign. She reached out to the Ontario SPCA for guidance and then connected with a city councillor to bring the issue forward.  

“I connected with the Ontario SPCA, which provided valuable guidance on the language and recommendations that should be included in my letter to Council,” she says. “I continued to advocate with my councillor to ensure the issue was elevated to the committee level.” 

She then reached out to the Humane Society London & Middlesex and Paws United, a local dog rescue, asking both organizations to submit letters of support. They didn’t hesitate. 

“Both organizations were quick to lend their voices to the cause,” she says. 

She also used her own social media platforms to rally her community, encouraging friends, family and neighbours to contact city council and add their support. 

From resolution to bylaw 

Last August, London City Council passed a resolution directing staff to report back with formal recommendations on protecting animals left unattended in vehicles.  

It was Councillor David Ferreira, Ward 13 representative for the City of London, who brought the issue forward. For him, the motivation was personal as much as it was practical. 

“I have always believed that the way we treat animals reflects our values as a community,” he says. “Animals are cherished companions and an important part of many families, and their wellbeing deserves thoughtful protection.” 

He was also clear that the bylaw wasn’t about punishment.  

“I recognize that while most pet owners care deeply about their animals, not everyone has the same level of awareness about the dangers that hot vehicles can pose,” says Councillor Ferreira. “This bylaw is not about assigning blame. Rather, it is about increasing awareness, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and helping prevent avoidable harm before it occurs.” 

By May of this year, city staff had recommended amending three city bylaws to implement a $300 fine when an animal is determined to be in distress due to vehicle temperature – a figure aligned with similar bylaws already in place in Brampton and Chatham-Kent.  

The bylaw passed and is now in effect. Councillor Ferreira hopes the impact goes beyond enforcement.  

“My hope is that this bylaw contributes to a safer environment for animals across London and reinforces the importance of animal welfare within our community,” he says. “Just as importantly, I hope it serves as an educational tool that helps residents better understand the risks pets can face during periods of extreme heat. If this measure prevents even one tragedy and helps keep animals safe, then it will have made a meaningful difference.” 

A message to anyone thinking about speaking up 

Elinor’s hope is that the bylaw does more than sit on the books. 

“I hope it will provide animal welfare officers with stronger enforcement tools and the authority needed to protect animals in distress,” she says. “I also hope it inspires law enforcement, first responders and the general population to raise awareness and be involved in preventing any more unnecessary injuries and death to pets.” 

When asked what she’d say to others who care about an issue but aren’t sure how to act on it, Elinor’s answer is in the outcome itself. 

“Most importantly, I hope it sends a clear and powerful message that pet ownership comes with responsibility, and that the safety and well-being of animals must be taken seriously.” 

One person saw a campaign, asked a question, and decided the answer wasn’t good enough. This summer in London, that question has an answer, and animals in the city are safer for it. 

This summer, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society once again invites animal lovers like Elinor to join our No Hot Pets campaign and help raise awareness. Visit nohotpets.ca to take the pledge today. 

To report an animal left unattended in a vehicle, call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9Animal, or your local police. If you see an animal in immediate danger, call 911. Take down the license plate of the car and try to get someone close by to go into the store and have the owner paged back to the car, while you stay with the animal. 

Thank you for helping to keep animals safe this summer!