Save an animal’s life this summer: Take the No Hot Pets pledge
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 getting involved in our No Hot Pets campaign. Keep reading to learn more!
Take the pledge
Visit nohotpets.ca and take the No Hot Pets pledge to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle. If you can’t take your animal with you, leave them at home where they are safe.
Share the message
You can help save an animal’s life by spreading the No Hot Pets message on social media using the hashtag #nohotpets. We even have sample messages and downloadable social media graphics for you to use. Click here to check them out.
Tag the Ontario SPCA social accounts on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ontariospca for a chance to be reposted on our pages!
Other ways to get involved
Do you own or manage a business? You can request a free window poster to promote your location as pet-friendly and remind people not to leave their pets in their car. Visit nohotpets.ca
Another way to get involved is to support businesses that are pet-friendly! You can also tell those businesses about our campaign so they can request a free window poster, too.
Finally, you can ask your municipality to enact a bylaw to prevent animals from being left unattended in vehicles. Visit nohotpets.ca to access a form letter with a sample bylaw.
Common Q&As
How long is too long for an animal to be left in a car?
Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows open.
Is it okay to leave my pet in a vehicle if I’m only running into a store quickly?
It doesn’t take long for parked cars to quickly reach deadly temperatures. For the safety of your pet, leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe if you’re unable to bring them with you. If something unexpected were to delay you from returning to your vehicle, such as a long lineup or a medical emergency, it could cost your furry friend their life.
What are the signs of an animal suffering from heat stroke?
Heat stroke signs can include excessive panting and drooling, listlessness or unconsciousness. If heat stroke is suspected, prompt veterinary medical attention is vital. In the meantime, if you have access to the animal, wet the fur immediately with lukewarm to cool – not cold – water. Bring the pet into the shade and offer drinking water. Learn more about the signs of heatstroke here.
What should the public do if they see an animal in a car?
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. While you are waiting for help to arrive, ask nearby businesses to put out a page asking the person to return to their vehicle. Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows open.
VISIT NOHOTPETS.CA