Keep walks short during heatwave, don’t leave pets in cars: Humane Society

CALGARY – It’s that time of year again when people are being reminded to keep their pets cool.

With a potentially recording-breaking heatwave on the horizon, the humane society is out with some warnings to help keep your pets safe.

A big one is not leaving your pets in hot cars.

“This is the type of weather we don’t see very often. In the next week, we’re looking at between 30 and 37 degrees which could be catastrophic in some instances where animals are left exposed to the elements or in hot vehicles,” said the Calgary Humane Society’s Brad Nichols.

Cars get hot, more so than if you were standing outside the car, so if you’re running errands, maybe keep your pup home.

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Nichols says about the same number of people are caught leaving pets in cars year over year.

“There are legal ramifications for leaving pets in hot cars, and that’s the potential seizure of the animal,” he said adding you could also be charged and have to go to court.

“And to be able to get to the animal we might need to force entry to your vehicle.”

If you’re walking the dog, try going early or late in the day, keep it short, and keep them on the grass as the cement could burn their pads.

Nichols also suggesting bringing a water bottle for them.

-with files from Chris Bowen