Calgarians reminded to leave pets at home during hot days

The Calgary Humane Society is reminding people about the dangers of leaving their pet in a hot vehicle.

“Whenever we have warmer weather, and yearly on a summer basis, we have a lot of people leaving animals in vehicles … it’s incredibly dangerous to animals left in vehicles.” said Brad Nichols, director of operations and enforcement with the Calgary Humane Society.

In northwest Calgary, five dogs were rescued from a hot car recently according to Nichols.

This reminds us to leave our pets at home when it’s too hot, as hundreds of incidents like this happen every year.

He says when it’s too hot, cars heat up quickly, even when the windows are rolled down, and that’s why people are asked to never leave their animals in a car in the spring or summer — even for a few minutes.

“Within minutes, the vehicle kind of becomes an oven,” Nichols said. “An animal left inside a vehicle that doesn’t have adequate ventilation, they literally cook from the inside.”

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He says leaving animals inside a car is a criminal offence as animals suffer, and can potentially die.

“If it’s not the welfare of the animal that hooks you, maybe it’s the legal consequences.” Nichols said.

Nichols adds owners can be fined up to $20,000 or even go to jail.

If you see an animal in a car on a warm day, you’re asked to call 911.