Edmontonians urged to not leave pets in cars as warmer weather approaches

As it starts getting warmer, the City of Edmonton is once again reminding pet owners not to leave their furry companions in vehicles.

“Fifteen degrees may not feel hot, however at this temperature, the inside of a car can reach approximately 28 degrees in 15 minutes,” said Animal Control Officer Brianne Grey in a statement. “Pets left in a hot car can suffer heat stroke, organ damage or death. Dogs and cats, regardless of breed, are vulnerable to the effects of excessive heat. Since April 14, we have already investigated 19 complaints for pets in hot cars.”

“It is not uncommon for us to have to remove window glass to gain access inside a vehicle to remove a pet in distress if we can’t find the owner,” said Brad Kitiuk, deputy fire chief of operations with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS). “EFRS have already responded to five calls of animals locked in a vehicle since last Thursday.”

Edmontonians are being asked if they see a pet that has been left in a car on a hot day, to do the following steps:

• Take down the car’s make, model and licence plate number and exact location.
• If the animal is in distress, call 911.
  • Signs of distress include:
  • Excessive, rapid panting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Weakness, tremors, convulsions, fainting
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Trouble walking or if the pet is wobbly
• If the owner can’t be found nearby, call 311 and wait by the car for animal control officers to arrive.

Leaving any animal in a car and causing it to be in distress can result in charges or fines under the Animal Protection Act and/or the Criminal Code of Canada.