Edmonton received 37 complaints of animals left in hot vehicles in 7 weeks
Posted July 23, 2026 10:54 am.
The City of Edmonton received more than three dozen complaints of animals left in hot vehicles over a roughly seven-week period in May and June.
The city says the 37 complaints were between May and June 20.
During the same period last year, 33 such complaints were received.
“You may think you’ll be gone for just a short time, but that’s all it takes for a situation to turn tragic,” said JongHwan Rhee, Supt. with Animal Care and Park Rangers. “A few simple precautions can help keep your pet safe and healthy.”
The city is urging never to leave pets unattended in parked vehicles during hot weather, especially dogs, which are susceptible to heat-related illness.
“Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting animals at risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and death,” the city warned in a news release.
It says when it’s 15 degrees Celsius outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 28 C in less than 15 minutes.
“Leaving windows cracked or parking in the shade does not provide reliable protection from rising temperatures,” the news release reads.
Anyone who sees an animal in immediate distress in a locked vehicle can call 911. If the animal is not in immediate danger, Edmontonians are asked to call 311.
