Hot Cars Can Kill: What To Do If You See A Pet In A Hot Car

During the summer months, both the Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough Humane Society receive many calls regarding what to do if a person sees a pet in a hot vehicle.  

“If the animal is in distress in a hot vehicle, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1,” explains Alison Kirkland, who is 9-1-1/Communications Manager for the Peterborough Police Service. “In an emergency situation, minutes and seconds are critical.”

 
According to Judy O’Brien, Executive Director of the Peterborough Humane Society, on a hot day a car can reach 51 degrees Celsius in as little as ten minutes.

“In this time, a dog can suffer irreparable cerebral damage and even death,” says O'Brien. "Never leave an animal in a hot car. Not even for a minute. The best thing you can do for your pet is leave them at home where it is cool, they have water to drink and are safe.”

To report a non-emergency situation where an animal is left inside a vehicle but the animal is not in distress, call the Peterborough Humane Society at 705-745-4722. The number is active 24/7. Otherwise, err on the side and caution and call 9-1-1 if you believe the animal is in distress.
 

How to help an animal left in a hot car... 

-> Call 9-1-1 if the animal is in distress.
-> Take down the car’s make, model and licence plate number, and provide that information to the Peterborough Police Service when you call.
-> If there is a business nearby, ask a manager or store security to make an announcement to locate the car’s owner.
-> Wait by the vehicle until help arrives.

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