Saskatoon SPCA has received 60 reports of animals in cars since weather started warming

A hot car is no place for a family pet.

The Saskatoon SPCA says it has already received 60 reports of animals left in vehicles since the weather started warming up this year. Now the organization is reminding residents that even a short time in a car can be problematic. 

"Normally humans are able to sweat to cool ourselves down but dogs can't do that," said Jasmine Hanson with the Saskatoon SPCA. "Rather they pant. So by panting, they're supposed to be bringing cool air into their lungs and circulating it through their body."

If a dog is bringing hot air into their lungs it can actually accelerate the process behind heat exhaustion, according to Hanson.

In 2018, the SPCA received more than 200 calls reporting the problematic practice, more than ever before. Hanson said it's hard to determine if the actually number of cases are going up, as any increase might be the result of a rise in reporting.

While the Saskatoon SPCA has never recorded a death as a result of a pet being left in a vehicle, Hanson said there has been instances where animals have been seized. Even if the owner comes out in time, the SPCA will still escort them to a vet clinic to ensure the animal is healthy. 

"We just want people to understand that it's really never worth the risk," she said.

Hanson said the SPCA will enter a car without an owner present if they feel a pet is in distress, usually with the help of a towing company. She said they may pursue charges if they feel the animal has been neglected.

Members of the public who see an animal locked in a car are asked to report the location of the vehicle and the condition of the animal to SPCA.