Uptick in calls for pets in hot vehicles; leave them at home, officials say

Police and fire officials in Kelowna, B.C., say responding to calls about pets left in hot vehicles chews up valuable resources. "Your dog is much happier at home."

First responders in the Okanagan are dealing with a high volume of calls involving dogs being left in hot vehicles.

According to crews, these calls are using up time and resources that first responders cannot afford to waste.

“We responded to 13 calls since June. And (Tuesday) alone, we responded to three calls,” said Paul Johnson of the Kelowna Fire Department.

With the uptick in calls received by both the fire department and the Kelowna RCMP, officials are urging people to think twice before bringing their pets out on a hot day.

“During the hot periods, well, at any time, your dog is much happier at home,” said Const. Mike Della-Paolera.

“I know we love to have our animals around us. But your dog, cat, or whatever animal it is, it would rather be at home where there’s food, water, and shelter from the heat or cold. Just leave your dog at home.”

Leaving pets in hot vehicles is not only a danger to their health but it’s also prohibited by a bylaw that allows dog control from the Regional District of Central Okanagan to issue fines of up to $150.

“There are fines under the animal control act. Usually, the SPCA will take up that investigation,”  Della-Paolera said. “We can issue fines, but we generally leave the investigational part up to those authorities.”