Don’t leave pets alone in hot vehicles: RCMP

With temperature soaring to the mid- to high-30s, police are reminding people to not leave their pets in their cars.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said vehicles can heat up very quickly, even when parked in the shade or with the window open, creating conditions that can be dangerous for an animal and put them at risk of serious heat-related illness.

Mounties noted the safest place for a pet on a hot day is at home, where they have access to water and a cool place to rest, and they should be left there unless going to a pet-friendly location.

Anyone who comes across an unattended pet in a parked vehicle should not break the window, as doing so could create additional safety concerns and legal issues. Instead, the person should look for the owner first, and if they can’t be found, then the bystander should note the licence plate number and contact police.