It takes only minutes for a pet to experience life-threatening distress in a vehicle, period!
This is a message the team at 黑马磁力 Animal Protection Society (LAPS) is trying to hammer home to the public, as the mercury rises and hot summer-like weather continues to engulf the Lower Mainland.
Starting last month, and continuing through the warmer weather, LAPS has been sharing these regular reminders through their social media channels.
They've also been pro-actively patrolling several high-traffic parking areas such as Costco, Walmart, Willowbrook Shopping Centre, and Canadian Tire, noted Sarah Jones, LAPS executive director.
"If it鈥檚 uncomfortable for you to sit in a parked car without air conditioning, it鈥檚 even worse for your pet. Dogs don鈥檛 cool down the way humans do, and heatstroke can happen quickly 鈥� cracked windows and shade do not provide adequate protection," explains the head of the local animal shelter, noting her team has responded to 15 reports of incidents this year already, and 60 in 2024.
"Our message is simple but critical," Jones advised. "If your pet can鈥檛 come out of the car and with you, they鈥檙e always safer at home."
If anyone sees an animal in distress inside a vehicle they're asked to remember the Three Cs.
鈥� COLLECT information: licence plate, vehicle make/model, colour, location, and the pet鈥檚 condition.
鈥� CALL LAPS at 604-857-5055 鈥� these are priority one calls for our team. After hours, contact the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-532-3200.
鈥� CANVAS nearby stores or areas to try to locate the vehicle owner 鈥� the faster they鈥檙e found, the quicker the animal can be helped.
"Minutes matter to the survival of an animal," Jones said.
"We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge members of our community who may be living in their vehicles with their pets. We encourage anyone in that situation to reach out to us 鈥� we鈥檙e happy to provide pet food, water bowls, leashes, or other supplies, and suggest local parks where people are welcome to sit with their pets under a tree and stay cool during the day," she shared.
In addition to begging guardians to never leave pets in vehicles during the summer, LAPS is also asking people to always pick up after their dogs, and be considerate about barking, Jones said.
"Even if a dog enjoys being outside, leaving them alone for long periods while you are at work can lead to excessive barking, which affects neighbours and community peace."
In 2024, LAPS investigated over 250 calls related to human-animal conflict and they want to see those reduced, Jones said.
To help meet dogs鈥� physical and mental needs, LAPS encourages guardians to get creative with enrichment. Offer your dog frozen Kongs filled with dog food and treats, use puzzle feeders instead or a bowl, or join local dog clubs for activities like scent work, agility, and hiking.
But, with summer in full swing, LAPS is also reminding dog guardians to keep their pets leashed unless in off-leash designated areas, and be mindful of responsible pet ownership as more people and animals enjoy parks, trails, and green spaces.
鈥淣ot everyone is comfortable around dogs, and it鈥檚 not fair to put your dog鈥檚 preferences ahead of others,鈥� Jones said.
鈥淲e often hear, 鈥榤y dog is friendly,鈥� but that doesn鈥檛 mean someone else鈥檚 dog is, or that a person wants an interaction. Everyone has the right to safely enjoy our public spaces, and leash laws are in place to help make that possible.鈥�
The organization wants pet owners to take their responsibility seriously so the entire community can enjoy public spaces safely.
"Each summer, LAPS sees an increase in dog-related incidents, many of which could easily be prevented by keeping pets leashed and under control. We know most owners don鈥檛 intend for these situations to happen," Jones added.
"But unfortunately, they can lead to injuries for other animals or people.鈥�
There are also many private off-leash areas available to rent through platforms like Sniffspot 鈥� including one hosted by LAPS 鈥� where dogs can safely run and play without the stress of public spaces.
"By working together and practicing responsible, compassionate pet care, we can all help ensure 黑马磁力鈥檚 parks, trails, and neighbourhoods remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone this summer," Jones said.
For more information on leash bylaws, off-leash areas, or pet safety and enrichment ideas, people can visit .
