The Weyburn Police Service was quite busy this past week during the heatwave with calls involving pets that were left in hot vehicles with the windows either closed or nearly closed.

"We didn't charge anybody. I think it's an awareness piece. I think people don't always realize that when it's that hot out any animal or even child left in the vehicle with the car windows rolled up is going to get super overheated in there. We have had occurrences in the past where small infants have passed and animals are no different. They'll pass if they're left in that hot car for too long," told Weyburn Police Chief Jamie Blunden.

Owners and caretakers may believe they’re doing their furry friend a favor when bringing them along on errands, but if they can’t bring their pet into a store they may think a few minutes in the vehicle won’t be a big deal.

For a dog, though, harmful, and even life-threatening effects can occur in a short time in a hot car. Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly.

Some dogs, including senior pets and those with flatter faces experience even more challenges in hot weather. At the end of the day, it’s best to simply leave your dog at home where there’s more space, water, and shade.

"Ultimately if someone can remain in the car with the air conditioning running obviously that would be best but if not at least having the windows rolled down so the airflow comes in and allows the circulation of letting that hot air out," Blunden expressed.

He added that in colder temperatures pets and humans can freeze in the vehicle so it is always best to plan ahead when you venture out to the store.

"There were just some concerns for some of these pets in cars so we decided it was an important message to get out there. We just ask that you pay due care to the animal's attention when you are going out in your vehicle on a hot or cold day."

While most people mean well when they say they’d be willing to break a glass window to get an animal out of a roasting vehicle, it’s strongly recommended you don’t.

Only RCMP and local police have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress.

Feel free to contact the Weyburn Police Service by phone at 306-848-3250 or by email at policeservice@weyburnpolice.ca if you have any concerns involving pets or children in vehicles when they maybe shouldn't be.