OSPCA gets businesses to open their doors to pets

Leaving pets in vehicles in hot weather is a seasonal issue for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), but this year they are asking businesses across the province to get on board by allowing patronsto bring their pets inside while they shop.

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"It gives drivers or pet owners one more option to not leave their dog in a car," Brandon James, an inspector with OSPCA, told CBC's The Morning Edition host, Craig Norris on Thursday.

So far, over 500 businesses across the province have signed up in support of the No Hot Pets campaign, including some in Waterloo region and Guelph.

"It's been amazing," he said about the reaction they've seen from businesses on the campaign. "The numbers have doubled to over 500 in the last few weeks."

Businesses who are interested can go to the No Hot Pets website and sign up. They can print off a sign they can place on their doors. Pet owners can also see a directory of businesses registered.

More calls this year

James said that they have seen an increase in the number of calls from people reporting apets locked in cars this year.

As of July 18, the OSPCA has received over 625 complaints 200more than this time last year.

"That's just through one of our dispatch centres," he said. "That doesn't include local humane societies stats, who have a different reporting system, as well as any calls to police."

Last year the OSPCA received 1,006 calls in total from people reporting an incident. Of those calls, 14 were from Waterloo region.

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James said the most common reason people give is "it was only going to be a few minutes" or "they like to come with me and doesn't like to be home alone".

"None of those are valid excuses," said James.

He he sayspeople may not realize that a dog can start to feel the effects of the heat in just minutes. He adds many also don't know that leaving a pet in a hot vehicle is illegal and consequences are jail time, fines and even havingthedog taken away.

James said it's better to leave your pet at home, where they will be safe.

"It will be better off at home than in a swelteringvehicle," he said.