The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) is working with local businesses to make sure there are no excuses to leave pets in hot vehicles this summer.
The OSPCA has put together an online directory of pet-friendly businesses – that is businesses that allow you to bring your dog inside – in your town or city.
Any business that allows pets indoors can sign up for a free listing in the directory, and take the No Hot Pets pledge.
The OSPCA will send each business that takes the pledge a digital sign to print and display in their window to let customers know they can bring their animals inside while they shop and do business.
“Wherever possible, we recommend that people leave their pets at home where they are safe and comfortable,” says Jennifer Bluhm, the deputy chief inspector for the Ontario SPCA, in a press release. “However, we know that’s not always possible, particularly for those who are travelling with their pets. Our business directory helps them make informed decisions when planning their stops to help keep their animals safe from the heat.”
In Barrie, the businesses already listed in the directory having taken the No Hot Pets pledge are: Bayshore Property Management, Catherine Barrie of Taxwise and Dalcourt Accounting, Expedia CruiseShipCentres, Mortgage Funding, Northern Protocol Inc. Computers, Simcoe Terrace Retirement Centre, and Tellus/Koodo Park Place.
The No Hot Pets campaign by the SPCA – and local branches including Barrie Animal Centre – is now in its sixth year.
For more information about the No Hot Pets campaign, or to add your business to the online directory and let pet owners know they can bring their pets inside, click here.
If you observe an animal suffering in the heat, call 310-SPCA (7722) or the non-emergency line for the Barrie Police at 705-725-7025.
