The BC SPCA is reminding pet owners across the province about the dangers of leaving animals inside parked vehicles as summer temperatures rise.
The organization says cars can heat up rapidly, creating potentially deadly conditions for pets even when windows are cracked, vehicles are parked in shade, or air conditioning is left running.
“People underestimate how quickly a vehicle can heat up to dangerous levels, putting animals at risk of potentially fatal consequences,” said Eileen Drever, senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations with the BC SPCA.
In 2025, the BC SPCA Animal Helpline opened 607 files involving animals in hot cars. That included 184 reports from the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions and 35 reports from the Cariboo and North. As of mid June this year, the helpline has already received 143 files.
The BC SPCA says the safest option is to leave pets at home whenever possible.
Signs of heatstroke in animals can include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, or collapse. Pet owners and members of the public are reminded to act quickly if an animal appears to be in distress.
If you see a pet left inside a hot vehicle, the BC SPCA recommends recording the vehicle’s licence plate, make, model, colour and location, then contacting local authorities or calling 9-1-1 if the situation is an emergency.
The organization warns that members of the public should not attempt to break a vehicle window themselves. Only police and BC SPCA special provincial constables have the legal authority to break into vehicles to rescue animals.
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