City urges pet owners to keep animals safe from hot vehicles

News Release

City urges pet owners to keep animals safe from hot vehicles


The City of Edmonton is reminding residents about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in parked vehicles during hot weather.

Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting animals at risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and death. For instance, when it’s 15 C outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 28 C in less than 15 minutes. Leaving windows cracked or parking in the shade does not provide reliable protection from rising temperatures.

It is safest to leave your pet at home while running errands or visiting locations where animals are not permitted.

Pets and hot vehicles
All pets are vulnerable to extreme heat. Dogs are especially susceptible to heat-related illness because they cannot cool themselves as efficiently.

Between May and July 20, 2026, the City received 37 complaints of animals left in hot vehicles. During the same period in 2025, 33 complaints were received. Over the entire year of 2025, a total of 79 complaints were registered.

“You may think you’ll be gone for just a short time, but that’s all it takes for a situation to turn tragic,” said JongHwan Rhee, Superintendent, Animal Care and Park Rangers. “A few simple precautions can help keep your pet safe and healthy.”

Protecting pets in hot weather
To help keep pets safe during hot weather:
Leave pets at home whenever possible, especially when running errands.
If you must bring your pet, travel directly to a pet-friendly destination.
Ensure pets have access to shade, fresh water and a cool environment.
Avoid hot pavement, which can burn paw pads.
Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting or diarrhea, confusion, fainting or difficulty walking. If your pet appears to be in distress, seek veterinary care immediately.

If you see an animal left unattended in a parked vehicle, record the vehicle’s make, model, licence plate number and location. If the animal appears to be in immediate distress, call 911. If the owner cannot be located and the animal is not in immediate danger, call 311 and remain nearby until Animal Control Peace Officers arrive.

Leaving an animal in distress may result in enforcement under the Animal Care and Control Bylaw, the Animal Protection Act or the Criminal Code of Canada.

Water stations
During the summer, the City provides potable water 24 hours a day at 29 water stations across Edmonton. A complete list of locations is available here.
For more information:
edmonton.ca/PetSafety
edmonton.ca/AnimalBylaw