Keep your pets safe by leaving them at home

We all are enjoying the warmth and sunshine. We also are enjoying getting out there with our pets.

However, when you take your pet with you to go places where they will have to sit in the car for even a few minutes you are risking their lives. For every minute or two the temperature will rise in a car. Outside temps of say 65 can end up 85 inside a car even with windows rolled down — and can start cause fatal organ shutdown. It is not a pretty picture to walk up to a car and see a dead dog because someone didn’t want to leave their pet at home.

Please, for the safety of your pet, leave them at home. They will be better off at home where it is cooler. If you insist on taking your dog or cat with you then leave the car running with air conditioning or leave a responsible party with the animal. By leaving your pet in a too-hot car you are making a choice to quite possibly end their life.

Be responsible. Don’t be cruel. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated. If you see an animal in a car and in distress please call your local animal control, police or sheriff’s office. Be proactive and save a life.

VONNIE CHINN

Sandpoint