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Hot Cars Kill

Illustration of a dog inside a blue car with a red crossed-out circle over it, warning that hot cars kill pets, with contact info for emergency and animal welfare hotline.
With your help, we can save lives this summer.

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA and the Hamilton Police Service have joined forces to share one important message this Summer: Hot Cars Kill.

The campaign name differs by cities across the country, but the plea is the same: even on a relatively mild day, temperatures in parked cars during summer months can become life threatening to your pets in a matter of minutes. The HBSPCA and Hamilton Police Service are asking owners and animal lovers across the city to pledge their dedication to this message this summer.

Over 10,000 Hot Cars Kill window decals will be distributed across the city in the coming weeks and you can sign up to take the Hot Cars Kill pledge.  Once you are signed up, the HBSPCA will mail you your window decal to display in your vehicle, home or workplace.

Take the Hot Cars Kill pledge today!

Take The Pledge

Mandates and procedures

For what to do when you see a dog in a hot car have changed in the last years, which is why Hamilton Police and the HBSPCA are working together to help spread the word about how to take action and potentially save a life, specifically in Hamilton or Burlington.If you see a dog in a hot car in Hamilton or Burlington:

  • Observe their physical state: are they excessively drooling, or panting? Do they seem listless or distressed? If so, call 911.
  • If you are in a shopping mall parking lot, go into the business and request an announcement over the PA system, noting the make, model and license plate of the vehicle and the type of dog/pets.
  • Make note of the time you first saw the unattended pets and called for help. You can also call the Provincial Animal Welfare Service at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) and file a report, noting vehicle details, pet details and other observations such as if windows are open or closed, if the vehicle is running, if the pet is in distress and more.
Illustration of a dog inside a blue car with a red crossed-out circle over it, warning that hot cars kill pets, with contact info for emergency and animal welfare hotline.

On hot days this Summer, keep your pets at home. Don’t leave them in a vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, it can be a matter of life and death in mere minutes. Hot Cars Kill. Take the pledge, spread the word.

Take The Pledge