Thank you for your recent reminder to readers about the dangers of leaving their pets in the car on hot days.

Each year, the B.C. SPCA receives thousands of calls across the province to rescue animals who are suffering extreme heatstroke in parked cars.

Tragically, animals left in hot cars can die in less than 10 minutes, even with windows left partially open.

If you do see a dog suffering in a hot car, please call the SPCA emergency number immediately at 250-938-5406 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week).

Outside of SPCA hours, please contact the RCMP for assistance.  If you are in a shopping area, please also ask store managers if they will page the owner of the vehicle. Remember, never take your pets on errands in hot weather.

Ten minutes can lead to tragedy for an animal trapped in a hot car.

Corinne Ross,

Vernon SPCA manager