Is it too hot to take your dog on a drive to run errands?

Wood says she doesn’t think people realize how dangerous it is to leave their pets in the car during warm weather.  “Last summer, we rescued a puppy from a car parked outside a shopping center; her 19-year-old owner had left her there while she went to work,” said Wood.  “Luckily, we got there quickly and the puppy survived.  The owner was charged with animal cruelty.”

 Even running a quick errand can turn tragic.  “We had another situation last summer where a woman was making what she expected to be a quick transaction at a business, so she took her dog with her,” said Wood.  “That animal was left in a sweltering car for several hours before he was rescued, barely alive.  The owner was convicted of animal cruelty.”

The Clermont County Animal Shelter has flyers displayed in businesses across the county urging pet owners to educate themselves about warm weather hazards to their pets and act accordingly.  “If your pet is overcome by the heat, immediately soak him or her with water and call a veterinarian,” said Wood.  If you see an animal in a dangerous situation, such as in a parked car for a period of time, call police or the Clermont Animal Shelter immediately at (513) 732-8854.

To watch an interview with Clermont Chief Animal Control Officer Debbie Wood, click the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctvoPKLwvOs