Now that the weather is warming up, the OSPCA is reminding pet owners not to leave their pets alone in a hot vehicle.
Robyn Brady with the Chatham-Kent branch says they're taking the campaign online this summer.
"You can use the [hashtag] #nohotpets and remind other people of the dangers of leaving your pet alone in a vehicle," says Brady. "You can also go to the website nohotpets.ca to take the pledge that you won't be leaving your pet alone in a vehicle."
While the hashtag and the pledge are both intended to spread awareness, they're also aimed making sure people are properly educated about some of the dangers associated with leaving pets in vehicles.
"Dogs have a very limited ability to sweat, so even if they're left alone for a short time in a hot environment, it can be life-threatening," says Brady. "A dog's normal body temperature is around 39 C (102 F) and as soon as it gets to around 41 C (106 F) there's the risk of brain damage and death."
But before you post any pictures online of a pet in a hot vehicle, Brady says the first thing you should do with your phone is alert the proper authorities.
"You can either call the local police, our animal cruelty hotline - 310-SPCA - or you can call the shelter to get one of our animal control officers," says Brady.