What to do if you find a pet left in a vehicle

Released: July 25, 2023 at 1:54 p.m.

We are all becoming more aware of the risks related to leaving a pet inside a vehicle, especially on hot and sunny days. Pets should NEVER be left alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes, during warm weather. 

If you see an animal left in a vehicle on a warm day, we recommend you to first take these steps:

  • Write down the location (street name, address, location in a parking lot), and a physical description (make and model, colour, license plate, whether windows are open) of the vehicle.
  • Write down a description of the animal (size, colour, species, approximate age, and the colour of its gums if visible), including its behaviour (alert, barking, panting, drooling, unconscious) and whether it has any water inside the vehicle.

If several people are available, share responsibilities to help resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

  • Have one person remain by the vehicle to monitor the animal’s condition.
  • Try to keep the environment around the vehicle and animal calm and quiet, providing shade and ventilation to the vehicle if possible.
  • If the vehicle is parked in a public area, like a store parking lot, notify staff members or customer service personnel immediately with the written description of the vehicle and animal. They may be able to page and quickly locate the animal owner to resolve the situation.
  • If the vehicle is parked in a residential area and you feel it is safe to do so, ask neighbours if the vehicle or animal is known to them.
  • Do not attract a crowd of onlookers or stimulate activity in the animal. The additional stress of the situation could make the animal’s heat stress worse.
  • Contact local animal welfare enforcement agencies to report the situation and have an animal protection officer attend. 

In Winnipeg: call the Winnipeg Humane Society Emergency Line at 204-982-2020

anywhere in Manitoba (including Winnipeg): contact the Animal Care Line at 204-945-8000 or 1-888-945-8001 (toll-free) or your local police detachment

Visit the Government of Manitoba website for more information on who to call and what to do.

Police

E-Watch

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.