THUNDER BAY - No excuses. No hot pets.
It’s the motto of the most recent campaign launched by the Ontario SPCA and the Humane Society.
In an effort to try and keep pets out of hot cars, they have reached out to local businesses across Thunder Bay to help.
“It’s taken off,” said executive director at the Humane Society Cassandra Nordal. “We get phone calls all the time and everybody’s asking how to help… It’s been great.”
The initiative encourages businesses to let pets into their stores for those who have their dogs in the car on a hot day.
Despite a slow start, 14 local businesses have signed up for a pet-friendly store, according to Nordal.
Recreation World RV’s is one of those 14, and business manager Melissa Kusznier said the decision was a no-brainer.
“We are very family-oriented, we are absolutely pet-oriented,” she said. “By all means, we want to see you bring your animals in.”
Kusznier said she took the initiative after seeing a Facebook post, which is where any other local business can go if they wish to make their store pet-friendly.
“You can go online, you can take the pledge, and you’ll receive a poster, and a decal,” said Nordal.
Chapters, Michael's Craft Store, Brentwood Hair Design, and The Bookshelf are among some of the non-pet-oriented stores who have taken up the campaign.
Although the OSPCA is heading the campaign, agent Jeremy Gardiner still says it’s best to leave your dog at home.
“We try and preach it,” says Gardiner. “It’s always safer because it’s hard to determine what’s safe and what’s not.”
