The summer months bring high temperatures along with it, which means the risks associated with leaving kids and animals in vehicles unattended for extended periods of time rise. 

Maury Karch with Municipal Enforcement in Airdrie says it's common to receive a call about an animal in a vehicle every few days throughout the summer months. 

"During the summer we definitely get calls about it. The number of calls may drop a bit when it gets sweltering because people don't take their animals with them at all because they know. It's when we're at 20 or 25 degrees when people think 'oh, it's not that bad' or 'I'm only going in there for a minute' which therein lies the problem because one minute suddenly turns to ten minutes and the temperature of the vehicle has risen significantly."

A vehicle left not running, even with the windows down, can become several degrees warmer than the outside temperature, according to Karch.

Karch says when they receive calls about animals left in a vehicle on a hot day, the number one priority is to get someone out there right away, but often, the vehicle has left by the time officers get there.

"The best thing someone can do when they're concerned about the wellbeing of an animal in a vehicle is to write down the license plate," said Karch. "That way, even if they're gone by the time somebody gets there we still have something to follow up with. It's beneficial to get the make and model of the vehicle too."

Karch added those calling in the complaint should avoid any confrontations with the owner.

"We want to educate owners on the risks and dangers of leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle on a hot day because they often didn't have bad intentions."

If you have concerns over an animal's wellbeing in a vehicle you're encouraged to call Airdrie Municipal Enforcement.