With winter fast approaching, some residents still get accompanied in their vehicles by their pets and with cold days ahead, many are wondering if this is safe for the animals.
Gayle Hartley has said she sees more animals left behind in their vehicles while their owners are shopping in the winter time over the animals being left in their vehicles in the summer time.
"When I was shopping at No Frills this past weekend, I walked by three cars to get to mine," she explained. "I saw one cat sitting in one Jeep and a dog sitting in a van. It's way too cold for this to be happening. Why can't people leave their animals at home where it's warmer and safer?"
According the OSPCA website, vehicles hold cold temperatures like refrigerators and leaving your pets in your cars can lead them to freeze to death.
On top of leaving pets in vehicles, the OSPCA is also warning the public to be on the lookout for stray cats outside by vehicles.
"Be aware of cats seeking warmth under vehicle hoods," the website stated. "When the vehicle motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Make a point of knocking on the hood or sounding the horn before starting the engine. This will warn away any cats who may be hiding in your vehicle."
With the weather continuously changing, residents can be surprised on what they can expect outside. As of yet, the laws of leaving pets in your vehicle in the winter months are the same as during the summer months. OPP Constable Belanger said depending on the situation, a person can be fined and charged with leaving their pets in the vehicles.
"It all depends on the situation when we receive calls about pets being left behind in vehicles," he said. "It's the same as winter months. We need to inspect to see if the car is running and if the animal has their necessities. It just all depends."
This doesn't sit well with Hartley. She believes that pets should remain at home no matter what.
"Unless the animal is (out) for medical reasons, it should be left at home," she explained. "Would you leave your kids in the cold car to shop? I highly doubt that. So why would you leave your pets in your vehicles?
The OPP advise residents that if they are requiring to leave their homes for personal reasons, to leave their pets at home where they have food and shelter.