Last year, I was parked next to a vehicle in Sonora.  It was close to a hundred degrees outside and this vehicle was parked in the sun with 2 small dogs inside.  I went into the store and asked around for the owner.  I did locate the owners in time.  I’m sure others of you have encountered this type of situation. 

Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles.  The temperature inside a vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30º F.  Cracking a window makes little difference.

In California, it is illegal to “leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.”  This is penal code § 597.7.  If you encounter such a situation, call 911 or local law enforcement if you cannot quickly find the owner.

At the Northside Pet Connection, our main mission is to assist in the spay and neuter of cats and dogs throughout the Northside.  We do this by providing spay and neuter vouchers that greatly reduces the cost to pet owners.  The towns we serve include: Groveland, Big Oak Flats, Coulterville, La Grange and Don Pedro.  We are now expanding service to surrounding communities.  Take a look at our website (npconnections.org) for a full list.

In June, the NPC distributed 44 spay and neuter vouchers and 5 medical vouchers.  As a reminder, the NPC has spay and neuter vouchers and medical vouchers available each month.  All vet clinics do accept these vouchers which substantially reduces the cost of spay and neuter. 

Please call 209-732-6194 for requesting vouchers.  For Spanish speakers, please call 209 852-9440.  When making a request, please provide your name, phone number, mailing address and how many vouchers are needed.  Messages are checked about 1 time per week.

Thank you for caring about your animals and the welfare of animals in general.  The Northside Pet Connection does need members.  Please join us!

As usual, thanks for your support of Northside Pet Connection.

More information can be found on our website: npconnections.org.