Arizona Humane Society responds to 1,200+ heat-related emergencies this summer

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Arizona Humane Society says it has been a very busy summer responding to heat-related emergencies across the Valley.

According to its field operations team, it’s been a busier summer compared to last year.

From May 1st up until now, the team has responded to:

• 6,800 calls
• 1,200 of those calls have been heat related emergencies
• 15 dogs have died from heat-related illnesses

Field Operations Director Tracey Miiller states these calls can range from dogs without shelter or water to dogs tethered in the backyard or stuck in a hot car. However, Miiller said most of the calls they’ve received this year have been backyard calls when dogs have no shelter or water.

“It definitely has been an increase in the no-water, no-shelter, and I’m not sure what to attribute that to,” Miiller said. “We can work with the owner a little bit with that; we can provide tarps for them. We give them some ideas on what they can do to create their own shelter, but the no water that is, you know, unfortunately, do-or-die type of situation.”

The field operations team has also received many reports of owners walking their dogs in triple-digit temperatures without proper protection or water. This has resulted in treating severe injuries, and Miiller said this has been frustrating to see for her and her team.

“I still can’t believe people think it’s OK to walk their dogs when it’s 90 plus. I shake my head when I’m off work, and I see people walking their dogs at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and it’s like, ‘What are you thinking? It’s 110 degrees,’” she explained. “If you would not walk barefoot on the sidewalk, why are you making your dog do it?”

Miiller said this has resulted in treating many heat-exhausted dogs and severely burned paws. Most of these burns are usually second—and third-degree burns.

Before you take your dog out, the AZ Humane Society wants you to remember:

• Check the forecast before deciding to take your dog anywhere
• Keep your dog inside during peak hours
• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening
• Make sure to where properly protected booties
• Have water on you at all times

If you see an animal struggling, file a report by CLICKING HERE.

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