Hitchcock Road shelter urges heat safety for pets, announces returning spay/neuter clinic

Kendra Brady of Hitchcock Road shelter warned pet owners that unusually warm March conditions require extra precautions for animals and outlined steps the shelter is taking to protect animals during the heat.

Brady advised owners to provide ample fresh water, avoid leaving pets in vehicles, limit exercise on hot pavement and watch flat-faced breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs that are more susceptible to heat-related distress. She noted that shelter staff have shifted activities — including early-morning walks, adding shade covers and moving indoor meet-and-greets — to reduce dogs' exposure to heat.

Brady said Hitchcock Road will host a returning spay/neuter clinic beginning March 27. She said the shelter's January clinic spayed and neutered 200 owned animals, provided microchipping and initial vaccinations, and that demand for the returning clinic exceeded available slots; sign-ups had been closed at the time of the briefing.

"When it's a really hot day, we have this weather about the rest of the week. So just know, look up what symptoms of overheating in pets would look like," Brady said, urging vigilance and use of available low-cost resources such as the snip bus, the SPCA appointment program and South County neighborhood resources.

She described volunteers' efforts to keep dogs comfortable — adding shade, providing frozen treats, and adjusting walking schedules — and encouraged owners to check local shelter websites and posted phone numbers for appointments and resource lists.

The briefing included no new county ordinance or funding announcement; Brady said a new friends group will assist the shelter with fundraising and future clinic planning.