Since the temperature has gone up, so have the number of calls for the Nelson police to check on animals left in vehicles.
"During warm weather pet owners must take precautions against the danger of heat exhaustion and heatstroke for their pets," Sgt. Paul Bayes said in a news release.
"The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with the windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill your pet."
Symptoms an animal might be in distress include exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting), anxious or staring expression, and red tongue and lips red. "If it’s hot out, leave your pets at home," Bayes said.