Emergency Animal Cooling Shelter Opens Thursday In Bellevue

BELLEVUE, WA — Seattle Humane will open an emergency cooling center Thursday, giving King County residents a safe place for their pets to stay as temperatures near triple digits. The air-conditioned temporary Bellevue shelter will be staffed by volunteers from the Washington State Animal Response Team, Regional Animal Services and King County Search and Rescue.

Residents are encouraged to RSVP online to ensure there is enough space and staffing available. Pet owners can drop off their animals to be looked after between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Organizers said animals that are not dogs or cats will need to be in their own enclosures, like crates or aquariums. Visitors should also bring along their pet's food, medication and toys. The shelter is not able to accommodate pets with serious medical conditions.

Emergency Pet Cooling Shelter

• Seattle Humane (13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue)
• Hours: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Thursday & Friday)

More information about the pet shelter is available online, and human companions can find several options to help stay cool around King County.

Pet heat safety tips from the city of Seattle:

• Never leave your animal unattended in direct sunlight. Provide a shady area for retreat and remember shaded areas move with the sun. Provide access to cool water at all times.
• Keep ventilation and water flowing. If you leave animals indoors, open secured screened windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and, if possible, leave them in a cool location.
• Never leave animals unattended in a vehicle. Temperatures rise quickly leaving them trapped and unable to escape the heat. Under Washington state law an animal control officer or law enforcement officer has the authority to remove an animal from a vehicle by any means necessary if the animal is suffering or is likely to suffer from exposure to excessive heat and the owner may be charged with animal cruelty.
• Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but extreme heat conditions, obesity, old age, breed and underlying disease can predispose an animal to the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot pavement can quickly burn sensitive paws.
• Keep bird cages away from direct sunlight. For birds, take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon. Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.
• Have water-heavy snacks are where it’s at. Smaller furred pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can overheat easily. Snacks such as cucumber, melon or any watery vegetable can help keep them hydrated. Frozen water bottles can give them something cool to lie next to or near.