How Can We Help Dogs During This Extreme Heat?
I’ve been seeing a lot of dogs, especially with people experiencing homelessness, being walked around in this heat. Some of these dogs look extremely uncomfortable, and I’ve even noticed them struggling on hot pavement that likely is burning their paws.
I want to be clear that I’m not trying to judge or shame unhoused people who have dogs. I know many of them love their animals deeply and do everything they can to take care of them, but it’s heartbreaking to see dogs that appear to have no choice but to stay outside in these temperatures, especially when they’re leashed up and standing on hot asphalt or concrete.
Is there anything we can actually do to help? Are there local organizations, shelters, cooling stations, or resources in the Salt Lake area that provide water, cooling supplies, booties, shade, or other assistance to people with pets who are experiencing homelessness?
I’d also love advice on how to respectfully approach someone if I see a dog struggling. I don’t want to make the situation worse or come across as judgmental, I just want to help the animal.
If you know of local resources or organizations that help unhoused people care for their pets, please share them. I’d really like to have some information on hand so that the next time I see a dog struggling in the heat, I can actually do something to help.