It is a yearly warning that seems to go unheeded.

Toronto Police, vets and firefighters are warning residents not to leave their pets, or even children, in locked vehicles during this heatwave even if the windows are slightly opened.

The warnings are being repeated after an area woman locked her dog in an SUV in a parking lot, which took firefighters some time to rescue.

The firefighters spent a fair bit of time rescuing the animal when they could be doing other duties, an official noted.

“Under no circumstance should you take your pet in your car if you think you might have to leave it in there, even if only for five minutes, warns veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford.

Shopping trips are one of the most common scenarios where this occurs, he says.

The best thing an owner can do on a hot day is to leave their pet at home, “in a cool spot with lots of water,” the vets advise.

Police say if you must take your pet with you in the car, make sure someone is always with them.

“One of the best ways to cool them off is to soak their fur, so you can take a bottle of water and literally soak (them) — especially their ears and their feet,” an officer said.

Exercising in warm weather can cause a pet to overheat so be aware of and watch for signs of heatstroke, says the Toronto Humane Society, adding the symptoms for dogs can be excessive panting, fatigue, glazed eyes or a dazed expression and vomiting.

“An immediate response to if your animal is overheating would include removing them from the heat and placing them in a cooler area,” the THS suggested.

They say when it comes to dogs, pay extra attention to younger, older and heavier pets, dog breeds who have short noses and any pets with health issues.

Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to have a full animal welfare enforcement system. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act came into effect in January 2020 and allows police to enter motor vehicles to help pets in distress.

If you see an animal in a hot car and are concerned the animal’s life is in immediate danger, dial 911. Members of the public should not attempt to enter a vehicle in these situations.