In a previous blog, “Summer’s Here . . . Are Your Pets In Fear?” we discussed the issue of pets in hot cars. The blog provided tips on what to do and how the Windshieldink app can assist the public in rescuing pets in distress. We are fully into the throngs of winter. The threat to pets has now turned from the heat of summer to the deepfreeze of winter. Cold not only applies to a pet left shivering in a car but also pets left outside to fend against the harsh winter elements. Both can be viewed as acts of animal cruelty we should be vigilant of and act upon when deemed necessary.
Windshieldink strives to do our part as a socially responsible business. Our mobile app can be used in a range of situations, including assisting in reporting of pets being exposed to freezing temperatures. Hence, this is why we have provided easy message links to Canadian animal protection services though our license plate messaging app. While this service is not the main purpose of our app, it can provide the public with a quick shortcut for reaching out for help.
Use your intuition. Do not hesitate to contact your local SPCA or other agency responsible for reporting of animal cruelty if you feel a situation is dire.
It’s so easy to get help
If you come upon an animal that is clearly in distress from the cold and you don’t know the contact information for animal protection services, you can use the Windshieldink app to instantly send them a message.
We have linked the provincial agencies with an available email address to their Windshieldink #SPCA ID so you don’t need to remember their email address. All you need to remember is #SPCA in the app to send your message to them. We’ve made the process very easy for you!
In the Windshieldink app, go to the “Send Message” screen, simply enter #SPCA in the License Plate/ID field, input your province as the “Origin”, and press “Verify”. The app will reveal a pop-up message with the contact information of the agency (see image). If the pop-up confirms the agencies’ email, send your message directly from the app. Agencies that do not have an email contact have a phone number available to call. The numbers are also shown in the pop-up.
We recommend that you to tag your GPS location in your message. The agency will then be provided with a clickable map link showing your location. If you tag your Signature, the agency will have your contact information and can call you back if necessary. The entire message sending process takes less than 30 seconds! All you need to remember is #SPCA.
Communication avenues with animal protection services are not structured the same in all Canadian provinces or territories. We have provided a list outlining each provinces’ method of contact. Many local SPCA chapters also exist. If you are seeking a local chapter, contact your main agency for their guidance.
Regardless of your jurisdiction, if you are an animal protection agency and would like to be added to our list, email us your contact preference information to admin@windshieldink.com We currently use the identifier #SPCA for each individual province because it’s easy for anyone to remember. However we can create a unique easy to remember ID for any agency.
For the love of all animals
Let’s continue to be vigilant and keep animals safe and warm. It doesn’t matter whether it’s hot or cold, no pet should endure suffering of any kind. Do you think it’s to cold to go out today? You can bet your pet is thinking the same!
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The Windshieldink app is available on the App Store and get it on Google Play. It’s free to download, free to register and free to send messages.
We’re always interested in hearing from you. Send your comments or questions to admin@windshieldink.com.
