It's that time of year again when the temperatures are starting to climb and pet owners must plan their outings carefully. This is not the time of year to take Fido or Fifi on the errand trip, leaving them in the car while you just run in to the store for a few minutes. As the temperatures climb outside, they climb even faster in your vehicle.

When it is only 80 degrees outside, a car can heat up to 120 degrees in just minutes even with the windows cracked. A temperature of just 107 degrees can be lethal to your dog. So, if it is hot outside, do your pets a favor and leave them home.

The APS of Orange County supports this advice, and we want you to think about just how hot it gets almost every day from May through at least September.

The temperatures we experience are far hotter than 80 degrees outside so just imagine how hot the interior of your car might become.

The APS is proud to make available posters for your business, school, or public bulletin board. These posters list all the information you need to remember that heat can kill. You can pick one up at the APS Learning Center on Nick's Rd. in Mebane or at the A Bone Dry Dog Wash and Giving Grill Event on May 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Whole Foods in Chapel Hill. You can call us for information at (919) 304-2300.

Thank you for caring for your pets and keeping their best interest and health at the top of your list of concerns. The Animal Protection Society of Orange County is here to help you with that worthy goal. www.animalprotectionsociety.org.