CVS Nabs PETA Award for Broadcasting Hot Car Warning Message

Company Lauded for Helping Keep Animals and Kids From Dying of Heatstroke in Parked Cars

For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2020

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Business Award and a box of delicious dog-shaped vegan chocolates are on their way from PETA to CVS after the company pledged to share PETA’s message about the dangers of leaving dogs and children in parked vehicles on its in-store radio channel and social media platforms.

“Every year, PETA receives reports of dozens of dogs and other animals who have baked to death after being left in a parked car,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “CVS could save countless lives by reminding shoppers never to leave a vulnerable family member in their vehicle.”

Twenty-seven companion animals have died this year from heat-related causes. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for intervening in such life-or-death situations.

Dogs showing any symptoms of heatstroke—including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, or loss of coordination—should be taken into the shade, given water to drink, and cooled off with a lukewarm or cool (not cold) towel placed on their head and chest. A veterinarian should be called immediately.

CVS will receive an award letter, a framed certificate, and a box of delicious vegan chocolates.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.