Washoe County Regional Animal Services is getting a “big screen” boost in their efforts to remind pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in enclosed vehicles thanks to several billboards provided by Clear Channel Outdoor.
“Public awareness is possibly the most effective tool we have to help promote the health and safety of pets in Washoe County,” Regional Animal Services Manager Barry Brode said. “Clear Channel Outdoor’s willingness to increase outreach through their billboards is a valuable addition to our efforts to protect through prevention.”
Messages from Regional Animal Services are now being displayed on three separate rotating billboards as part of a seven-week agreement between Clear Channel Outdoor and Regional Animal Services. Billboard locations are:
- West side of Vista Boulevard 0.2 miles north of the I-80, facing south
- Eastbound side of the I-80 near East McCarran Boulevard, facing east
- East McCarran Boulevard, just north of Mill Street, facing south
Animal Services’ messages are expected to be shown over two million times between the three billboards during the seven week period.
An alarming increase in “Dog in Hot Vehicle” reports this summer compelled Washoe County Regional Animal Services to step up efforts to warn pet owners that temperatures inside a closed vehicle can easily rise to 20 degrees or warmer than outside temperatures. This could prove deadly to a pet.
“Our goal is to prevent this from happening and we appreciate Clear Channel Outdoors commitment to keeping this important message visible to the public,” Brode said.
The public is encouraged to report distressed animals locked in hot cars immediately by contacting Washoe County Regional Animal Services dispatch at (775) 322-3647.
