‘Protect Dogs’ Paws From Hot Pavement’ Project Hits D.C.

PETA Posts Sidewalk Signs Warning That Dogs’ Feet Can Burn and Blister on Sizzling Streets

For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2017

Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382

Today, dozens of sidewalk decals were placed near dog parks and other busy spots around Washington, courtesy of PETA, reminding passersby to think of their dogs’ sensitive feet during summer walks, when even a few minutes’ contact with blisteringly hot pavement can cause their paws to burn. The signs show a dog with a bandaged foot alongside the words “Hot Streets Can Burn Dogs’ Feet” and send the crucial message that in high temperatures like those that we’ve been experiencing in Washington, animal guardians should walk dogs early in the morning, walk them on the grass, or leave them at home—other than for vital walks—where they’ll be cool and safe.

“On hot pavement, dogs’ paw pads can fry,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA’s eye-catching signs remind people to take simple steps when walking their dogs so that every step isn’t agony.”

PETA (whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”) notes that on an 87-degree day, asphalt temperatures can reach 140 degrees—hot enough to cause burns and permanent damage after just one minute of contact. Hot sidewalks also reflect heat onto dogs’ bodies, increasing their risk of suffering from deadly heatstroke. PETA encourages all animal guardians to test the pavement with a hand before setting out, walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water, take frequent breaks in shady spots, and never make dogs wear muzzles that restrict their breathing.

A complete list of PETA’s ad locations follows. For more information, please visit PETA.org.

‘Hot Streets Can Burn Dogs’ Feet’ Pavement Decals

• AtlasVet at the Georgetown Waterfront, 1326 H St. N.E.
• Bruce Monroe Community Park, 3012 Georgia Ave. N.W.
• The Cheeky Puppy, 1709 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
• City Market at O, 800 P St. N.W.
• CityPaws Animal Hospital, 1823 14^th N.W.
• Columbia Heights Dog Park, 1150 Park Rd. N.W.
• Dacha Beer Garden, 1600 Seventh St. N.W.
• Doggy Style LLC, 1825 18^th N.W.
• Doozydog! Club, 2301 14^th N.W.
• Fur Get Me Not, 1722 Florida Ave. N.W.
• Kimpton Hotel Madera, 1310 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
• Kingsman Field Dog Park, D Street N.E.
• Langdon Park, 2901 20^th N.E.
• Lansburgh Park, 1098 Delaware Ave. S.W.
• Meridian Hill Park, 2500 16^th N.W.
• PETA’s office, 1536 16^th N.W.
• Petco, 1503 New York Ave. N.E.
• Right Proper Brewing Company, 624 T St. N.W.
• Shaw Dog Park, 1673 11^th N.W.
• S Street Dog Park, 1800 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.