05/08/2025
You may have seen the video of a dog tied to the back of a car outside the Burnaby Costco a few days ago. It’s gone viral, especially on TikTok, and has been picked up by local outlets like Daily Hive, Global BC, and Vancouver Is Awesome. While we can’t share links to the articles here, this is the most-viewed video: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBoA4XyV/
Here’s our take.
It’s understandable that the video struck a nerve. The way the dog was leashed, tied to a car trunk near a hot muffler, in the sun, with no water - seemed careless and unsafe.
That said, the owners clearly didn’t want to leave the dog inside the car, which could have been worse in the heat. Their intentions may have been good, but the ex*****on was poor. A better option? One of them stays with the dog in the air-conditioned car, or they take turns running errands while the other waits in a shaded spot by the store entrance.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-off incident. This kind of situation happens all the time... outside stores, coffee shops, and other public spaces.
We're not saying it’s okay. The safest place for a pet is at home or in a daycare. But the reality is: not everyone has that option. Whether it’s due to a pet’s temperament, a lack of training, financial constraints, or an unpredictable schedule - people often find themselves with their dog at a place that doesn't allow them to bring them inside.
You’ll hear the Burnaby animal control officer asking, “Why didn’t you just go home first?” Many will agree. But others, especially those juggling jobs, kids, errands, and tight timelines, know that’s easier said than done.
What worries us most is the extreme response in the comments.
Some call for fines, criminal charges, or even having the dog removed. We don’t believe that outrage (especially from behind a keyboard) is always helpful. If you care about animal welfare, there are far more productive ways to act, like donating to your local shelter or adopting from one.
What we need is more education, better enforcement of existing rules, and real solutions.
Over the past two years, we’ve worked to prove that PetParker can be part of that solution. Our secure, ventilated and temperature and camera monitored pet hospitality stations offer a safe alternative for those situations when pets can’t go inside. They’re free to use for pet parents and in the past 18 months alone, we’ve served pet guardians over 10,000 times, with a strong track record and hundreds of positive testimonials on our website.
Let’s keep pushing for smarter, more compassionate solutions, for pets, and the people who love them.
City of Burnaby - Local Government
Costco Wholesale Canada
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