Animal shelters and humane societies across the Mahoning Valley have reported an increase in calls regarding animals being outside during the ongoing heat wave.

Animal Charity Coordinator Jane MacMurchy tells 21 News the humane society isn't seeing any more animal intakes than an average heat wave, but is seeing more calls than usual.

MacMurchy attributed this influx of calls to more people being aware that animals should not be left out in the heat rather than an increase in animals being left out.

Other agencies and humane societies like the Mahoning County Dog Warden, Columbiana County Humane Society, and Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County have said they have received an influx of calls too, but none of the cases they've seen have been egregious so far.

Mahoning County Dog Warden Dianne Fry tells 21 News deputies have been using these calls as teaching moments for owners letting them know what they should do to keep their animals cool during the heat wave.

Columbiana County Humane Society Shelter Manage Katie Sturgeon told 21 News their humane agents are taking a similar approach educating pet owners on how to keep their pets safe.

Sturgeon tells us while the Humane Society is full, they will still take pets in if the conditions are bad enough, but none of the calls have warranted that and all calls were made in referenced to domesticated animals rather than strays.

Diane Less with Angels for Animals tells 21 News the shelter isn't necessarily seeing an influx with dogs, but is with cats attributing this to folks in the area feeding stray cats and those cats later populating.

Less says if you see a stray cat who needs help, call Angels for Animals who can assist.

CEO of Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, Bethany Cluckey, tells 21 News that officers are on the road making welfare checks to animals outside by making sure they have shade and water. 

For tips from animal experts on how to keep your pets safe in the heat, as well as tips on how to keep your kids and yourself safe, click here.