PRINCE.EDWARD.ISLAND (CBC) - The hot weather on P.E.I. has propelled the humane society to shut down in the late afternoon to reduce stress on the animals.

Shelter manager and veterinarian Dr. Els Cawthorn has begun closing the doors to the public at 3 p.m.

"Some of them [animals] are a bit stressed, especially the ones with the heavier coats. They're sort of flat out in their kennels and panting a bit," Cawthorn told CBC News on Tuesday.

"It is not too terribly bad, but it is nice if we can kind of batten down the hatches in the afternoon, and reduce traffic and let the animals sleep and relax rather than being up and barking."

Attendants are arriving earlier at the shelter to open it and take advantage of cooler morning temperatures.

The change is in effect for Wednesday, and Cawthorn says the situation will continue to be monitored through the summer. Temperatures are expected to hit 29 C Wednesday, but be a few degrees cooler Thursday.

Daily opening times will be available on the shelter's website.

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