Most animal lovers know it’s not safe to leave a pet in the car during the summer. According to the Humane Society of the United States, when it’s 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 99 degrees in just 10 minutes. Leaving windows cracked doesn’t do much to help.
There are 14 states with statutes that prohibit leaving an animal confined in a vehicle in conditions that might lead to harm. According to the Animal Legal & Historical Center at Michigan State University, some of these laws are specific to extreme hot or cold temperatures, and some require that the conditions put the animal at risk of physical injury or death. The types of animals included in the laws vary by state. Some are specific to cats and dogs, while others include “any animal.”
There are, however, many more local ordinances that prohibit such actions. In some cases, locking a dog in a hot car can result in a charge of animal cruelty.
Experts at the Humane Society and the ASPCA have some helpful tips about what you can do to help a pet left alone in a hot car.
Gather pertinent information: Make a note of the car’s make, model, and license plate number.
Attempt to locate the owner: If there are businesses close by, notify managers or security guards and ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.
Call for help: Both the Humane Society and ASPCA recommend calling animal control. The Humane Society also suggests that you call the nonemergency number for the local police, while the ASPCA recommends calling 911. It’s a good idea to have those numbers programmed into your phone or to keep them in your car’s glove compartment. No matter whom you call for assistance, stay with the vehicle until help arrives.
Educate pet owners: The situation might be avoided if more people understood the danger of leaving a pet in a hot car. The Humane Society and ASPCA both have flyers that you can print and ask business owners to post in their stores or restaurants.
Although your dog might love to go for a ride, don’t take him with you when you run errands that require you to leave him in the car, and if you do need to take your dog with you, consider “pre-cooling” your car by letting the air conditioning cool the interior before putting your pet in the car. If you cannot ensure that your vehicle will be safely air-conditioned for the entire ride, it might be best to leave your pets at home where they can be comfortable and safe.