Leaving Pets in Parked Cars

Leaving your pet in a parked car is not "cool." Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake.

NEVER leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time, not for 20 minutes, not for 2 minutes. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes -- even with the windows partially open. I've seen pets in cars where the guardians didn't even leave the windows cracked! What are they thinking? Obviously, they're not thinking. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in a hot car.

The elevation in body temperature stimulates your dog's body to release substances that activate inflammation. At temperatures greater than 109 degrees Fahrenheit, failure of vital organs, and consequently death, can occur.

In California it is illegal to leave a dog in a hot car. In 2006 Gov. Schwarzenegger signed SB 1806:

"SB 1806 makes it a crime for a person to leave a pet unattended in a vehicle in a way that endangers the well-being of the animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering or death. Unless the animal suffers great bodily injury, a first misdemeanor conviction for this crime is punishable by a fine of $100 or less per animal. If the animal suffers great bodily injury, the punishment is a fine of $500 or less, a sentence of up to six months in county jail, or both. A person convicted of felony animal cruelty is subject to a fine of $20,000 or less, time in state prison, or both."

The bill was passed in 2006 and became a law in 2007. If you live in California, it may be a good idea to have a copy of the statute or a copy of the article in the link above to show the police if you ever see a dog in distress and they are reluctant to do anything about it.

Places where you tend to see most often dogs in parked cars is at the mall, in which case you can contact mall security to let them know. At the grocery store? Any other retail store? Ask management if they will announce on the intercom the guardian of the pet come to the front of the store. Be able to provide management with the color, make, and model of the car along with the license plate number.

Even if the sun isn't on the car at that moment, we all know that could change if the car remains for an extended period of time.

Can't find the pet's guardian? Be prepared to break the window of the car -- obviously away from the animal -- and get the animal out of the car.

This is what you should do if a pet is exposed to high temperatures:

Be alert to the signs of heat stress -- heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

If the pet has become overheated, you must lower his or her body temperature immediately by taking the following steps:

1. Move the pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over his or her body to gradually lower the animal's body temperature.

2. Apply ice packs or cold towels to the pet's head, neck, and chest only.

3. Let the pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.

Finally, take the pet directly to a veterinarian -- it could save the pet's life!

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately!

You don't just expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him or her in a car; you also expose your pet to pet theft. Many pets are stolen each year from unattended cars.

Taking your pet for a ride may seem like fun -- I know my dogs love it! -- but many pets prefer to spend time in the comfort and safety of home. Explore activities that you and your pet can share at home, and avoid the risks of leaving your pet in the car.

If you must take your pet with you in your car, do so safely. Cats should ride in pet carriers, and dogs should ride in travel crates or wear safety harnesses. When a pet travels, he or she should wear two ID tags -- one with a home address and one with a destination address.

I think most of us like the companionship of having our pets with us as much as possible. If it is warm outside, don't take him with you unless you are able to stay in the car with him and keep the air conditioner running. Remember: if you were to sit in your car with your winter coat on on a warm day and are uncomfortable, your pet will be, too!

Please keep your precious companions safe!