As the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of leaving your pet in a hot car. While it may seem harmless to run a quick errand with your furry friend in tow, the reality is that even a few minutes in a hot car can be deadly for your pet.
Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly skyrocket, even on a mild day. On a sunny day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just minutes. This can cause heat stroke, dehydration, and even death for your pet. Pets are especially vulnerable to heat stroke because they cannot sweat like humans can, making it harder for them to regulate their body temperature in hot conditions.
Leaving your pet in a hot car is not only dangerous, it’s also illegal in many places. In fact, 31 states in the US have laws that specifically prohibit leaving pets unattended in a hot car. If you’re caught leaving your pet in a hot car, you could face fines, animal cruelty charges, and even jail time.
So why do people still leave their pets in hot cars? Some pet owners may not realize just how quickly temperatures can rise inside a parked car, while others may think they’ll only be gone for a few minutes. However, even a quick errand can turn into a longer delay, putting your pet at risk of heat-related illnesses.
It’s important to remember that cracking a window or leaving the air conditioning on while you run errands is not enough to keep your pet safe. In fact, leaving your pet in a parked car with the air conditioning running is just as dangerous, as the air can quickly become stagnant and overheated.
If you absolutely must leave your pet in the car, it’s best to leave them at home. If you do need to take your pet with you, try to find pet-friendly stores or restaurants where you can bring your furry friend inside with you. If you must leave your pet in the car, make sure to park in the shade, leave plenty of water, and leave the windows cracked for ventilation.
If you see a pet left unattended in a hot car, it’s important to take action. First, try to locate the owner of the vehicle. If you can’t find them, call animal control or the police for help. In some cases, breaking a car window to rescue a pet may be necessary, but it’s important to call for help first and make sure you’re following local laws and regulations.
The dangers of leaving your pet in a hot car are clear, but unfortunately, it still happens all too often. In 2020, the ASPCA received over 5,000 reports of animals left in hot cars. While many of these pets were rescued in time, some were not so lucky.
Pets rely on us to keep them safe and healthy, and that means being aware of the dangers of leaving them in hot cars. Remember, if it’s too hot for you in a parked car, it’s definitely too hot for your pet. Take the extra time to find pet-friendly options or leave your pet at home to ensure their safety and well-being. Your furry friend will thank you for it.
