There are no statistics on how many dogs in hot cars die every year, because the majority of the cases go unreported. But estimates are several hundred pets suffer this slow, agonizing and unnecessary fate every year.
A heat-related death of a beloved dog is a tragic, completely preventable situation.
NOTICE: Never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day, not even for a minute.
If you see an animal left in someone elses’ parked car in the heat, IMMEDIATELY look for the owner, notify store or fitness gym employees right away so they will make an announcement on the PA system.
If the pet’s owner isn’t located immediately, call animal control or the police. A dog can suffer permanent damage or death in a very short time when left in a parked car on a hot day.
Leaving a dog unattended in a car in extreme heat or cold is currently a criminal offense in 14 states and several municipalities. Most of the statutes have rescue provisions which allow certain individuals – i.e, police officers, firefighters, animal control officers, store employees — to do whatever is necessary to rescue an animal trapped in a car in extreme temperatures.
No matter where you live, if you see a pet confined in an unattended car in extreme weather — call law enforcement. Even if you don’t live in one of the 14 states that prohibit such actions, there could be other laws in your city and/or state that address this form of animal cruelty.
ALERT! Rising Problem – Dogs being left alone in cars that are being stolen, days later the car with dog inside are being abandoned leaving the dogs to tragically die.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Mahatma Gandhi
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Josh Billings
“Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.”
Emily Dickinson
“You can judge a man’s true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.”
Paul McCartney
Depending on which state in you live it can be ILLEGAL to leave your dog in a parked car.
Not all states have laws that address dogs in parked cars, numerous local ordinances prohibit this, and more may be enacted. It is critical that dog owners are aware of their local laws. Even without a state or local law, this could still be constituted as animal cruelty under some circumstances.
Not only is it important to raise awareness about the DANGERS of leaving dogs in hot cars, we want offer valuable and helpful dog-related resources, including:
Finding FOREVER homes for countless dogs, help grieving pet owners after losing their beloved pet, car safety tips and recommended products, health and care resources, and much, much more.