Think twice before taking your pet with you this summer.

Every year hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. On a 78°F day, temperatures in a parked car can hit anywhere from 110-160° in a matter of minutes.

 Leaving the windows cracked has little effect. The temperature in your vehicle can rise almost 20°F in just 10 minutes. Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk for serious illness and even death.

 Some examples are as follows if the outside temperature is 85° the temp inside your car after 10 minutes is 104° and after 30 minutes it reaches 119°. With only hot air to breath, your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke.

Also be aware that in the State of Arizona it is illegal to leave animals in vehicles when conditions exist that may threaten the animals life or well-being. Such conditions include  extreme hot or cold temperatures, lack of food or water, exposure to harmful fumes or substances. Police and animal control officers are empowered to use reasonable means to release any animal trapped in a vehicle and provide immediate medical care without the consent or knowledge of the owner. If the animal suffers any bodily harm or death or is at the risk of being harmed the owner can be arrested.

Signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, dizziness, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue.

If your pet gets overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately!          

• Get them to into shade and apply cool (not cold) water over their whole body.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to head, neck, and chest only.
• Let them drink small amounts of cool water, or lick ice cream or ice cubes.
• Transport to a veterinarian right away- it could save there life.

If you see an animal in a parked car who appears to be in distress or soon will be call 911 right away.

If it is in a retail or business parking lot, try to have manager page the owner.

Stay at the scene till police arrive.

If an animal appears critical or non-responsive ask the Police to contact a veterinarian immediately.

REPORT PETS IN HOT CARS