what do i do if you see a dog locked in a car poster with a picture of a dog sitting inside a car

Aug 1, 2022 Health & Safety

What Should I Do if I See a Dog Locked in a Hot Car?

In theory, bringing pets with us to run errands in the summer is a great idea, but you’ll have to decide whether or not to leave Fido in the car. Most businesses only allow Service or Therapy Dogs inside their establishments, leading owners to leave their furry friends unaccompanied in the car. Backed by the AKC, pet parents should never leave pets alone in the car, even with cracked windows. Parked cars heat up at the same rate whether the windows are cracked or not. If you see a pet stuck inside a hot car, assess the situation and location before acting! There are specific legal statutes in place that can either help or harm the rescuer.

Legal Aspects

A dozen states have finally passed the Good Samaritan laws to help those removing dogs from harmful situations, but they come with a long list of stipulations. Good Samaritan laws vary across jurisdictions; acting without knowing can lead you to be liable for damages. In most states, police officers have the legal authority to break into vehicles. Most states instead support police notification: attempting to find the owner, calling 911, monitoring the car and the animal, and only using force if necessary.

Car Safety

All dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, especially in the brutal July sun. Hundreds of pets pass away from car-related heat strokes yearly, and nearly thirty states have passed legislation to help reduce the risks. You should always bring another person with you to keep an eye on Fido and keep the air running if you need to run into a store.