You’d think it would be common sense, but people still do leave their good dog alone in a hot car. We nose that having your good dog with you is wagnificent but when it’s too hot it’s too & should never be done, not even for a few minutes. Every summer dogs suffer heat stroke or die from being left in a car while their human is away, “for just a few minutes”. A car will turn into an oven on a hot day in mere minutes & that can be fatal to anything inside. Leaving a window open a crack won’t help.

Here’s a simple break down. If it’s 70 F (21 C) outside the car, then inside it will be 90 F (32 C) in just 10 minutes. 80 F (26 C) outside will be 100 F (37 C) inside & 90 F (32 C) outside will be 110 F (43 C).

Your best choice is to leave your good dog home or have someone stay with them & walk them around while you shop. HuMom always had a friend either stay at home with Olivia who you nose lived with epilepsy & Eddy who suffered from separation anxiety. Or she had someone meet her there to walk them, offer water or shade. Some people will leave the air conditioning on but in many places it’s not legal to leave a vehicle idling.

If you see a dog in distress in a hot car you need to act quickly. Call the police (911) as they can legally break the window. Or call 310-SPCA (7722).  In the USA call 311 or 911. If you feel there is no time then break the window, I should point out this may not be legal where you live but in many places it is. You may have to deal with an irate owner & the police but you’re saving a life.

According to the Ottawa Humane Society & OSPCA it is against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal. Under the Ontario SPCA Act, OSPCA investigators have the authority of a police officer when enforcing those laws pertaining to animals. The Act permits the investigator to issue a written order to the owner of the animal or to take the necessary steps to relieve the animal from distress. Non-compliance of an OSPCA order may result in the animal being removed from private property (including parked vehicles).

 

In the USA 31 states  have statutes that specifically prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle.  Most of these laws provide that the animal must not be confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle.  Further, the laws adds that in order for a person to violate the law, the conditions have to endanger the animal’s life.  Some of the statutes specifically state that extreme hot or cold temperatures, lack of adequate ventilation, or failing to provide proper food or drink meet this definition.  Other laws are more vague and just require that the conditions are such that physical injury or death is likely to result. While not all states have laws that address animals in parked vehicles, numerous local ordinances prohibit this, and more may be enacted.  Here is an updated table of State Laws that Pawtect Animals Left in Parked Vehicles.

 

Below is a chart & other media that can be printed & distribute in your community.

Be smart, remember “just a few minutes” is too long. Avoid a tragedy, leave your dog at home when you go out in your car.  If you can’t leave them alone (like Olivia) have someone there to care for them.

 

Stay cool & be safe this summer.

Have a purrfect week!

Remember to be gnawsome, be kind & stay safe.

Dot & Jerry Underfoot😻 head boops 😻

 

                                   Remembering CEO Olivia & Eddy forever🐾💜🐾

 

 

PS 🐾 Looking for wagnifient healthy & furbulously fun toys or pawsibly a supplement for the well being of your pawtacular good dog or cat? Shop Naturally

Join my pack at knottytoysforgooddogs.com