With summer in full effect, it is amazing to me that people still leave their dogs in parked hot cars.
Even though outside temperatures can be in the 80’s and feel cool to humans, temperatures in parked cars can be up to 40 degrees warmer (over 120 degrees). This temperature increase can happen in as little as 15 minutes. Even with the windows cracked or if a car is parked in the shade, temperatures can still escalate to dangerously high levels.
We’ve all seen it and felt the urgency to help. So, what can you do to help dogs in hot cars?
- Try to find the owner. If you are at a grocery store or somewhere like Costco, ask security to get on a loud speaker, describe the vehicle and describe the situation. I was in Home Depot last week and saw a black lab stuck in a car parked out in the hot sun. The manager of Home Depot got on the loud speaker and the irresponsible owner came running out with his head down.
- Educate the pet owner. As much as you want to lock the owner in a hot car to show them how it feels, try to educate the owner of how quickly temperatures can increase. Of course, while you are educating, make sure the dog isn’t sitting in the car.
- Call 911. There are 14 states with statutes that specifically prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle. These states are Arizona, California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. Check out the following link to see the penalties associated with leaving animals in parked cars http://www.animallaw.info/articles/qvuspetsincars.htm
- Keep an eye out. Whenever out in public, look for animals in parked cars. They need the help of responsible animal lovers like you.
For more information on responsible pet ownership, contact Einhorn Insurance at 858-336-4644 or visit us at www.EinhornInsurance.com.
