Leaving Your Pet in A Parked Car Can Be a Deadly Mistake

Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time.

On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes — REALLY — even with the car windows partially open.

Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures.

This is what you should do if your pet is exposed to high temperatures:
Be alert for the signs of heat stress—heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse,
unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or
a deep red or purple tongue.
If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately.
Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her body temperature.
Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only.
Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
Take your pet to a veterinarian right away—it could save your pet’s life.
If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call municipal animal control (City 311; County 574-3647) or the police department (emergency 911,
non-emergency 208-7211) immediately!

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
With only hot air to breathe your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. Do not leave a child or a pet in a hot car.

You don’t just expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him in a car, you also expose him to pet theft. Thousands of pets are stolen each year from unattended cars.

If you must take your pet on a car trip, do so safely: cats should ride in cat carriers, and dogs should be secured in a dog harness and she should wear an ID tag. Traveling with loose animals in your car is a potential for disaster. In an accident, your pet can easily be ejected from the vehicle. The distraction of a pet moving around can even be the cause of a serious accident.

Taking your pet for a ride may seem like fun, but many pets prefer to spend time with you in the comfort and safety of home. Avoid taking risks by leaving your pet in the car.

Leaving the car running with the air conditioning seems like a great idea, but your pet could knock your car into gear, creating a dangerous situation or your car could be stolen. A running vehicle, even if locked, can be an irresistible temptation to car thieves.

Animal Control Officers or other law enforcement officers are authorized to remove any animal left in an unattended vehicle that is exhibiting signs of heat stress by using the amount of force necessary (break the window) to remove the animal, and shall not be liable for any damages reasonably related to the removal. The pet owner will be charged with animal cruelty.

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call municipal animal control (City 311; County 574-3647) or the police department (emergency 911, non-emergency 208-7211) immediately!