ASPCA: Download Our Hot Weather Graphic to Prevent Pets from Suffering in Hot Cars
 

{{{ Article link HERE. Also, click here for your STATE LAWS regarding animals left in hot cars. }}}

Download and Share Our Hot Weather Infographic to Prevent Pets from Suffering in Hot Cars

As summer heats up, it’s tempting to bring your pet with you on car rides around town. Sadly, many people believe that cracking a window is enough to keep their dogs cool in the car while they make a quick pit stop—but they couldn’t be more wrong. When it’s 80 degrees outside, your car will be a staggering 114 degrees in less than 30 minutes.

Worse still, dogs can’t cool themselves down as easily as people, and once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage or die. That’s why leaving an animal alone in a car is more than just a bad idea, it’s a form of animal cruelty. And since the ASPCA can’t be everywhere at all times, we need YOU to be our eyes and ears on the ground. That’s why we’ve created a hot weather safety infographic that you can share with friends and family on your social media networks, alerting others to the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars.

Here are other ways to help:

--Immediately call animal control or 911 if you see an animal trapped in a hot car. Local law officials have the ability to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.
--Do not leave until help has arrived.
--Notify the managers of nearby businesses so they can make an urgent announcement.
--Sign our Hot Car Pledge to help save lives this summer and all year long.

We are working hard to spread awareness about the dangers of hot cars, but all too often, the difference between life and death comes down to the actions of individuals like you. Thank you for advocating for animals in your area!

I just looked at the law for my state (VA). There's NONE! I saw quite a few states with NO LAW for this... why????

great idea

i just saw this on pinterest and reposted it

That's really too bad -- and it's shocking isn't it, really? In this day and age, ya know? Hey, maybe it's your mission to spearhead one :D!

Piper wants to go everywhere, hot or cold, long or short rides. The other day on our way home, it got very hot in the car and both Piper and I were feeling it--seemed like a long mile ride home (air conditioning wasn't working). Would a gel pad be an option for Piper on our drives? We do short sprints (and only to stores she's allowed in), but I want her to be cool and comfortable during the coming and going. Thank you.
...She never sat down in a car but stood, braced tense, facing the wind. Now and again she would turn her face toward me with an apologetic expression as though to say: "I have not forgotten that you are here but there are certain pleasures I cannot share with you." Her nose never ceased its sensitive quivering. Mazo de la Roche

I think the gel pad would be a great idea. I put them in my pups dog houses and they love laying on them. I would not leave them in the car though. I think you can even put them in the fridge to get them cool faster.

Thank you for posting this, I've printed the poster to display at my work place. Working in a restaurant I see dogs left in hot cars constantly while customers enjoy the comforts of sitting in an air conditioned room!
Unfortunately it's not against the law to allow dogs to suffer heat strokes in Ohio. :(

I checked my state laws after reading this and I am so sad to say there are none. But that will NOT stop me from breaking someones window to get to an animal inside!!!!
I wish there were stronger laws for animal abuse!!

Have you seen those newer "cool towels" that you snap quickly and they cool down...? That may be an option too.