{"id":15481,"date":"2025-07-02T07:40:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T14:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=15481"},"modified":"2026-08-12T11:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T18:32:10","slug":"can-i-leave-my-dog-in-a-hot-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-i-leave-my-dog-in-a-hot-car","title":{"rendered":"Is It Illegal to Leave Your Dog in the Car? Laws and Risks"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"15481\" class=\"elementor elementor-15481\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d4d679e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7d4d679e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f1191d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f1191d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"413\"><strong>Summary\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"281\">Even a few minutes in a parked car can put your dog\u2019s life at risk\u2014even with the windows cracked.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"283\" data-end=\"501\">\n<li data-start=\"283\" data-end=\"342\">\n<p data-start=\"285\" data-end=\"342\">Temperatures inside cars rise <em data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"321\">fast<\/em>, even on mild days<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"400\">\n<p data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"400\">Dogs overheat quickly and can&#8217;t cool down like humans<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"443\">\n<p data-start=\"403\" data-end=\"443\">Heatstroke can be fatal within minutes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"501\">\n<p data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"501\">It&#8217;s illegal in many states to leave pets in hot cars<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"698\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"530\">\ud83d\udc49 Don\u2019t take the risk.<\/strong> Learn how fast things heat up, what signs of heatstroke to watch for, and what to do in an emergency in the full article. Keep reading to protect your pup this summer.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11188074 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"11188074\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you have to ask, \u201ccan I leave my dog in a hot car?\u201d The answer is a resounding \u201cno.\u201d Absolutely not. Never leave your dog unattended inside of a car. And if you see a dog left in a hot car? The common airport adage applies: If you see something, say something.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Some states even allow you to legally DO something (e.g., smashing the car window to rescue the animal). A little more on that later.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>As the outside temperature rises, so does the risk to our furry companions, especially when it comes to leaving them in parked cars. It may seem harmless to \u201cjust run in for a minute,\u201d but running errands you assume won\u2019t exceed five minutes can turn deadly just as quickly.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Temperature Changes Work in Parked Cars<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":11302,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" class=\"wp-image-11302\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/dog-car-family-1024x614.jpg\" alt=\"car ride family\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If you think parking in the shade or leaving the windows open makes it ok or less dangerous, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources-tools\/pet-owners\/petcare\/pets-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">think again<\/a>. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly: by about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes and nearly 30\u00b0F within 20 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.noheatstroke.org\/vehicle-heating\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">Research<\/a> indicates that the longer the car sits without air conditioner, the hotter it gets. After an hour, the interior can be over 40\u00b0F hotter than the outside air. That means on a 70-degree day, the inside of your car could reach a dangerous <strong>110 degrees or more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>As you can see, it does not take a long period of time for a car to overheat\u2013even when it\u2019s not a hot day. Imagine what that does to your furry friend\u2019s body temperature!<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A State-by-State Breakdown of Good Samaritan Laws and Pet Safety<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":15482,\"aspectRatio\":\"4\/3\",\"scale\":\"contain\",\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15482\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 4\/3; object-fit: contain;\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-10.33.08\u202fAM.jpg\" alt=\"ALDF dog hot car map\" \/>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/aldf.org\/project\/an-avoidable-tragedy-dogs-in-hot-cars\/\">Animal Legal Defense Fund<\/a><\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.animallaw.info\/topic\/table-state-laws-protect-animals-left-parked-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-describedby=\"audioeye_new_window_message\">According to<\/a> Michigan State University\u2019s College of Law, in 32 states and the District of Columbia, it&#8217;s either illegal to leave an animal in a dangerous situation inside a parked vehicle, or rescuers are protected from lawsuits if they step in to save a pet in distress.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>About\u00a014 states have enacted laws that allow <strong><em>any person<\/em><\/strong> to rescue a distressed animal. Those states include:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arizona<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>California<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Colorado<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connecticut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Florida<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indiana (rescuer must pay half of the damages)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kansas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Louisianna<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Massachusetts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ohio<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tennessee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vermont<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wisconsin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Other states have statutes where only law enforcement, animal control, or emergency responders can break in to rescue an animal in an emergency situation. Those states are:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Washington<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>North Dakota<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>South Dakota<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Minnesota<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Georgia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>North Carolina<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Virginia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maryland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delaware<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New Jersey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pennsylvania<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New York<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rhode Island<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New Hampshire<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For more information and links to each state\u2019s specific legislation, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/aldf.org\/project\/an-avoidable-tragedy-dogs-in-hot-cars\/\">Animal Legal Defense Fund\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do If You See a Dog in a Hot Car<\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If you see a dog alone in a hot car:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Assess the situation.<\/strong> If the dog is in obvious distress, call 911 immediately.<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li><strong>Note the car&#8217;s details.<\/strong> Take pictures and write down the make, model, and license plate.<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li><strong>Find the owner.<\/strong> Ask nearby businesses to make an announcement.<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li><strong>Wait for help and\/or take action.<\/strong> If you live in a state with a Good Samaritan law, do not hesitate to take action. If not, stay by the vehicle until assistance arrives or the owner returns.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Pet owners should familiarize themselves with common symptoms of <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/heat-exhaustion-in-pets-signs-and-what-to-do.html\">heatstroke<\/a> in dogs. <a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/heat-stroke-in-dogs\">Signs include<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Drooling<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>Excessive panting<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>Abnormal gum color<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>Lethargy<!-- wp:list-item --><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/li>\n<li>Disorientation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>To keep your dog cool and protect them from overheating in hot weather, no matter where they are, always provide plenty of water. It is crucial to keep your dog safe and avoid putting them in potentially life-threatening, dangerous conditions.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ec1c22 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3ec1c22\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 data-interaction-id=\"be2ebdd\" class=\"e-heading-base e-default-h2\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e4eab7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"7e4eab7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;expanded&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1320\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" open>\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1320\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What should I do immediately if my dog overheats after being in a car? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1320\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2556446 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2556446\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f344931 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f344931\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move your dog to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area immediately. Offer small amounts of cool water if they\u2019re able to drink and seek immediate vet care. Even if your dog seems to recover, they should be evaluated because heatstroke can damage internal organs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1321\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1321\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> How do I report someone for leaving a dog in a hot car, and who do I call? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1321\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69aa945 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"69aa945\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ab49c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6ab49c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you see a dog alone in a hot vehicle and think they\u2019re in immediate danger, call your local animal welfare organization or law enforcement. Some communities allow you to call 911 if an animal is in danger. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay with the vehicle if possible and note the vehicle\u2019s make, model, color, and license plate number until help arrives. Laws vary from state to state about rescuing pets from hot cars, so avoid breaking into the vehicle unless you know the laws and it\u2019s permitted in your area.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1322\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1322\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> What are the best ways to keep my dog entertained and comfortable at home while I run errands? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1322\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8c7c6d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f8c7c6d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3df0996 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3df0996\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many dogs are happy staying home in a cool, comfortable, and familiar environment. To prevent boredom, try a walk or play session before leaving or possibly long-lasting chews if approved by your veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ll be away longer than usual, ask a friend, neighbor, or pet sitter to stop by and provide some companionship<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-1323\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-1323\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Is doggy daycare or a dog sitter a good option for days when I have a lot of errands to run? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-minus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h384c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M416 208H272V64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v144H32c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v32c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h144v144c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h32c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V304h144c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32v-32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-1323\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed16860 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ed16860\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec79ba2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec79ba2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many dogs, yes. Doggy daycare or a trusted dog sitter can keep your dog happy and provide a safe alternative. The best choice depends on your dog\u2019s age, personality, and enjoyment of other dogs.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I do immediately if my dog overheats after being in a car?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Move your dog to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area immediately. Offer small amounts of cool water if they\\u2019re able to drink and seek immediate vet care. Even if your dog seems to recover, they should be evaluated because heatstroke can damage internal organs.\\u00a0\\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I report someone for leaving a dog in a hot car, and who do I call?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If you see a dog alone in a hot vehicle and think they\\u2019re in immediate danger, call your local animal welfare organization or law enforcement. Some communities allow you to call 911 if an animal is in danger. Stay with the vehicle if possible and note the vehicle\\u2019s make, model, color, and license plate number until help arrives. Laws vary from state to state about rescuing pets from hot cars, so avoid breaking into the vehicle unless you know the laws and it\\u2019s permitted in your area.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the best ways to keep my dog entertained and comfortable at home while I run errands?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Many dogs are happy staying home in a cool, comfortable, and familiar environment. To prevent boredom, try a walk or play session before leaving or possibly long-lasting chews if approved by your veterinarian.\\u00a0\\nIf you\\u2019ll be away longer than usual, ask a friend, neighbor, or pet sitter to stop by and provide some companionship\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is doggy daycare or a dog sitter a good option for days when I have a lot of errands to run?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For many dogs, yes. Doggy daycare or a trusted dog sitter can keep your dog happy and provide a safe alternative. The best choice depends on your dog\\u2019s age, personality, and enjoyment of other dogs.\"}}]}<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8440673 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8440673\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and\/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and\/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cPets in Vehicles.\u201d n.d. American Veterinary Medical Association. https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources-tools\/pet-owners\/petcare\/pets-vehicles.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u200cNo. 2024. \u201cNo Heat Stroke.\u201d No Heat Stroke. 2024. https:\/\/www.noheatstroke.org\/vehicle-heating.<\/p>\n<p>\u200c\u201cTable of State Laws That Protect Animals Left in Parked Vehicles | Animal Legal &amp; Historical Center.\u201d n.d. Www.animallaw.info. https:\/\/www.animallaw.info\/topic\/table-state-laws-protect-animals-left-parked-vehicles.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary\u00a0 Even a few minutes in a parked car can put your dog\u2019s life at risk\u2014even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside cars rise fast, even on mild days Dogs overheat quickly and can&#8217;t cool down like humans Heatstroke can be fatal within minutes It&#8217;s illegal in many states to leave pets in hot cars [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":11301,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[280],"class_list":["post-15481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is It Illegal to Leave Your Dog in the Car? 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