One Minute Too Long

With summertime upon us, it’s important to remind pet owners that leaving a pet in a parked car can quickly become dangerous, even if the windows are cracked or the car is parked in the shade. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise dramatically within minutes, creating an environment that can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, brain damage, or even death. Dogs are especially vulnerable because they cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans, they rely mainly on panting, which becomes ineffective in extreme heat.

Signs of heat distress in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and collapse. Breeds with short snouts, such as bulldogs and pugs, are at even greater risk. Many pet owners underestimate how fast a car can heat up, but even with temperatures in the 70s it can become life-threatening inside a parked vehicle. The safest and smartest choice is to leave your dog at home whenever errands require leaving them unattended in the car.

Leaving a pet inside an unattended vehicle is not against the law, however an owner can be charged criminally if the pet becomes overheated and suffers. What should someone do if they witness a dog left unattended in a hot vehicle? Call 911 immediately, as law enforcement can respond within minutes. After 911, they can contact Pinellas County Animal Services at 727-582-2600.

Thank you for sharing this important message!

Jennifer Renner, B.Sc., CPM (she/her)
Interim Director – Community Outreach & Volunteer Program Manager
Animal Services – Pinellas County Government
12450 Ulmerton Rd – Largo, FL 33774
jrenner@pinellas.gov   office  727-582-2636