Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car
Posted on 06/06/2020
For many people pets are considered part of the family. It is only natural that people want to take their pets with them everywhere that they go. However, running into a store while leaving your pet inside of a hot car is never a good idea.
Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes inside of a hot car. Even with the window cracked you can put your pet's life at risk. If you are unable to bring your pet into the store, the safest place for your pet is at home.
What to do if you see a pet trapped in a car showing signs of distress:
• Contact animal control or 911, provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the vehicle.
• Attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle. Go into the nearest store and ask a manager or store clerk to call for the owner.
• Wait for authorities to respond before leaving the scene, especially if you have forced entry to save the pet.
In August of 2017 Colorado passed the Dog in Hot Car Law. This law gave concerned citizens the legal justification to enter a vehicle to save a dog or cat from a hot car. However, an effort in locating the owner and contacting animal control or law enforcement is required before using forcible entry.
Before attempting forcible entry, it always best to seek advice and instructions from animal control or law enforcement.
If you see an animal that has been left in a hot car, please call our Aurora Animal Protection Officers at 303.326.8288 (option 6) or 911.