Pets in hot cars: the risks, the laws and how to help
Why parked cars turn deadly for pets, what state laws say and how to help
Every summer, pets die after being left in parked cars, often during a “quick” stop at a store. Many owners do not realize how fast a car heats up, or believe that cracking a window or parking in the shade is enough. It is not.
This guide explains the danger, what state laws say and what to do if you see a pet in trouble.
How fast a car heats up
Research tracking child hot car deaths has found that the inside of a car can rise about 19 degrees in 10 minutes [1]. On a 75 degree day, that is close to 95 degrees inside in minutes, and much hotter over time. Cracking the windows makes little difference.
Dogs are especially at risk. They cool off mainly by panting, which works poorly in hot, still air. Short nosed breeds, older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with heart or lung problems are at the highest risk.
Warning signs of heatstroke in pets
- Heavy panting or trouble breathing
- Thick drool or bright red gums
- Weakness, stumbling or collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Glazed eyes or no response
Heatstroke is an emergency. A pet showing these signs needs to be cooled and taken to a veterinarian right away.
What state laws say
The Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University tracks these laws. Its 2025 summary found about 32 states with laws about animals left in parked vehicles. Some make it illegal to leave an animal in dangerous conditions. Some protect people who rescue animals [2].
Any person may rescue. About 14 states let any person rescue a distressed animal from a vehicle, if they follow certain steps. They are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin [2].
Officials only. In many other states, only police, firefighters, animal control or humane officers may break into a car to save an animal. These include Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia and Washington [2].
Typical conditions for a bystander rescue
In states that allow any person to rescue an animal, the law usually requires that you [2]:
- Believe in good faith that the animal is in imminent danger
- Confirm the vehicle is locked and there is no other reasonable way to get the animal out
- Call 911 or police before you act (some states allow right after)
- Use no more force than necessary
- Stay with the animal nearby until help arrives
Some states add steps, such as leaving a note on the windshield or trying to find the owner [2]. Indiana requires the rescuer to pay half the cost of damage [2]. Because rules differ, calling 911 first is always the safest move.
If you see a pet in a hot car
1. Note the car’s make, model, color and license plate.
2. Call 911 or local animal control right away and describe what you see.
3. Ask nearby businesses to page the owner.
4. Stay with the animal and watch for signs of heatstroke.
5. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Act on your own only if your state allows it and the animal is in immediate danger.
Warning: Breaking into a car can be dangerous and may be illegal in your state. Call 911 first, and follow your state’s rules. Never put yourself in danger.
For pet owners
- Leave pets at home on warm days if they cannot come inside with you
- Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the engine running and air conditioning on. Engines can stall
- Use drive through options or curbside pickup when traveling with a pet
- Carry water and a bowl on every trip
- Watch the heat index, not just the temperature
Checklist: warm weather pet travel
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- My pet comes along only if it can stay with me the whole time
- I never leave my pet alone in the car, even briefly
- I carry water and a bowl
- I know the signs of heatstroke
- I know my state’s law on rescuing animals from cars
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay if I leave the windows down?
No. Open windows do little to cool a car on a warm day, and a pet may escape or be stolen.
Can I leave my dog in the car with the air conditioning on?
It is risky. Engines can shut off, and air conditioning can fail. Some states consider it unlawful if conditions endanger the animal.
What about cold weather?
Cars also get dangerously cold in winter. Short coated, young and old pets are most at risk.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1NoHeatStroke.org, Jan Null, San Jose State University. “Heatstroke Deaths of Children in Vehicles.” noheatstroke.org
- 2Michigan State University College of Law, Animal Legal and Historical Center. “Table of State Laws that Protect Animals Left in Parked Vehicles.” 2025. animallaw.info/…/table-state-laws-protect-an…
This article reflects the safety priorities of animal safety and extreme weather preparedness. It is general education, not legal or veterinary advice. Call 911 or a veterinarian in an emergency. Reviewed November 2026.
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