'Leave Your Animal At Home': High Temps in Cars Pose Threat to Pets

The intense heat in the Triangle on Monday left many people staying inside. Some people, though, likely had to brave the high temperatures and get in their vehicles. But can you imagine what it’d be like outside or in a car if you were wearing a fur coat too?

Animal advocates and experts are reminding people again about the dangers of keeping dogs and other animals in parked cars when it’s hot outside.

Tenille Fox, the communications specialist for Orange County Animal Services, said even if you try to keep your parked car cool, it may be illegal to keep your pet there.

“It is against the law to leave animals inside a parked car if the outside temperature exceeds 70 degrees,” Fox told 97.9 The Hill. “We want everybody to be aware of that: even if it doesn’t seem like it’s too hot, it’ll heat up really quickly and will become dangerous for your pet.”

Car temperatures can get up to 20 degrees hotter inside than the outside temperature and Orange County Animal Services say on a day with temperature in the mid-80s, it only takes ten minutes for the inside of a car to surpass 100 degrees.

While all animals would feel that level of heat, Fox said younger, overweight or animals with dark-colored fur might especially be affected.

“You want to be mindful of things like pets with medical issues, elderly pets, pets with flat faces,” she said.

“Part of that involves going to your veterinarian for a check-up every year,” Fox added, “and making sure that they’re up to date on their exams — so you’ll know if they do have anything going on that would make them have an even harder time in these extreme temperatures.”

When temperatures climb toward triple digits outside, it’s not just the inside of cars that get warmer. Fox also reminded pet owners that if you’re going on a walk, asphalt and cement heat up very quickly and could damage the paws pads of animals.

Fox also urged community members to be on the lookout in other vehicles for animals that may be trapped or too hot. She said it’s important to stay by the car and to get help.

“You should call 911,” said Fox. “You could absolutely call our Animal Services in dispatch, but a lot of people don’t have that number or know it by heart. If you call 911, they will get our officers involved whenever needed.”

What’s her advice to beat the heat?

“The best thing you can do is leave your animal at home, if at all possible,” said Fox. “It may sound a little simple, but it’s true. It’s best not to take your pet out in a car in this weather.”

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‘Leave Your Animal At Home’: High Temps in Cars Pose Threat to Pets

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