Companion Animal Welfare

Dogs in Hot Cars: A Preventable Welfare Emergency

Leaving dogs in hot cars causes rapid heat stroke and death, representing one of the most preventable animal welfare emergencies.

Key Facts

Car interiors can reach 47 degrees Celsius on a 20 degree day within an hour
Dogs can develop fatal heat stroke within minutes in a hot car
Cracking a window provides inadequate ventilation for dogs left in hot cars
UK police have powers to break car windows to rescue dogs in distress
Heat stroke survivors may suffer permanent organ damage even with treatment

Welfare Considerations

Dogs in hot cars represent a rapidly progressing welfare emergency that is entirely preventable by not leaving dogs in cars. The speed at which car temperatures rise means that what seems like a brief errand can become fatal. Public awareness of the signs of canine heat stroke and the legal powers to intervene has improved outcomes but preventable deaths still occur every summer.

What You Can Do

Never leave dogs in cars in warm weather regardless of how brief the intended absence
Learn to recognize signs of canine heat stroke including excessive panting and collapse
Know the legal position on breaking car windows to rescue dogs in distress in your country
Share information about hot car dangers with all dog owners you know