Overview
- Weather services and public health agencies issued heat alerts across large regions this week, and local humane societies and veterinary groups have amplified guidance for pet owners.
- All organizations emphasize never leaving animals in parked cars because interior temperatures can climb to lethal levels within minutes, with cited examples showing a car can reach about 102°F in 10 minutes and 120°F in 30 minutes on an 85°F day.
- Owners are advised to limit walks to early morning or late evening, check pavement with the back of the hand for at least five seconds before outings, keep pets on grass when possible, and offer constant access to shade and cool water.
- Veterinarians say high humidity makes panting less effective, brachycephalic breeds and very young, senior, overweight or heart‑ and lung‑diseased animals are at highest risk, and cooling should use cool (not ice‑cold) water and rapid veterinary care for severe signs.
- Groups also urge preparedness measures such as planning for power outages, using cooling centers where available, and following local laws and procedures — including paging owners, calling police or animal control, and knowing when Good Samaritan removal of animals from cars is permitted.